3.2. Results from the Participatory Observation
3.2.1. Intervention Group Results
Initially, it was found that participants indicated negative emotions mostly on days of general duty when the hospital receives a large number of cases. The main negative feeling was the frustration due to the lack of staff, the poor logistical infrastructure of the department, and the administrative inadequacy.
Regarding attention ability, observation results highlighted that participants maintained high positive levels of attention during their work, a fact significant for the proper operation of the department and the proper management of incidents. In addition, especially after the 6th–7th day, it was observed that the nurses’ attention was not easily distracted and that they were more focused on what they did, although there were situations that could easily distract attention, such as stimulating incidents and tensions between patients. Moreover, the tension and anger levels gradually decreased, which have been affected by mindfulness meditations.
Regarding the conflicts between nurses, it was observed that they were kept at low levels, a positive fact for the orderly operation of the department. However, the voice pitch decreased after the fourth day of observation. It was recorded that the lower the tone of the nurses’ voice was, the lower the tension was between the interdisciplinary team and the patients and their companions.
Regarding the smile and humor of the staff, it was observed that they were improved gradually, a fact that possibly affected both personal and patient satisfaction.
Regarding the satisfaction of staff and patients, it was recorded that the levels differed per day. Environmental factors that influenced the satisfaction level were the quality and number of patients and attendants, professional fatigue, the reduction of tension and anger, and the increased positive emotions of the nurses.
3.2.2. Control Group Results
Regarding the control group, negative emotions predominate on all days but much more on general duty days. This group was dominated by disappointment and dissatisfaction due to the exact causes mentioned above in the experimental group.
Regarding intensity, tone of voice, and anger, it was recorded that they ranged from moderate to high levels. This affected their interpersonal and interprofessional relationships, their personal satisfaction, and the satisfaction of the patients and attendants. More generally, this attitude and behavior led to a negative working climate which affected the department’s orderly operation, with inevitable conflicts.
Smiling and humor ranged from low to moderate levels, while efficiency and attention ranged at high levels. Furthermore, the nurses refused to work mainly on the day of general duty and the following day, indicating increased anxiety levels without affecting their attention and work performance.
3.3. Results from the Interviews in the Intervention Group
Below are the most indicative answers of the participants:
Participants in the intervention group reported feelings of relaxation, calmness, less stress, and relief after the mindfulness meditations. Indicatively, a nurse mentioned: “I felt calmer after each session”. Other nurses claimed: “Relieved from anxiety and calmer”, “I feel relief”.
Regarding the changes they noticed in themselves after the meditations, they reported a generally positive effect, clearer thinking, reduced nervousness, improved performance, and less anxiety. Specifically, they reported: “I noticed that my concentration increased and I performed better in many areas of my daily life”, “I was calmer and less nervous”, “I was definitely calmer and less anxious”. However, a nurse’s response was: “I haven’t noticed anything yet, maybe because the experience was too short”.
Whether mindfulness meditations positively or negatively affected the attention, concentration, and memory of Emergency Department nurses, the majority of participants reported a positive effect. Furthermore, participants stated that anxiety levels decreased after the meditations. In particular, they mentioned “It was greatly affected. I wasn’t that stressed. I was calmer and more relaxed,” “Yes. I felt less stressed. I noticed that when a severe traffic accident happened on one of my shifts, I was much calmer, focused, and less stressed, and I was not distracted by the surrounding voices and the panic that prevailed”.
Regarding the average amount of sleep per day, most nurses reported: “from 4 to 7 h”. However, one nurse reported, “There are days I might sleep only 1 or 2 h. I have to take care of my family too. Sleep for me is a luxury”, and another nurse stated, “Some days, especially after a night shift, I find it difficult to sleep“.
In a subsequent question about how they sleep after mindfulness meditations, two nurses answered: “I didn’t notice a difference” and some others that, “My sleep is lighter”, and “I sleep a little more immediately”. Additionally, a nurse mentioned that “I fall asleep faster without my mind wandering into worries and concerns” and another that “I sleep much calmer and relaxed without waking up and being overexcited”.
Regarding having a different feeling when they wake up after the meditations, five of the seven nurses reported waking up more rested and having a pleasant and optimistic mood. Another nurse mentioned that “When I wake up my mood is low, and I think that’s because I need some more time” while another nurse said “No, I’m facing the new day”.
When participants were asked about their professional interpersonal relationships after the meditations, most responses were positively related. Expressly, the following responses were noted: “Yes, I noticed that I had a calmer and better aura”, “After the meditations, I noticed that I continued my work with more interest”, “They were definitely affected since to a large extent I can control my emotions”, “ I have fewer nerves”, “I am more patient”, and “ I could better manage my stress, anger, and tension, I felt calmer, so I had better communication and cooperation with my colleagues”.
The majority of responses were negative in the question of whether mindfulness practices affected the organization of daily nursing tasks. However, the positive answers were the following: “There was a difference because I started with clearer thinking, so everything went more correctly”, “I had an energy and a positive attitude,” and “I noticed a calmer and more focused attitude in the organization of my work”. The negative answers that prevailed were: “No”, “I think not” and “No, I did not notice a difference”.