Nurse Well-Being, Burnout, and Mental Health Support Strategies

Abstract

Nurses form the backbone of healthcare systems worldwide. However, increasing workload, staffing shortages, emotional demands, and administrative pressures have significantly affected nurse well-being. Burnout and mental health concerns among nurses have emerged as serious global issues, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic. Burnout is characterized by emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and reduced personal accomplishment. Persistent exposure to stressful environments leads to anxiety, depression, sleep disorders, and reduced job satisfaction. This review paper explores the concept of nurse well-being, the prevalence and causes of burnout, psychological consequences, and evidence-based mental health support strategies. It also discusses organizational interventions, leadership approaches, and policy-level reforms that can improve nurse resilience and retention. Strengthening workplace culture, implementing peer support programs, ensuring adequate staffing, and promoting self-care practices are essential measures. Investment in nurse mental health not only improves individual outcomes but also enhances patient safety and healthcare quality. The findings highlight that sustainable strategies must combine individual coping skills with systemic organizational change.

KEYWORDS: Nurse well-being, Burnout, Mental health, Workplace stress, Resilience, Nursing workforce, Support strategies