“Since the onset of the pandemic, nurses throughout the US have been feeling the effects of work burnout. The World Health Organization defines burnout as a syndrome that results from chronic workplace stress that has not been effectively managed. Burnout symptoms can range from physical feelings of exhaustion and low energy to reduced professional efficacy. A 2021 study that surveyed 1,834 nurses found that 54% of the respondents were experiencing burnout. The study also revealed a strong correlation between burnout and nursing turnover. With high rates of nursing turnover, care is more disjointed and teamwork for best patient outcomes becomes more difficult. Effective interventions are needed to help support mental health practices among nurses to mitigate high levels of burnout. Otherwise, not only are individual nurses at risk but the healthcare system may also be compromised.

“Gratitude journals have been shown to be an effective, low-cost tool to support self-care and reduce the effects of burnout for healthcare professionals. With its low time commitment, it is also a realistic intervention for busy nurses. Gratitude practice has been shown to benefit healthcare organizations as well. To effectively care for patients, nurses must also ensure their physical and mental well-being, and using gratitude journals can be a positive step toward doing just that.”

Cumella, K. (2022). Gratitude journals can improve nurses’ mental well-being. Nursing, 52(12), 58–61.