Honoring National Nurses Week: How We Can Support Nurses’ Mental Health
Every May, we celebrate National Nurses Week—a time to recognize the hard work, compassion, and sacrifice of the nurses who are the backbone of our healthcare system. But this year, let’s go beyond gratitude. Nurse appreciation should also come with action. Nurses are facing unprecedented levels of burnout, stress, and emotional exhaustion, and their mental health needs support.
Advocate for Safe Nurse-to-Patient Ratios
One of the biggest contributors to nurse burnout is understaffing. When a nurse is assigned too many patients, it affects not only the quality of care but their ability to breathe, reflect, or even take a break. Support legislation like the Nurse Staffing Standards for Hospital Patient Safety and Quality Care Act, which establishes enforceable nurse-patient ratios.
Normalize Mental Health Support
The healthcare culture often encourages resilience but stigmatizes vulnerability. Nurses may fear professional consequences for seeking help—even when struggling with anxiety, depression, or trauma. Let’s make it okay to say: “I’m not okay.” Peer support, mental health training, and trauma-informed care should be part of every healthcare setting.
Demand Access to Mental Health Resources
Hospitals and clinics must provide confidential, affordable, and accessible mental health care for their staff. This includes:
Onsite or virtual counseling
Mental health days
Burnout prevention programs
Wellness initiatives
Show Appreciation That Goes Beyond Flowers
While cards and coffee gift cards are thoughtful, nurses need better work conditions. Safe staffing, paid leave, emotional support, and advocacy are critical in healthcare settings. Want to honor a nurse? Write to your local hospital, support a mental health initiative, or simply check in on their well-being.
Share, Speak, and Stand Up
We all benefit when nurses are mentally well. Supporting their mental health is not just a “nice gesture”—it’s a public health priority.
How you can help today:
Share this post
Speak up at work or online
Start a conversation with a nurse in your life
We’re Here to Help
If you're a nurse feeling overwhelmed, please know this: you’re not alone. Resilient Vida Counseling & Wellness provides burnout recovery, trauma care, and emotional support tailored to healthcare workers.
Schedule a consultation or explore our wellness resources created specifically for nurses.
Angelica Tello, Ph.D., LPC-S, NCC
Resilient Vida Counseling & Wellness, PLLC