Hot Topics: Gratitude journals can improve nurses’ mental well-being.

“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.

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JONA Highlights: Social Capital in the Workplace for New Graduate Nurses: Maximizing Recruitment and Retention

“The concept of social capital asserts that social relationships, memberships, connections, and interactions among people create valuable networks that serve as resources to their members. Social relationships in the workplace build human capital, which is an individual’s
knowledge, skills, and experiences. Benefits are both gained and transferred by social ties and social participation that build trust and foster engagement. In examining the employment experiences of NGNs, it is important to consider the significance of social capital. This entails identifying the various sources of social capital within the workplace that can help cultivate positive work environments.”

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