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  • 31 January 2025
  • 3 min read

Four Changes Needed To Improve The Mental Health Of Nurses

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When healthcare workers are mentally drained it impacts our ability to provide the care patients deserve. Laura Pueyo shares 4 things that need to change to fix this.When healthcare workers are mentally drained it impacts our ability to provide the care patients deserve. Laura Pueyo shares 4 things that need to change to fix this.
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.

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1. Fostering a supportive culture

Healthcare organizations need to build a culture that prioritizes staff well-being. This means listening to staff concerns, offering regular check-ins, and acknowledging the emotional strain that comes with the job. When any professional feels appreciated and supported, their stress levels decrease, and morale improves.

2. Access to mental health resources

Mental health support has to be easily accessible to staff. Having access to counseling services, stress-management programs, and even peer-support groups can make a huge difference in preventing mental health crises. Healthcare professionals often feel that they are too busy to seek help, so making these resources ready and available ensures that staff can reach out when needed without additional barriers.

3. Fighting burnout

Burnout is a silent epidemic in healthcare. Reducing workload pressures, offering flexible shifts, and encouraging regular breaks can help staff recharge. In addition, addressing the root causes of burnout such as under-staffing, lack of resources, and long shifts, can significantly improve the situation. By making changes to reduce stress, healthcare providers can help prevent burnout before it starts.

4. Promoting physical health

Musculoskeletal issues are a growing concern, especially for nurses who spend long hours on their feet, lifting, bending, and moving patients. Healthcare organizations should provide ergonomic training, assistive devices, and physical therapy options to help prevent injuries.

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The next step: putting staff first

For healthcare systems to function effectively and sustainably, they must take the well-being of their staff seriously. While it’s true that healthcare workers face incredible challenges, with the right mental health support in place, these challenges become manageable.

Investing in staff well-being isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s a necessity for the future of healthcare. It’s time to stop treating well-being as an afterthought and start prioritizing the people who make our healthcare system work. After all, a healthy staff means better care for everyone.

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About this contributor

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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