Safeguard the Mental Health of Nurses

Take Action to Support Nurses:

Nurses are the backbone of healthcare, providing essential care and support across diverse medical settings. Their role is indispensable in maintaining public health, yet, many nurses are suffering. Not only do nurses experience a higher rate of suicide than the general population, but recent surveys also indicate that over 60% of U.S. nurses experience burnout due to systemic factors.

This is exacerbated by institutional stigma around seeking mental health care due to concerns about potential impacts on their license. Many State Boards of Nursing still ask invasive mental health questions on licensure applications, which directly deter nurses from seeking the mental health care they may need. These stigmatizing questions and the fear they create are also a key driver of suicide among health workers, including nurses.

We invite you to join us in calling upon State Boards of Nursing to undertake an audit of their licensure applications and change any questions that are not consistent with recommendations. Additionally, we implore boards to communicate any changes, or affirm their existing consistent questions, to their dedicated nursing community.

Help us urge State Boards of Nursing to join our Wellbeing First Champions Challenge and eliminate unnecessary and discriminatory questions about mental health that deter nurses from seeking care.

Together, let's ensure that nurses receive the support they deserve, unburdened by the fear of professional consequences and stigma. Your advocacy can make a profound difference in the lives of those who dedicate themselves to our health and wellbeing.