Overview
The Nurses Caring for Nurses Mutual Interest Group (NCN MIG) is a statewide, nurse-led collaborative focused on improving the well-being and professional sustainability of Wisconsin nurses. The MIG provides a structured forum where nurses can connect, share experiences, and access peer-driven strategies that support mental health, reduce stress, and prevent burnout.
This group aligns with WNA’s commitment to fostering a healthy nursing workforce and complements existing well-being efforts by creating an organized, sustainable community of practice.
Purpose
The purpose of the NCN MIG is to create a centralized, accessible, and nurse-focused space that supports the physical, emotional, and professional well-being of nurses across all practice settings in Wisconsin.
The NCN MIG will:
- Expand access to statewide support through a robust, web-based resource repository
- Strengthen professional connectedness and reduce isolation
- Complement and amplify the WNA Nurses Caring for Nurses Initiative
- Create a sustainable, scalable structure for ongoing nurse well-being efforts
Rationale and need
Wisconsin’s nursing workforce continues to face high levels of stress, compassion fatigue, moral injury, and burnout, which directly affect nurse retention, quality of care, and workplace culture. Despite available supports, many nurses remain unaware of existing well-being resources or lack access to a centralized, confidential hub tailored specifically to nurses’ needs.
The NCN MIG addresses this gap by creating a trusted, nurse-centered network that promotes connection, awareness, and meaningful engagement in well-being initiatives.
How this MIG supports WNA’s goals
The NCN MIG directly supports WNA’s strategic priorities related to:
- Workforce well-being and professional sustainability
- Nurse retention and workforce development
- Professional connection, education, and leadership development
- Advocacy for healthier work environments across care settings
Expected outcomes
Participation in the NCN MIG is expected to result in:
- Increased engagement and peer connection among nurses across Wisconsin
- Greater awareness and utilization of nurse well-being resources
- Improved sense of belonging and professional support
- Reduced burnout and increased adaptability among participating nurses
- Enhanced visibility and impact of the WNA Nurses Caring for Nurses Initiative
Anticipated activities (Year One)
Community building and peer support
- Promote virtual and in-person connection opportunities through partnerships with statewide organizations
- Create safe, judgment-free spaces for nurses to share experiences and support one another
Education and resources
- Curate and share evidence-informed tools related to stress reduction, resilience, mental health, substance use, and burnout prevention
- Host educational sessions and webinars featuring experts in nurse well-being
Culture of caring
- Elevate best practices for supporting colleagues in the workplace
- Share stories and models of successful well-being initiatives across Wisconsin
Alignment with WNA initiatives
- Align MIG activities with WNA well-being priorities
- Serve as a volunteer base to support and extend ongoing WNA Nurses Caring for Nurses projects and campaigns
Steering committee
- Sara Bell
- Kristin Waite-Labott
- Christopher Wojnar
Get involved
WNA members who are interested in nurse well-being, peer support, resilience, and professional sustainability are encouraged to participate.
How to join:
WNA members interested in participating in this Mutual Interest Group are invited to complete the Interest to Serve form.
Once submitted, WNA staff will follow up with next steps and opportunities to get involved.