(Silver Spring, MD, Tuesday, June 2, 2020) – In response to the growing burden of stress and moral distress on the nation’s nurses as they valiantly care for patients on the frontlines of the pandemic, the American Nurses Foundation (the Foundation), the philanthropic arm of the American Nurses Association (ANA), announced the launch of the national Well-being Initiative designed specifically for nurses across the U.S. These new resources will help nurses build resilience and take necessary steps to manage the stress and overcome the trauma caused by COVID-19.
The Well-being Initiative gives nurses access to digital mental health and wellness-related sources, tools and more to support their emotional well-being while taking care of those affected by the virus. Developed ‘for nurses by nurses,’ the Foundation partnered with the American Nurses Association (ANA), the Emergency Nurses Association (ENA), the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN), and the American Psychiatric Nurses Association (APNA).
Even before the current crisis hit, burnout among nurses was at an all-time high, with some studies estimating up to 63 percent of nurses exhibit symptoms such as job-induced stress, anxiety and depression. This underscores the essential need for these tools and resources.
Recognizing individuals process stress, trauma and anxiety differently, nurses will have the option to join virtual groups, express thoughts through writing workshops or talk one-on-one. The comprehensive offering includes both responsive measures (peer-to-peer conversations, warmlines, hotlines, cognitive processing techniques) and preventive actions (stress reduction, mindfulness and educational materials).
Nurses who want to join the peer-to-peer conversations, download the apps or use the tools can visit the Well-being Initiative.
The American Nurses Foundation is the charitable and philanthropic arm of the American Nurses Association (ANA), with the mission to transform the nation’s health through the power of nursing. The Foundation supports research, education, and scholarships, which improve health, wellness, and patient care. For more information visit www.nursingworld.org/foundation