Mindfulness for Nurses: How to Stay Present and Reduce Stress | English for Nurses

“Nobody should be damaged by the work they do, whether that’s physical or psychological,” – Annette Duff, Consultant Nurse and Vice-Chair, RCN Nursing in Justice and Forensic Health Care Forum.

Providing excellent patient care requires focus, energy, and resilience. Nursing can be demanding both physically and psychologically, so practising mindfulness is becoming an essential tool for nurses everywhere. At English for Nurses, we support healthcare professionals in building confidence and wellbeing alongside improving communication skills.

Table of Contents

1. Why Mindfulness Matters for Nurses

2. Mindfulness in Practice: Time and Space Project

3. Six Steps to Mindfulness for Nurses

4. Mindfulness and Patient Care

5. FAQs About Mindfulness for Nurses

6. Key Takeaway and How to Contact Us

Why Mindfulness Matters for Nurses

Stress in nursing is common, and its effects can be both physical and psychological. Annette Duff, Vice-Chair of the RCN Nursing in Justice and Forensic Health Care Forum, has practised mindfulness for over 10 years and reports that it improves her wellbeing and focus both at work and home. “Mindfulness helps me get the most out of each day,” says Annette.

Annette collaborated with mindfulness facilitator Fran Cognetti to create an eight-week programme specifically for nurses working in secure settings. Feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive. Nurses reported feeling more grounded, calmer, and better able to leave work stresses behind, ultimately reducing risks on shift.

Mindfulness isn’t just beneficial for nurses in secure settings. Annette, Forum Chair Jessica Davidson, and RCN Professional Lead Ann Norman secured sponsorship to make mindfulness accessible to all nursing staff through the Time and Space project. Nurses across different environments can benefit from learning simple mindfulness techniques to improve focus, reduce stress, and enhance patient care.

Mindfulness in Practice: Time and Space Project

The Time and Space project developed six short films aligned with key stages of a nurse’s working day: waking up, commuting to work, arriving at work, leaving work, commuting home, and arriving home. Each film encourages nurses to check in with themselves and complete brief calming exercises to stay present in the moment.

“It’s helping people separate home and work,” says Annette. “Being present at work allows nurses to focus fully on patients without worrying about past or future tasks. When you’re present, patient care improves naturally.”

In addition to the films, an introductory video and a leaflet for team leaders help integrate mindfulness into daily routines. Leaders are encouraged to share the resources with staff, promoting a culture of self-care and wellbeing across teams.

Six Steps to Mindfulness for Nurses

Nurses can use simple practices throughout the day to enhance mindfulness and reduce stress. These include:

1. Connect to your senses – notice what you can see, hear, smell, and feel to bring yourself into the present.

2. Take three mindful breaths – focus on the sensations of breathing in and out deeply.

3. Be aware of your body – observe how your body feels and any movements you are making.

4. Notice your emotions – name the feelings without judgement or criticism.

5. Observe your thoughts – identify the types of thoughts in your mind, such as memories, worries, or plans.

6. Three-step breathing practice:

   • Awareness: notice your body and thoughts

   • Breath: focus on how your body moves as you inhale and exhale

   • Expanding: breathe deeply so each breath fills your body

These exercises can be practised in just a few minutes and help nurses maintain calm during busy shifts.

Mindfulness and Patient Care

Practising mindfulness helps nurses provide better patient care. By remaining focused in the moment, nurses can respond more attentively, make fewer errors, and improve communication with patients and colleagues.

Mindfulness also supports mental health by reducing anxiety, preventing burnout, and enhancing emotional resilience. As Annette explains, “Every nurse needs this.” Creating space to pause and breathe strengthens both personal wellbeing and professional performance.

For healthcare professionals who want to integrate mindfulness into their routines while also improving English for clinical communication, English for Nurses online courses provide practical guidance and language support in medical settings.

FAQs About Mindfulness for Nurses

Q: Can mindfulness really reduce work stress?

A: Yes. Mindfulness exercises train the mind to stay present, lowering anxiety and improving focus, which helps reduce stress both during and after shifts.

Q: How long do I need to practice mindfulness?

A: Even 2–5 minutes of mindful breathing or body awareness can have benefits. The Time and Space project provides short films to guide you at multiple points during your day.

Q: Can mindfulness improve patient communication?

A: Absolutely. Being present allows nurses to listen attentively, notice patient cues, and respond clearly and empathetically.

Q: How can I access mindfulness resources for my team?

A: Team leaders can share the six short films and the introductory leaflet. You can also learn practical communication strategies through in-person courses offered by English for Nurses.

Key Takeaway and How to Contact Us

Mindfulness is a simple yet powerful tool for nurses and healthcare professionals to reduce stress, stay present, and provide high-quality care. Combined with strong communication skills, it supports wellbeing for both staff and patients.

To find out more about mindfulness resources or language training, contact English for Nurses today. Stay updated with the latest news, courses, and resources by visiting our blog regularly.