If you or anyone you know is grappling with suicidal thoughts, calling 988 will connect you with the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, which operates 24/7 and offers assistance in various languages. The story of Tristin Kate Smith, an emergency room nurse, deeply moved me. Smith was not only a dedicated nurse but also a cherished daughter, sister, friend, and colleague, holding significant roles in the lives of many.
Like numerous nurses nationwide, Tristan became a casualty of the flaws in our health care system. At 28, the extreme pressures she faced led to a tragic outcome. Research from the University of California San Diego School of Medicine and UC San Diego Health’s Department of Nursing indicates that nurses face a higher suicide risk compared to the general population, highlighting the urgent need for support in this profession.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has recently found that 46% of health care professionals reported increased levels of burnout and deteriorating mental health last year, exacerbated by COVID-19. Doctors, too, are feeling the strain of our faltering health care system, which adversely affects both them and their patients.
A survey by the American Nurses Foundation in May, which included over 7,400 nurses, revealed that two-thirds are experiencing mental distress or toxic emotions, and 56% perceive a stigma in seeking help as health care providers. This situation underscores how COVID-19 has only intensified pre-existing issues in the health care system. As we strive to recover from the pandemic, health care leaders and government at all levels must focus on aiding our overwhelmed nurses.
Nurses across the country continue to report extreme burnout due to prolonged hours and stressful working conditions, leading to fatigue, injuries, and dissatisfaction with their jobs. As vital contributors to patient care, the mental health and well-being of nurses should be a top concern for employers and patients alike.
The stigma surrounding mental health care in the nursing profession must be addressed. Nurses face numerous long-standing workplace issues, including unchecked violence, forced overtime, practice barriers, and unsafe working conditions, contributing to high turnover rates and understaffing.
The unresolved problems in the nursing profession have taken a substantial toll on the mental health of nurses, causing damage that may have long-lasting effects. The American Nurses Foundation, along with national nursing organizations, is advocating for substantial policy and legislative changes to foster healthier work environments and prioritize nurses’ mental health.
The Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Act, recently signed into law by President Joe Biden, encourages nurses to seek mental health support. The foundation is also dedicated to providing resources for nurses to meet the demands of health care delivery. However, this is not sufficient. There is a need for philanthropic partners to invest significantly in the nursing profession to effect lasting positive changes.
It’s crucial to recognize that the emotional scars and trauma suffered by nurses during the pandemic will not heal quickly. Actively listening to nurses’ concerns is a vital first step. We must prevent any more tragedies like that of Tristin, as losing more nurses in this manner is something we cannot afford.
