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Course Name
Clinical Improvement Project II CAPSTONE
Graduation Year
12-2025
Faculty Advisor
Katie Rolan DNP, MPH, BSN, RN
Abstract
Background:
Burnout among nursing students is a critical issue that negatively impacts academic performance, mental well-being, and long-term professional retention. Entry-Level Master of Science in Nursing students at University of the Pacific experience heightened stress due to rigorous coursework, clinical demands, and underdeveloped institutional mental health support.
Aim:
This Quality Improvement project aimed to reduce stress and strengthen emotional resilience among nursing students through Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction education and the creation of a peer-supported wellness space, the “Zen Den.”
Methods:
A pre- and post-intervention design was implemented, utilizing surveys to measure mindfulness knowledge, attitudes toward self-care, and stress awareness. Zen Den utilization was tracked weekly through QR codes to assess engagement with the wellness space.
Results:
Post-intervention findings demonstrated a 5% increase in mindfulness knowledge, with Likert scale scores showing improved attitudes toward stress management and self-care (pre-intervention M = 3.56; post-intervention M = 4.38). Qualitative feedback emphasized the value of accessible wellness spaces and mindfulness practices as effective coping strategies during program demands.
Conclusions:
Integrating structured mindfulness education and wellness resources into nursing curricula provides a sustainable, low-cost strategy to address student burnout. These interventions successfully increased confidence in self-awareness, emotional resilience, and ability to cope. Long term these outcomes can support academic success and long-term professional retention.
Keywords
Nursing student burnout, mindfulness-based stress reduction, wellness center, stress management, academic performance, resilience.
Recommended Citation
Seaton, Jeremy; Ingram, Tanairi; and Zelayandia, Natalia, "Addressing Nursing Student Burnout through Mindfulness and Zen Den at University of the Pacific" (2025). ELMSN E-Portfolio. A collection of Scholarly and Creative Works. 30.
https://scholarlycommons.pacific.edu/nursing-portfolios/30
