The State of Health and Intentions for Action to Advance Mental Health and Well-being for the Nursing Workforce.

OBJECTIVE:The aims of this study were to explore the health of nurse leaders and assess intentions to integrate workplace mental health/wellness practices. BACKGROUND:National efforts address high rates of poor mental health and lifestyle behaviors among nurses. Few studies describe the extent to which nurse leaders in academic and clinical environments can influence a strategic mission for health/well-being among the nursing workforce. METHODS:Two hundred seventeen email invitations were distributed to nurse leaders from 5 Kentucky nursing organizations to complete a 1-time 46-item online survey assessing individual health behaviors and intentions to build a culture of workplace health/well-being. RESULTS:Most respondents reported positive physical health (86%), positive mental health/intentions for action to change behaviors (80%), improved self-care practices (86%), integration of self-care practices in the workplace (79%), and commitment to integrate suicide prevention training (55%). CONCLUSIONS:Overall, nurse leaders reported positive healthy behaviors. The finding that the highest intentions were reported to integrate, sustain, and/or advance lifestyle behaviors for self-care practices as well as to integrate practices for mental health and well-being in the work environment is encouraging. Enhanced strategies and efforts are needed to prioritize workplace cultures of wellness to benefit nurses and further promote well-being among nurse leaders.