Mindfulness-Based Psychoeducation for Burnout, Decision-Making, and Existential Anxiety in High-Risk Unit Nurses

The Effect of a Mindfulness-Based Psychoeducation Program on Burnout, Clinical Decision-Making, and Existential Anxiety in Nurses Working in High-Risk Units

High-risk units, including intensive care, oncology, and emergency services, are clinical environments characterized by rapid decision-making demands and heavy workloads, placing substantial emotional and physical strain on nurses and other healthcare professionals. These challenging working conditions may contribute to burnout, negatively influence clinical decision-making processes, and increase levels of existential anxiety. Frequent exposure to death and critical illness can intensify nurses' confrontation with themes such as meaning, responsibility, and psychological resilience within their professional roles.

Existential anxiety involves fundamental human concerns related to life, death, freedom, responsibility, and meaning, which may become more salient in high-risk healthcare settings. In recent years, mindfulness-based approaches have gained attention as effective interventions for supporting healthcare professionals. Mindfulness emphasizes present-moment awareness and a nonjudgmental attitude toward thoughts and emotions, and has been shown to help individuals cope with stress and emotional burden more adaptively.

This study aims to evaluate the effects of a mindfulness-based psychoeducation program on burnout, clinical decision-making, and existential anxiety among nurses working in high-risk units, including intensive care, oncology, and emergency services. The findings of this study are expected to contribute to the development of supportive interventions that may enhance nurses' psychological well-being, professional functioning, and the overall quality of patient care.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Registered nurses working in high-risk clinical units, including intensive care units, oncology departments, and emergency services.
• Having at least one year of professional nursing experience.
• Willingness to participate in the study on a voluntary basis, with provision of informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Having a current or past diagnosis of a psychiatric disorder, such as schizophrenia, major depressive disorder, or bipolar disorder.
• Inability to complete the intervention program, defined as attendance of less than 70% of the scheduled sessions.
• Being pregnant or in the postpartum period, due to potential physical and psychological vulnerability during these stages.
• Presence of active suicidal ideation or a history of severe psychological trauma.
• Current use of psychoactive medication or ongoing intensive psychological treatment, including psychotherapy and/or pharmacological interventions.
• Previous participation in a mindfulness-based psychoeducational program.