Mindfulness in Nursing Education: A Holistic Strategy for Enhancing Student Well-Being and Resilience.
Donna Balsam, Cindy A Stein, Alyssa Erikson
Journal of holistic nursing : official journal of the American Holistic Nurses' Association December 24, 2025 DOI: 10.1177/08980101251404156 via PubMed
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractIntegrating mindfulness training into nursing curricula increased students' knowledge of mindfulness from 42% to 91% and regular practice from 41% to 73%. Among 103 students, 96% planned to continue mindfulness practices. Students reported improved stress and anxiety management, emotional awareness, and resilience. Journal reflections showed themes of improved mood, self-care prioritization, and enhanced coping. The intervention supported stress reduction and resilience, aligning with national nursing education competencies and holistic nursing's emphasis on whole-person care. Mindfulness integration may be a valuable, low-cost strategy to enhance nursing education and promote student well-being.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Pre-post educational intervention Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 103 |
| Population | Undergraduate and post-licensure BSN nursing students |
| Intervention | Mindfulness training |
| Duration | Semester-long |
| Keywords | Common themes Educators Group/population Healing modalities Health promotion/disease prevention |
| Citations | 1 |
| Key finding | Integrating mindfulness training into nursing curricula increased knowledge from 42% to 91% and regular practice from 41% to 73%, with 96% of students planning to continue mindfulness practices. |
Abstract
Purpose of Study: This project explored the feasibility and perceived benefits of integrating mindfulness training, grounded in holistic nursing philosophy, into undergraduate and post-licensure BSN nursing curricula to support student well-being and resilience. Design of Study: Nursing faculty implemented an educational intervention using a pre-post design across two university nursing programs. Methods Used: Faculty embedded a semester-long mindfulness curriculum into existing nursing courses. Students received lectures, accessed curated mindfulness resources, and completed a reflective journal assignment. Pre- and post-intervention surveys assessed changes in students' knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to mindfulness. Findings: Among 103 students who completed both surveys, knowledge of mindfulness increased from 42% to 91%, and regular practice rose from 41% to 73%. Students reported improved stress and anxiety management, emotional awareness, and resilience. Nearly all participants (96%) indicated plans to continue mindfulness practices. Journal reflections revealed themes of improved mood, self-care prioritization, and enhanced coping strategies. Conclusions: Faculty successfully implemented mindfulness training, and students responded positively. The intervention supported stress reduction and resilience, aligning with national nursing education competencies and reflecting holistic nursing's emphasis on whole-person care. Findings suggest mindfulness integration may be a valuable, low-cost strategy to enhance nursing education and promote student well-being.