Nurse Wellbeing
How to look after yourself — evidence-based strategies
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Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes and does not replace professional mental health assessment or treatment. If you are experiencing significant distress, please seek support from a qualified professional.
Psychiatric nursing is one of the most emotionally demanding specialties in healthcare. Nurses are regularly exposed to trauma, distress, violence, and moral complexity. Without adequate self-care, supervision, and organisational support, this exposure can lead to burnout, compassion fatigue, and serious mental health problems.
The NMC Code (2018) states that nurses must "maintain the level of health you need to carry out your professional role" (clause 8.5). Self-care is therefore not a luxury — it is a professional and ethical obligation. This section covers the evidence-based strategies that can help you sustain a long, fulfilling, and safe career in psychiatric nursing.
Practical Tips
- 1.Name the distress — acknowledging that what you are experiencing is moral distress is the first step
- 2.Talk to a trusted colleague or clinical supervisor about your concerns
- 3.Use your trust's ethics consultation service if available
- 4.Document your concerns formally through incident reporting systems
- 5.Engage with your professional body (NMC, RCN) for guidance on ethical practice
- 6.Seek support from your occupational health team if symptoms persist
Support Resources
References
- [1] Jameton A (1984). Nursing Practice: The Ethical Issues. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice-Hall
- [2] Fumis RRL et al. (2017). Moral distress and its contribution to the development of burnout syndrome among critical care providers. Annals of Intensive Care, 7(1), 71
- [3] Greenberg N et al. (2020). Managing mental health challenges faced by healthcare workers during COVID-19 pandemic. BMJ, 368, m1211
- [4] AACN (2008). AACN Position Statement: Moral Distress. Aliso Viejo, CA: AACN
- [5] NHS England (2020). We Are the NHS: People Plan 2020/21. London: NHS England