Whitnie Willis, Assistant Clinical Professor at Auburn University College of Nursing (AUCON), has recently been awarded funding from the Daniel F. Breeden Endowed Grant Program. Her project, titled "Mindful Nursing: Cultivating Well-being and Resilience Through Education: Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)," aims to significantly enhance the well-being and resilience of undergraduate nursing students.
The project recognizes the numerous stressors that nursing students face throughout their academic journey. According to Willis, the stressors faced by undergraduate nursing students can significantly impact their well-being and resilience. “High levels of stress often lead to mental health issues such as anxiety and depression, as well as physical health problems like weakened immune systems and poor sleep. Academic performance may suffer, increasing the risk of burnout and dropout. Chronic stress without adequate coping mechanisms can cause emotional exhaustion and reduce empathy. However, developing effective coping strategies and receiving organizational support can enhance resilience and prepare students for future professional challenges,” she added.
“Balancing academic responsibilities with clinical hours, part-time jobs, and personal life demands effective time management skills. Emotional and psychological stress arises from regular exposure to patient suffering, performance anxiety, and the risk of burnout. Financial pressures from tuition and living expenses, along with limited social time and family expectations, add to their burden. Additionally, adapting to new learning environments and keeping up with technology can be challenging. These combined stressors can significantly impact their well-being and resilience.”
Willis emphasizes the importance of equipping nursing students with effective coping mechanisms early in their academic careers. By integrating MBSR training into the curriculum starting in early 2025, she hopes to provide students with evidence-based tools to manage stress and anxiety effectively. This proactive approach aims to foster a positive and mentally healthy academic environment that will extend into students' professional practice.
The MBSR instructor training is a lengthy process, and currently, only Willis will be the instructor. The training will be initially offered to pre-nursing students admitted to the program. Willis plans to develop a comprehensive implementation strategy in collaboration with the MBSR Teacher certification program at Brown University. This initiative not only supports the well-being and resilience of students but also positions AUCON as a leader in holistic nursing education and practice.
The Daniel F. Breeden Endowed Grant Program's support underscores its commitment to enhancing nursing education at Auburn University by addressing critical skills gaps and better preparing students for their future clinical roles. Willis' project aligns with the program's goals of promoting excellence in teaching and learning through innovative instructional projects.
