Did you know that U.S. nurses think about suicide more often than other workers, but are less likely to tell anyone about it? This is according to a national poll on well-being where researchers analyzed the responses of more than 7,000 nurses and nearly 5,200 other general workforce members. The questions included in the poll covered topics ranging from nurse burnout to depression, and the results were very telling. Read on to learn more, and contact SelfCare for HealthCare today!
Nurse Burnout Can Lead To Suicidal Thoughts
More than 400 (5.5%) of the nurses who participated in the poll said they’d had suicidal thoughts within the past year, compared with 4.3% of people in the general workforce.
According to the Mayo Clinic, nurses who reported thoughts of suicide were less likely than other workers to seek professional help for their emotional struggles. The findings also showed that more than one-third of nurses had at least one symptom of nurse burnout, and 40% had symptoms of depression.
Nurse Burnout Has Increased Since the Coronavirus Pandemic
The researchers said it’s important to note that the survey was conducted before nurses nationwide had to start dealing with the coronavirus pandemic. According to the study’s authors, the survey results indicate that urgent action is needed to tackle burnout and suicidal thoughts among nurses, issues that have increased dramatically since the pandemic: “While the findings of our study are serious enough, we recognize the impact of the current pandemic has dramatically compounded the situation,” senior study author Dr. Liselotte Dyrbye, a Mayo Clinic internist, said in a clinic news release. “The need for system-level interventions to improve the work-lives of nurses and other members of health care teams is greater than ever before.”
SelfCare for HealthCare equips healthcare providers with the resources, strategies, and support they need to increase employee satisfaction and decrease nurse burnout. Establishing a culture and working environment where self-care for nurses is prioritized is critical if you want to retain your valued employees and provide your patients with the highest level of care. Visit our website to learn more, and contact us today to schedule a consultation.
