Abstracts
3427232
(#17) Effect of an 8‑Week Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Program on Perceived Stress in Novice Nurse Practitioners
Abstract: Background: Transitioning from registered nurse (RN) to nurse practitioner (NP) is often associated with "transition shock," a period of increased perceived stress that can interfere with confidence and successful role adoption. This clinical scholarly project examined the impact of an 8‑week online Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program on perceived stress among novice nurse practitioners.
Methods: Twenty‑two recent NP graduates from regionally accredited U.S. programs participated in the online Palouse MBSR course. Participants engaged in mindfulness practices such as meditation, yoga, and body scan exercises for at least 10 minutes, 3-4 days per week. Perceived stress was measured pre‑ and post‑intervention using the PSS‑10.
Results: A paired‑sample t‑test showed a significant reduction in mean perceived stress scores, decreasing from 20.36 to 8.73 (p.001). A large effect size was observed (Cohen's d = 1.081). Participants also reported improvements in perceived confidence, competency, and comfort in their NP role following the program.
Implications: Findings suggest that a brief, accessible online mindfulness program can meaningfully reduce stress during the RN‑to‑NP transition. Integrating structured mindfulness resources into NP onboarding or early practice may help mitigate transition‑related stress, strengthen resiliency, and support overall well‑being, ultimately contributing to improved patient care.
Short Description: This clinical scholarly project evaluated an 8‑week online Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program completed by 22 novice nurse practitioners. Participants showed a significant reduction in perceived stress (p.001) and reported increased confidence and competency. The findings highlight MBSR as a practical, evidence‑based strategy for reducing transition‑related stress and supporting resiliency during the RN‑to‑NP role transition.
Name of Sponsoring Organization(s): NA
Methods: Twenty‑two recent NP graduates from regionally accredited U.S. programs participated in the online Palouse MBSR course. Participants engaged in mindfulness practices such as meditation, yoga, and body scan exercises for at least 10 minutes, 3-4 days per week. Perceived stress was measured pre‑ and post‑intervention using the PSS‑10.
Results: A paired‑sample t‑test showed a significant reduction in mean perceived stress scores, decreasing from 20.36 to 8.73 (p.001). A large effect size was observed (Cohen's d = 1.081). Participants also reported improvements in perceived confidence, competency, and comfort in their NP role following the program.
Implications: Findings suggest that a brief, accessible online mindfulness program can meaningfully reduce stress during the RN‑to‑NP transition. Integrating structured mindfulness resources into NP onboarding or early practice may help mitigate transition‑related stress, strengthen resiliency, and support overall well‑being, ultimately contributing to improved patient care.
Short Description: This clinical scholarly project evaluated an 8‑week online Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program completed by 22 novice nurse practitioners. Participants showed a significant reduction in perceived stress (p.001) and reported increased confidence and competency. The findings highlight MBSR as a practical, evidence‑based strategy for reducing transition‑related stress and supporting resiliency during the RN‑to‑NP role transition.
Name of Sponsoring Organization(s): NA
