Unravelling the Nexus of Mindfulness and Nursing Leadership: A Cross-Sectional Inquiry

Abstract

Objective: This study is crucial as it delves into the nexus between mindfulness and nursing leadership outcomes. It specifically focuses on the manifestation of mindfulness among nursing leaders, its relationship with leadership behaviours, and its potential impact on job satisfaction and burnout mitigation. Understanding these aspects is vital for the effective functioning of healthcare systems. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted to investigate the nexus between mindfulness and nursing leadership outcomes. The study involved 250 nursing leaders from Mosul Teaching Hospitals. The Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ) and other validated instruments were used to measure mindfulness, emotional regulation, and the quality of nursing work life. The study tools underwent rigorous validity and reliability tests to ensure the robustness of the data. Data analysis was performed using descriptive statistics and inferential tests with IBM SPSS Statistics version 26. Results: The distribution of personal characteristics revealed a diverse group of head nurses, mostly aged 30-35 years, male, and affiliated with critical care departments. Mindfulness levels predominantly leaned towards "low," with variations across observing, describing, acting with awareness, nonjudging, and nonreactivity. Emotional regulation was reported at "moderate" levels, indicating a nuanced approach to emotion management among nursing leaders. Conclusion: The study's findings offer hope for nursing leadership. The predominance of 'low' mindfulness levels among nursing leaders presents an opportunity for targeted interventions to enhance mindfulness, foster positive leadership behaviours, and mitigate burnout. These potential benefits underscore the significance of incorporating mindfulness practices into leadership development programs within healthcare organizations.