The mental health of nurses is a growing concern—and a topic that demands urgent attention. A 2025 review published in the International Nursing Review revealed what many nurses already know: the psychological toll of the profession is real, and our current systems aren’t doing enough to support the people who support everyone else.

From burnout and moral distress to compassion fatigue and emotional exhaustion, nurses face unique mental health challenges that go beyond the typical workplace stressors. Yet, despite being one of the most trusted and vital professions, nurses’ own well-being is often overlooked.

At the Wisconsin Nurses Association (WNA), we believe it’s time to change that.

What the Research Tells Us

The study highlights how workplace culture, systemic stressors, and emotional labor contribute to poor mental health outcomes for nurses. Common themes include:

• Burnout and workload overload

• Emotional strain from patient care

• Lack of psychological safety and supportive leadership

• Limited access to mental health resources or time to use them

And yet, nurses are often expected to push through without complaint.

What Can Be Done

Here are five ways we can—and must—do better:

1. Normalize Seeking Support

Mental health struggles should not be stigmatized. Nurses deserve the same level of care and compassion they give their patients.

WNA encourages healthcare organizations to:

• Offer confidential, easy-access mental health services

• Create peer-support programs or wellness champions within units

• Celebrate stories of nurses who’ve sought support as an example of strength

2. Create Safe Spaces for Reflection

Structured time to process the emotional weight of the job can prevent long-term harm.

Ideas include:

• Reflective huddles at shift changes

• Schwartz Rounds for discussing the emotional side of care

• Built-in debriefs after difficult cases

3. Strengthen Leadership with Emotional Intelligence

Nurses often cite unsupportive leadership as a top stressor. Managers and administrators trained in emotional intelligence are better equipped to lead with empathy and respond to their team’s mental health needs.

We recommend:

• Emotional Intellegence training for nurse leaders

• Including well-being metrics in performance evaluations

• Promoting leadership that listens, respects, and advocates

4. Design Work Environments That Reduce Harm

Nurses need more than self-care tips—they need systemic change.

What this looks like:

• Safe staffing levels to reduce overload

• Flexible scheduling that considers mental and physical health

• Quiet spaces for mental resets during shifts

5. Involve Nurses in the Solutions

No one understands the emotional realities of nursing like nurses themselves. We must be at the table when policies and programs are being created.

Ask your leadership:

• How are nurses being consulted on well-being initiatives?

• Are frontline voices shaping mental health strategies?

 You’re Not Alone: Nurses Caring for Nurses

At WNA, we know the best support often comes from those who understand the challenges firsthand. That’s why we created Nurses Caring for Nurses—a peer support program designed by and for nurses.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, burnt out, grieving, or just need someone to talk to, we invite you to connect with a peer. It’s free, confidential, and judgment-free.

Learn more and get support: wisconsinnurses.org/nurses-caring-for-nurses

Because healing begins with human connection—and nurses caring for nurses is a powerful force for change.