Nurses spend their days caring for and supporting their patients. They are often found comforting patients and their families during the most terrifying or heartbreaking moments in their lives, only to return back to their task-based work moments later. Because they deal with such sensitive issues and are exposed to so much, nurses often struggle with burnout, compassion fatigue, and moral distress. While many seek comfort from their peers, it may not be enough. Fortunately, many organizations recognize the need for more mental health support for nurses.
Related: Compassion Fatigue Primer for Our Current Work Environment
National well-being program and mental health support for nurses
The American Nurses Foundation launched a program in October of 2024 called The Nurse Well-Being: Building Peer and Leadership Support Program. This program was designed to give nurses simple, actionable tools to help them deal with stress at work. The program follows the Stress First Aid Model and is free for all nurses.
During the pilot program, staff found a 28% decrease in burnout among nurses enrolled in the first six months. 86% of nurses approved and personally liked the program.
The Nurse Well-Being program starts with a self-assessment. Nurses answer a few questions about their stress levels, feelings of burnout, and support systems at work. Then, nurses are offered resources such as podcasts, a “gratitude toolkit,” and worksheets to help provide mental health support for nurses.
National Alliance on Mental Illness
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) has a variety of resources created specifically for healthcare providers such as nurses. They have professional counseling services, offer ways for nurses to connect with their peers, and advice on building resilience.
In addition to online resources, NAMI has a specific helpline for nurses and other healthcare providers. The Crisis Text Line offers free 24/7 mental health support. Nurses in need of support can text “SCRUBS” to 741741.
The experts at NAMI advise nurses to reach out to a professional if they meet any of the following criteria:
- Reliving trauma
- Major changes in sleeping habits
- Major changes in eating habits
- New or increased substance use
- Feeling anxious, lonely, or constantly sad
- Feeling irritable or angry
- Isolating yourself from others
Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes’ Foundation
Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes’ Foundation focuses on reducing the workload for nurses in healthcare. One of their goals is to authorize the Lorna Breen Healthcare Provider Protection Act. This would reduce the administrative tasks that nurses are expected to complete during their shifts.
In addition, this foundation has worked hard to break down barriers and reduce the stigma associated with seeking help for mental health issues, especially among healthcare providers.
The Well-Being Initiative
The Well-Being Initiative is supported by The American Nurses Association, The American Association of Critical Care Nurses, and the American Psychiatric Nurses Association. They offer specific guidance to help nurses find a healthcare provider. Included are details about how to find a mental health clinic, what questions to ask, and what to do in case of a mental health crisis. They also recommend an app called “The Happy App.” This app uses resources like guided imagery, meditation, breathing exercises, and journaling.
The Emotional PPE Project
This project, founded in the year 2020, is a volunteer-led, non-profit organization that advocates for changes in legislation. The goal is to make it easier for healthcare workers to process their pain.
Their vision is to create “a world where healthcare workers utilize mental and emotional health support without any hesitation or worry.” They have over 700 volunteer therapists and have helped over 2,500 nurses improve their mental health.
The Emotional PPE Project empowers nurses to take charge of their mental health. It maintains a library of videos and books dedicated to helping nurses improve their health and lifestyle.
Managers, human resources, family, and friends
Perhaps some of the most important resources for mental health support for nurses exist in the workplace and at home. A good manager will work with you to make a plan for improving your work-life balance, dealing with workplace stress, and managing difficult emotions.
If you don’t feel comfortable speaking with your manager, your organization’s human resources department may be able to help. Human resource departments work hard to ensure that all employees receive respect and fair treatment. While most people working in HR are not counselors or therapists, they may be able to help you find resources and get the help you need.
Family and friends are another great resource for many nurses. While nurses should not discuss specific details about their patients or their jobs with friends and family, they can absolutely share information about how they are feeling or dealing with life’s challenges. Making a phone call to a loved one is one of the most powerful things you can do to improve your mental health.
Resources that might help nurses who need extra support include:
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
- SAMHSA Disaster Distress Helpline: 1-800-985-5990
- Text TalkWithUs to 66746 Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
