Abstract
This chapter explores the evolution of a mindfulness-based program that began as a patient-focused pilot study and developed into a hospital-wide staff-focused program. Initially, a mindfulness-based program was adapted and studied to measure its impact on stress and coping in a group of adolescents with implanted cardiac devices. The positive outcomes of this study led to a larger randomized study in the same patient population. With continued positive outcomes, a larger, train-the-trainer model was designed and implemented. This program trains hospital staff in mindfulness techniques with the goal of decreasing their own stress and burnout while ultimately reaching and benefitting larger groups of patients and nonclinical staff through greater mindful awareness and education of staff. The program has had a hospital-wide impact including tremendous support from hospital administration. In addition to outlining background and specifics of the nurse-led model, this chapter describes the processes that were undertaken to develop and implement the program.
