Mindfulness training in DNP education: Enhancing leadership and well-being
William K. Hamilton, Anne M. Berrong, Zackery Howington
Journal of Professional Nursing July 1, 2026 DOI: 10.1016/j.profnurs.2026.07.008 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Concurrent embedded mixed methods design [QUAL(quan)] Qualitative Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Population | Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) students |
| Intervention | Mindfulness meditation |
| Measures | perceived stress scales |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Key points | Perceived stress scores decreased after the mindfulness meditation intervention, and qualitative reflections indicated affective, process, and cognitive transformations supporting adaptive stress responses. The authors propose that MM is an effective tool for reducing stress and building leadership competencies in graduate nursing education. |
Abstract
Nurses experience high levels of workplace stress, contributing to compromised patient care and burnout. This stress extends into the nursing educational pipeline that can lead to program non-completion. In response, a large College of Nursing integrated mindfulness meditation (MM) into its Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) curriculum to support stress management and leadership development. This study examined the efficacy of a MM intervention aimed at reducing perceived stress among a group of DNP students using a concurrent embedded mixed methods design [QUAL(quan)]. Quantitative data from perceived stress scales showed reductions in stress after the intervention. Qualitative data from critical reflection activity revealed affective, process, and cognitive transformations occurred that supported adaptive responses to stress. Integrated findings suggested that MM is an effective tool to help students reduce stress and foster competencies aligned with the American Association of Colleges of Nursing Essentials Domain 10: Personal, Professional, and Leadership Development. The findings support the integration of MM in graduate nursing education to reduce stress, build leadership capacity, and promote professional career development.