Introduction
This paper is a summary of the assigned article by PhD Duke Biker which focuses on the benefits of mindful self-compassion for frontline nurses. The impact of the article contents on my own future professional nursing practice due to the fact that I, as a nurse, also need to develop self-compassion, which reading this article will help with.
Assigned Article Summary
The author of this article emphasizes that to avoid professional burnout and maintain maximum patient care, a nurse needs such a skill as self-compassion. Biker claims that “to prevent and address physical and emotional fatigue frontline nurses benefit from self-compassion” (Biber, 2022, p. 35). As part of his work, Biber explores how the practice of mindful self-compassion (MSC) can have a positive impact on nurses. Among the MSC programs are practices designed to counteract stress in critical situations that nurses routinely encounter in their daily work. Biber believes that understanding one’s feelings and recognizing emotions help nurses to become stress-resistant. He confirms his point of view with practical research: according to the data he received, all participants of the MSC training program evaluated it as helpful (Biber, 2022). As part of the training program, the nurses were trained in a triad of healthy patterns and coping strategies: kindness, humanity, and mindfulness. These qualities are necessary for nurses to avoid harsh criticism, which can affect the perception of the profession and the development of burnout. They also allow them to evaluate their work rationally and objectively while maintaining psychological comfort. The use of mindful self-compassion for frontline nurses has been established.
Impact of Assigned Article Content on Future Practice
The content of the assigned article will have an impact on my future professional nursing practice. By taking care of my health and well-being, I will be able to save more strength for my profession, because I will pay attention to the disturbing states. The MSC training program will also allow me to assess my condition and diagnose the first signs of professional burnout. Applying the principles of mindful self-compassion will allow me to avoid a state of mental, physical, and emotional exhaustion caused by excessive workload and stress during frontline work. I believe that with the practice of MSC, I will be able to achieve healthy self-esteem and regulation of work. I will stop blaming myself fot actions outside my jurisdiction, and I cannot take responsibility for them. It will allow me to perceive my work as a pleasure because it will not be able to bring me heartache.
Conclusion
The reasons for burnout and medical errors in frontline nurses are mainly due to heavy workloads, lack of time, or decreased motivation. It is possible to prevent these undesirable consequences with the help of mindful self-compassion, which allows nurses to identify the alarming signs of burnout and fatigue promptly. The practice reveals the benefits of kindness, humanity, and self-care. The benefits of such training have been proven, and many nurses have found it helpful. MSC can be recommended as a daily practice to develop stress tolerance. It will prevent harmful professional effects on nurses and improve the quality of services.
Reference
Biber, D. (2022). Benefits of mindful self-compassion for frontline nurses. Nursing, 52(5), 34–37.