Serenity Room as a Healing Space for Nurses: A Mixed-Method Systematic Review

Abstract

Background: Nurses worked in emotionally demanding environments, eroding their resilience and caring capacity. In response, healthcare organizations explored serenity rooms as a supportive intervention to enhance nurses’ condition. Purpose: To identify and synthesize empirical evidence on the implementation and impact of serenity rooms for nurses. Methods: This systematic mixed-methods review was conducted, according to the Joanna Briggs Institute and Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, on CINAHL, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. The search strategy followed the Population-Intervention-Outcome framework, focusing on manuscripts evaluating the serenity room for nurses’ well-being. Data from qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-method studies published between 2015 and 2025 were summarized using a convergent integrated approach. Results: Twelve studies were included and three themes emerged: Purpose—serenity rooms as emotional sanctuaries, promoted nurses’ psychophysical recovery, reflection, and inner balance; Healing Environments—natural light, calming colors, biophilic design, and sensory comfort were common characteristics of serenity rooms; Restorative Practices—Mindfulness, aromatherapy, creative arts, and supportive social interaction were key features in inducing presence and self-awareness. Conclusion: Serenity rooms captured the holistic nursing spirit, integrating mind, body, and spirit. Implementing serenity rooms in clinical settings would sustain nurses’ well-being, building emotional resilience, and reconnecting them with the profession's therapeutic aspects.