Perception on the mind-nurse program among nursing students: A descriptive qualitative study

Background: Nursing undergraduates are susceptible to stress from academic and clinical matters. We developed the MIND-NURSE program for nursing students. Objectives: This study aimed to explore students' perceptions towards the program. Methods: This was a descriptive qualitative study. A convenience sampling was used to recruit nursing undergraduates from a university in Singapore. Participants attended the eight-week MIND-NURSE program. Each session comprised two components: Education and mindfulness practice. Three focus group interviews were conducted after completion of the program, using a semi-structured interview guide. Thematic analysis was used to identify emerging themes and subthemes. Results: Twenty students participated in the study. Overall, they reacted positively to the MIND-NURSE program, albeit some concerns raised regarding the mindfulness practice. Six themes were derived from the data including: a) enhanced awareness of the present moment; b) increased serenity through mindfulness practice; c) triad of thoughts, emotion and behaviors; d) working towards interpersonal mindfulness; e) adapting mindfulness into nursing practice; and f) overcoming the challenges for mindfulness practice. Conclusions: Mindfulness benefited the students in personal and professional ways. More research should be conducted to implement the program on nursing students in other universities.