Search

Background: This study introduced Zentangle®, which involves drawing simple, repetitive lines and shapes to create patterns, as a tool to promote wellness for oncology nurses in a clinical practice setting., Objectives: The purpose of this study was to determine whether Zentangle used as a meditative activity in an acute time frame decreased stress, fatigue, and burnout while increasing professional quality of life and well-being in oncology nurses., Methods: Twenty-six oncology nurses participated in a two-hour Zentangle class and received materials to complete art over four weeks. The Perceived Stress Scale, the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale, the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System-29, and the Professional Quality of Life measure were administered at selected periods. Twenty-four participants completed the study., Findings: Nurses' well-being, socialization, anxiety, fatigue, secondary traumatic stress levels, and stress levels improved significantly. Most participants noted they would continue using Zentangle after the study. Zentangle is another tool to advance nurses' wellness by encouraging self-care.

Background: Compassion fatigue (CF) and burnout are well described phenomena among oncology nurses. Physical activity (PA) has been shown to reduce CF and burnout., Objectives: The purpose of this pilot study was to determine the feasibility of promoting PA and assessing its impact on CF and burnout among RNs across three ambulatory care cancer clinics., Methods: A convenience sample of nurses with varying roles were invited to participate. Feasibility was assessed by participant accrual and retention rates. CF and burnout were assessed at weeks 0, 6, and 12. The Yale Physical Activity Survey was used to obtain self-reported PA, and daily steps were tracked using participants' personal devices., Findings: Stress scores decreased. Burnout scores demonstrated levels of low emotional exhaustion, moderate depersonalization, and moderate to high personal achievement. Leisurely walking increased significantly, and average daily step counts increased by 37% for weekdays, 10% for weekend days, and 29% for the total week.