These problems existed before the COVID-19 pandemic. However, during the pandemic, they increased dramatically. According to a survey of 488 critical care nurses conducted between October 2020 and January 2021, 44.6% of nurses experienced high/moderate levels of moral distress and burnout.
We may be entering a post-pandemic society, but healthcare workers are still feeling the effects of the pandemic, as well as a worker shortage, which adds to the stress and makes things even more difficult for nurses who are already working at full capacity.
With this in mind, it’s more important than ever for hospitals to increase mental health support for nurses. So let's look at some of the risks that nurses face because of these issues and what hospitals can do to prioritise their employees' mental health. Moreover, if you are PhD student and working on this complex topic, may be you need to ask help from Nursing Dissertation Service.
Risks of Burnout for Nurses
Frontline nurses are especially vulnerable to burnout and a variety of other mental health issues, including:
Compassion Fatigue
Depression
Trauma
Extreme Stress
Nurses are also at risk of encountering patient attacks and ethical quandaries. All of these issues can result in exhaustion, fatigue, and even mental health problems that lead to suicidal ideation.
Keep in mind that nurses are susceptible to negative coping mechanisms. It is not uncommon for people to use drugs, alcohol, or other risky behaviours to cope with stress, depression, and anxiety. For example, some people will try to numb their mental health issues by drinking excessively. Unfortunately, no matter how knowledgeable a healthcare professional is about how alcohol affects the body, the desire to feel better mentally frequently outweighs that.
Support is required to assist nurses in managing their mental health and encouraging positive, healthy choices when life becomes overwhelming.
Addressing Mental Health: What Hospitals Can Do
So, what can hospitals do to enhance mental health support for nurses? Shouldn’t a place dedicated to health and wellness focus on helping its most valued employees and patients?
Absolutely.
While patient care will almost always come first for healthcare professionals, hospitals need to create an environment in which every team member is mentally and physically prepared to do their job. That begins with leadership. There should be strategies in place to prioritise mental wellness in the workplace. If you are in a position of leadership, make sure that your nursing staff's mental health is a top priority. Hosting your next outdoor leadership meeting can help to create a culture of mental wellness. Some of the most notable benefits of hosting an outdoor gathering are as follows:
Improved mood
Increased productivity
Reduced stress
Increased relaxation
An outdoor meeting can help set the tone for your employees, letting them know what kind of environment you hope to create within your facilities.
Nurse managers should also have regular conversations with their staff. A simple weekly check-in can make a significant difference in monitoring the mental wellness of a nursing team.
Finally, consider establishing a mental health team (or multiple teams) in the workplace. People who are dedicated to monitoring and supporting your employees' mental health can make everyone feel more at ease and give them a place to turn if they are struggling. Furthermore, these teams can create resiliency programs and enhance the overall mental health of all nurses on staff.
Promoting and Providing Treatment
Hospitals are not typically known for offering extensive mental health care. That doesn't mean your facility can't collaborate with local mental health providers to build connections and relationships.
Nurses can benefit from a variety of mental health services, including counselling and therapy. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), intensive outpatient programs, and even pharmacological therapies can help treat mental health issues. Mindfulness and stress-reduction programs can also make a significant difference, and all can be carried out with the assistance of a therapist, counsellor, or other mental health professionals.
If you're part of a healthcare network, connecting with mental health professionals is a simple way to provide immediate resources to your nursing staff. Even if you aren't, it's worthwhile for hospitals to contact local providers and have a few in mind for when your team is feeling burnt out or overwhelmed with work.
Hospitals can do a lot to enhance nurses' mental health, and much of it can be accomplished with a few changes to leadership roles and the implementation of effective programs. Now is the time to prioritise mental health in nursing before the healthcare industry loses even more skilled workers who leave their jobs due to stress.
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