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Self‐compassion training for certified nurse assistants in nursing homes
Author(s) -
Bluth Karen,
Lathren Christine,
Silbersack Hickey Johanna V. T.,
Zimmerman Sheryl,
Wretman Christopher J.,
Sloane Philip D.
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
journal of the american geriatrics society
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.992
H-Index - 232
eISSN - 1532-5415
pISSN - 0002-8614
DOI - 10.1111/jgs.17155
Subject(s) - medicine , psychological intervention , attendance , nursing , burnout , intervention (counseling) , nursing assistant , attrition , self compassion , family medicine , mindfulness , clinical psychology , nursing homes , dentistry , economics , economic growth
Background/Objectives Certified nursing assistants (CNAs) who work in nursing homes (NHs) face significant work and personal stress. Self‐compassion training has been shown to decrease stress postintervention in previous studies among healthcare providers and those in helping professions. This study examines the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary outcomes of self‐compassion training to address CNA stress and well‐being. Design Pre–post intervention. Setting Three mid‐size, nonprofit NHs in North Carolina. Participants Thirty CNAs , with a mean age of 49, 96% of whom were female, and 83% black/African American. Intervention In one NH, participants received an 8‐week, 2.5‐h/session (20 h total) group intervention. At the time of recruitment for NHs 2 and 3, a briefer format (6‐week, 1‐h/session; 6 h total) became available and was preferred by CNAs, thus both NHs 2 and 3 participants received a 6‐h group intervention. All interventions occurred in meeting rooms within participating NHs during shift changes. Measurements Intervention attendance, retention, and acceptability; self‐compassion, stress, burnout, depression, and attitudes toward residents with dementia, and job satisfaction pre‐, post‐, 3‐month post‐, and 6‐month postintervention were assessed. Results Attendance and program satisfaction were high, and attrition was low for both training formats. Self‐compassion was significantly improved at all time periods ( p < 0.001), and stress and depression improved significantly through 3 months ( p < 0.05), but not 6 months. No statistically significant change in job satisfaction was noted. Conclusion Self‐compassion interventions are feasible and acceptable for CNAs working in NHs and show promise for managing stress and improving well‐being and compassion toward residents. The briefer 6‐h format may maximize participation, while still providing benefits.