Nurses are an important part of the healthcare ecosystem. They provide hands-on support to patients in hospitals, schools, medical centers, and other settings. But, as a nurse, you know that it can become overwhelming at times.
A patient could pass away. A family member could become violent. You might have your own health issues or injuries that you need time to recover from. You may even be exposed to trauma when major events happen (just think about COVID-19, natural disasters, or other times when stress is high and demand is extreme). Normal daily issues are stressful enough, but in combination with long shifts, chronic stress, and the emotional strain of working with patients, you can end up feeling burned out.
That’s why Supplemental Health Care partners with organizations like Operation Happy Nurse, focusing on sharing resources and building community to help reduce stress, nurse burnout, depression, and anxiety. These issues can be reduced with the right support, which in turn leads to better patient care.
Why Nurse Mental Health Matters
Nurses play more than a background role in the healthcare industry. They are there to provide essential care and support to patients across a variety of settings, such as hospitals, clinics, or even in their own homes.
These healthcare professionals dedicate their time and efforts to providing for the well-being of others, but unfortunately, nurse mental health tends to be overlooked. Nurses put in many hours of their time, and the nature of the work they do is demanding. On top of the physical demands of the job, too, are the emotionally challenging situations they have to navigate; all of these things have a direct impact on their mental health.
In fact, research done in a collaboration between the American Nurses Foundation and McKinsey in 2023 found that 20 percent of over 7,000 surveyed respondents had left a position in the last six months, and another 39 percent intended to leave their positions within the next six months. Why? Many said they:
- Did not feel valued
- Had inadequate compensation
- Did not have enough support on the job due to inadequate staffing
While many nurses set their own needs aside to care for others in this role and accept some of the downsides as a normal part of working in healthcare, that approach cannot continue. Nurses need to think of themselves first.
When nurses make themselves a priority and focus on their mental health, they can help reduce their stress and anxiety, avoid burnout, and, as a result of feeling more in control and in better spirits, continue caring for patients.
That’s where Operation Happy Nurse comes in. This non-profit aims to help nurses decompress from their roles and engage with a supportive online community that understands everything they’re going through; whether they’re dealing with difficult patients or balancing personal issues at home.
What Is Operation Happy Nurse?
Operation Happy Nurse launched in 2020, founded by Shannon McPeek, a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) nurse. Shannon started Operation Happy Nurse after dealing with difficult work-related anxiety that began to affect her work, personal life, and health.
Today, Operation Happy Nurse focuses on helping all nurses and other healthcare professionals with a straightforward mission — “To help all nurses struggling with stress, anxiety and/or depression by offering a community focused on improving overall mental health and physical wellbeing.”
As a part of the OHN community, members have access to many resources that can help them handle different aspects of their jobs and personal lives. There are discussion boards, social events, and stress management podcasts; there are hotlines for immediate support and groups where nurses can connect to others who understand everything they’re going through.
Operation Happy Nurse is made up of a community of over 2000 nurses and 71 team members, and it’s still growing. This grassroots organization offers 100% free membership. Find more information about Operation Happy Nurse on social media (Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook), the Operation Happy Nurse website, or download the app.
Check Out the New Mobile App
Operation Happy Nurse has been supporting its community for several years, but now it’s even easier to connect with the new mobile app designed to support its online community and provide nurses with access to free mental health and wellness resources. This app is a free space where nurses can build community, express their needs and emotions, and heal.
OHN believes in giving nurses the ability to connect with one another and surround themselves with people who care. In the app, you’ll find:
- Fitness, yoga, and guided meditation videos to help calm and revive your mind
- Discussion boards and community support for hard days and building strength in numbers
- Nutritional support, weekly recipes, and blog posts to inform, teach, and inspire
- A monthly book club and curated playlists to entertain and educate
- Podcasts focused on stress relief and mental health to help you better connect with yourself
- Giveaways, discounts, and social events to let you connect with others in your community
- Immediate mental health resources for those who need immediate help
- Personalized stress-relief profiles tailored to your needs
Operation Happy Nurse understands the challenges of working in this field and provides excellent options to connect with others, build strength in community, and unwind.
Download the app through the Apple App Store or Google Play.
SHC Supports Mental Health in Nursing
Nurses are the core of the healthcare system, and without them, patients would not receive the support and care they need during the most difficult times in their lives. At Supplemental Health Care, we believe that supporting mental health is as important as supporting your career.
Long shifts, emotional days, and the demands of a role in nursing can lead to burnout, but you don’t have to go through these stresses alone. With organizations like Operation Happy Nurse and support from our SHC team here to support you, you have the community and tools you need to find the right role and support your mental health while working.
Visit Operation Happy Nurse today, and if you’re looking for a new position, search for your next role at Supplemental Health Care.
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