This study examined mindfulness and self-compassion practice as a possible strategy to minimize the negative outcomes of the stressors inherent in the nursing profession and to reduce risk factors that contribute to stress induced health concerns, job dissatisfaction, and compassion fatigue among nurses (Kemper, Mo, & Khayat, 2015; Leiter & Maslach, 2009; Raab, 2014; Sabo, 2006; Yoder, 2010). The research question leading this study was: Following nurses’ participation in a brief experiential workshop on mindfulness and self-compassion, do they self-report an increased measure of self-compassion and compassion satisfaction, and a decreased measure of stress and compassion fatigue?

This quantitative study employed a quasi-experimental, single-group pretest-posttest design. This methodology effectively supports the testing of causal hypotheses and evaluation of how well the intervention achieves its objectives as measured by specific indicators (Creswell, 2009; Shadish, Cook & Campbell, 2002; Trochim, 2006). The sample consisted of 47 nurses. Pre- post measures were obtained using the Perceived Stress Scale – PSS (Cohen & Williamson, 1988), the Professional Quality of Life Scale, Version 5 – ProQOL-5 (Stamm, 2010), and the Self-Compassion Scale – SCS (Neff, 2003a). The 3-hour experiential workshop presented mindfulness and self-compassion techniques, including breath awareness, body scan, savoring food / mindful eating, compassionate friend / wise guide, centering meditation, soften-soothe-allow, and Metta or lovingkindness meditation.

Descriptive statistical analysis was conducted using paired t-tests to compare data collected at three different collection points. The findings did not show significant differences between pretest and immediate posttest measures, however significant differences were found across all variables between immediate post-intervention measures and 28-day follow-up measures.

Results support the efficacy of mindfulness and self-compassion practice for decreasing stress and compassion fatigue in nurses. The data may lend support for nurse educators and employers to implement mindfulness and self-compassion practice in nurse education curriculum and workplace settings to help nurses better navigate the stressors inherent in the career field and to mitigate risk factors for compassion fatigue, burnout, and attrition. Further research is suggested to examine possible correlations between nurse self-compassion measures and potential second generation effects that impact patient satisfaction ratings, health outcomes, and institutional ratings.