Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction Programs to Reduce Compassion Fatigue in Nurses

This observational study aims to assess the impact of a mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) program on reducing compassion fatigue among psychiatric nurse practitioners working in high-stress environments. The primary question it seeks to address is whether participation in the MBSR program leads to decreased levels of compassion fatigue among nurses.

The primary hypothesis posits that nurses who engage in the MBSR program will experience a significant reduction in compassion fatigue following the intervention.

Participants in this study will be psychiatric nurse practitioners who work in demanding healthcare settings. These individuals will be invited to participate voluntarily in the MBSR program.

The intervention will involve participants attending a series of MBSR sessions conducted over a specified period, typically lasting around 4 weeks. During these sessions, participants will be guided through various mindfulness practices, including body scans and deep breathing exercises. These techniques are designed to enhance participants' awareness of their thoughts, emotions, and bodily sensations, promoting a nonjudgmental acceptance of their experiences.

To assess the effectiveness of the intervention, participants will complete self-report measures to evaluate their levels of compassion fatigue. These assessments will be administered both before the start of the MBSR program (baseline/pretest) and after its completion (follow-up/posttest). By comparing pre- and post-intervention scores, researchers will evaluate any changes in compassion fatigue levels among participants.