- 31 January 2025
- 3 min read
Four Changes Needed To Improve The Mental Health Of Nurses
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In the world of healthcare the mental well-being of staff often takes a second seat to patient care. There have been small improvements in staff perceptions of health and well-being, but the reality remains troubling. Burnout, stress, and physical ailments like musculoskeletal issues continue to extend among healthcare workers, particularly nurses. These challenges not only affect the well-being of staff but also impact productivity, morale, and of course patient care.
Healthcare workers are on the frontlines every day, caring for others while often neglecting their own needs. Long shifts, high patient volumes, and the emotional weight of caring for others can place a heavy pressure on staff. For nurses, this pressure is especially high.
Our work constantly attending patients, managing crises, and often working in understaffed settings can lead to severe mental and physical exhaustion. Despite a few improvements noted in the last NHS report, the reality is that stress and burnout remain widespread and these issues are not just "part of the job."
What is more concerning is that when healthcare workers are mentally or physically drained, it impacts our ability to provide the level of care that patients deserve. Staff burnout leads to reduced productivity, higher absenteeism, and ultimately, poorer patient outcomes. This becomes a cycle.
Why staff well-being should be a top priority
You can’t pour from an empty glass. The same is true for healthcare workers they need to feel supported and cared for to perform their best. When staff are mentally and physically healthy, they’re in a better position to deliver quality care, engage with patients compassionately, and work as a team. However, this can’t happen unless organizations place well-being at the front of their priorities. The benefits of improving mental health support in healthcare go beyond the obvious. A well-supported staff is more productive, experiences less absenteeism, and stays in their roles longer.
Addressing the root causes: what needs to change?
Addressing mental health and well-being requires a multi-faceted approach, starting with creating a supportive environment and providing direct access to mental health resources.
About this contributor
Band 7 NHS Nurse
I am a dedicated nurse with 10 years of experience in the healthcare field, having worked both in the UK and Spain. I have spent several years as a Band 7 nurse in the NHS, where I developed advanced clinical and leadership skills. In addition to my nursing experience, I hold a Master's degree in Healthcare Management.
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