In the fall of 2023, we created a healthcare worker wellness survey.
With the help of our friends at Don't Clock Out, we shared the survey widely on social media and via email.
Of the 2,037 respondents, 71.3% were RN’s.
We asked which of the following respondents were PRESENTLY experiencing.
The results are as follows:
87.2% - Stress
82.2% - Anxiety
80.2% - Burnout
70.2% - Concerns/Fears around safe staffing ratios
56.3% - Depression
53.5% - Concerns/Fears around workplace violence
49.6% - Institutional Betrayal
47.9% - Trauma exposure/PTSD symptoms
47.5% - Moral Injury
43.6% - Insomnia
16.1% - Suicidal thoughts
13.8% - Alcohol or substance misuse or abuse
10.5% - Eating disorder
1.7% - None of these
We asked, on a scale of 1 to 10, (1 being strongly disagree, 10 being strongly agree), to rate the following statements.
IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS, have you considered leaving (or left) your profession?
Average answer among the 2,037 responses: 7.4
We asked, Do you feel your mental health has been negatively impacted by working in healthcare?
Average answer among the 2,037 responses: 8.5
We asked, on a scale of 1-5, (1 being the least interested, and 5 being the most interested), which of the following healthcare workers felt would support them.
These are the average responses among the 2,037 respondents:
4.48 Free or low-cost therapy with therapists trained to understand the healthcare professions
3.75 An outside team of MENTAL HEALTH CLINICIANS, unaffiliated with a hospital, available to provide critical incident stress debriefings at a unit following an event
3.66 An outside team of BOTH peers and mental health clinicians, unaffiliated with a hospital, available to provide critical incident stress debriefings at a unit following an event
3.33 Free online yoga, meditation, sound bath, qigong workshops
3.26 A team of PEERS unaffiliated with a hospital, available to provide critical incident stress debriefings at a unit following an event
3.13 Free online group therapy
3.12 Free online wellness retreats
3.12 In-person wellness retreats
2.98 Free online peer support groups
2.82 Free online expressive art experiences
2.47 Free online creative writing/journaling groups
We acknowledge that all of the wellness supports in the world do not address the much needed institutional reform. Staffing ratios must be improved. Time off to address mental wellness is needed. Access to appropriate and affordable care is presently lacking.
While we do not have the answers to all of the needed changes, we can share the following healthcare professional specific wellness supports.
Free and low-cost therapy referrals: www.therapyaid.org
Free online peer support groups for nurses and healthcare professionals: www.dontclockout.org
Debriefing sessions for nurses led by board certified nurse coaches: www.debriefingthefrontlines.org
Free peer support line for physicians: www.physiciansupportline.com
Peer community for contemplative practice: www.introspectivespaces.com
You can download a PDF summary of our results HERE.
Therapy Aid Coalition is a 501(c)(3) mental health nonprofit serving United States Healthcare workers and first responders. We facilitate free and low-cost therapy referrals, and offer wellness workshops, educational workshops and trainings that support these populations. To learn more, volunteer, or donate, visit us at www.therapyaid.org