Other Titles
PechaKucha Presentation
Abstract
Leadership should prioritize the deliberate cultivation of healthy work environments to mitigate burnout. Nurses' lack of workplace well-being has been well-documented for decades, with significant exposure during the COVID-19 pandemic. These conditions can lead to poor mental health, as exhibited by feelings of stress, anxiety, depression, and physiological symptoms, which can ultimately contribute to burnout.
The literature suggests that nurse leaders are responsible for adopting and implementing healthy work environments that build, nurture, and sustain a positive, healthy culture. Leaders who cultivate a safe and supportive workplace and contribute to staff well-being will likely experience improved staff retention, increased productivity, enhanced interpersonal relationships, and improved patient outcomes.
Nurse leaders can prevent nurse burnout by introducing a person-centered approach that focuses on prioritizing the holistic needs of staff members. Evidence-based practices such as The American Association of Critical Care Nurses (AACN) six essential standards, the American Nurses Association (ANA) Healthy Nurse, Healthy Nation initiative, and the International Nurse Coach Association’s Theory of Integrative Nurse Coaching (TINC) model are examples of the shift that needs to be promoted in healthcare. These methods can be implemented through various approaches, such as offering trauma-informed peer support debriefing services, engaging in relationship-building activities, utilizing integrative therapies, providing meaningful recognition of excellence, offering robust educational opportunities, allowing for flexible work schedules, encouraging time off, and supporting boundaries.
Notes
References:
Barden, C., Cassidy, L., & Cardi, S. (Eds.). (2016). AACN standards for establishing and sustaining healthy work environments: A journey to excellence (2nd ed.). American Association of Critical-Care Nurses.
Cohen, C., Pignata, S., Bezak, E., Tie, M., & Childs, J. (2023). Workplace interventions to improve well-being and reduce burnout for nurses, physicians and allied healthcare professionals: A systematic review. BMJ Open, 13(6). https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2022-071203
Dossey, B. M., Luck, S., & Schaub, B. G. (2015). Nurse coaching: Integrative approaches for health and wellbeing. International Nurse Coach Association.
Mabona, J. F., Van Rooyen, D.R.M, & Ten Ham-Baloyi, W. (2022). Best practice recommendations for healthy work environments for nurses: An integrative literature review. Health SA Gesondheid, 27. Article 1788. https://doi.org/10.4102/hsag.v27i0.1788
Nursing leadership: Scope and standards of practice (3rd ed.). (2024). American Nurses Association.
Sigma Membership
Epsilon Tau at-Large
Type
Presentation
Format Type
Text-based Document
Study Design/Type
N/A
Research Approach
N/A
Keywords:
Burnout, Well-Being, Mental Health, Nurse Leaders
Recommended Citation
Bernard, Kimberly A., "Putting People First: Nurse Leaders' Role in Prioritizing a Culture of Workforce Wellbeing" (2025). Creating Healthy Work Environments (CHWE). 75.
https://www.sigmarepository.org/chwe/2025/presentations_2025/75
Conference Name
Creating Healthy Work Environments
Conference Host
Sigma Theta Tau International
Conference Location
Phoenix, Arizona, USA
Conference Year
2025
Rights Holder
All rights reserved by the author(s) and/or publisher(s) listed in this item record unless relinquished in whole or part by a rights notation or a Creative Commons License present in this item record.
Review Type
Abstract Review Only: Reviewed by Event Host
Acquisition
Proxy-submission
Putting People First: Nurse Leaders' Role in Prioritizing a Culture of Workforce Wellbeing
Phoenix, Arizona, USA
Leadership should prioritize the deliberate cultivation of healthy work environments to mitigate burnout. Nurses' lack of workplace well-being has been well-documented for decades, with significant exposure during the COVID-19 pandemic. These conditions can lead to poor mental health, as exhibited by feelings of stress, anxiety, depression, and physiological symptoms, which can ultimately contribute to burnout.
The literature suggests that nurse leaders are responsible for adopting and implementing healthy work environments that build, nurture, and sustain a positive, healthy culture. Leaders who cultivate a safe and supportive workplace and contribute to staff well-being will likely experience improved staff retention, increased productivity, enhanced interpersonal relationships, and improved patient outcomes.
Nurse leaders can prevent nurse burnout by introducing a person-centered approach that focuses on prioritizing the holistic needs of staff members. Evidence-based practices such as The American Association of Critical Care Nurses (AACN) six essential standards, the American Nurses Association (ANA) Healthy Nurse, Healthy Nation initiative, and the International Nurse Coach Association’s Theory of Integrative Nurse Coaching (TINC) model are examples of the shift that needs to be promoted in healthcare. These methods can be implemented through various approaches, such as offering trauma-informed peer support debriefing services, engaging in relationship-building activities, utilizing integrative therapies, providing meaningful recognition of excellence, offering robust educational opportunities, allowing for flexible work schedules, encouraging time off, and supporting boundaries.
Description
When nurse leaders use their influence to create positive culture changes, they enhance workplace well-being. This session will demonstrate how applying evidence-based practices has decreased turnover and increased morale among nursing and support staff.