Zentangle® Pilot Study: A Mindfulness Exercise for Oncology Nurses

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.