The importance of prioritising mental health in nursing

More than half of US nurses in a Mckinsey & Company survey reported symptoms of burnout. 

This has inevitably led to several nurses exiting their roles and even the profession, with 41% of nurses in direct care roles stating they intend to leave their role in the proceeding 6 months, citing reasons such as not feeling valued by their facility, staff shortages, and inadequate compensation.  

In comparison, travel nursing has grown exponentially, growing 430% between 2018-2024, as travel nursing offers:  

• Increased flexibility for nurses as they choose when they work 

• The ability for facilities to bridge staffing gaps seamlessly 

• Enhanced compensation due to increased demand, with the average travel nurse making $103,695 annually 

Despite these benefits, the mental health of travel nurses is also something that needs to be prioritized. Ultimately, nursing will always be a demanding profession and is a vocation that can take a toll on mental health, regardless of if you’re a travel nurse or on staff.  
 

While 65% of travel nurses in one survey reported better mental health since switching to travel nursing, 35% cited that they are often very fatigued to the point where they struggle to function and 56% stated they had difficulty sleeping. 

5 mental health tips for nurses 

Don’t neglect self-care 

Why it helps: Consistent self-care replenishes emotional reserves and mitigates stress buildup 

How to do this: 

• Schedule brief daily rituals, such as morning stretches, a 10-minute walk outside, or evening mindfulness journaling 

• Block these into your calendar as non-negotiable, as the small amount of time required can be more easily factored in around your busy schedule 
  
  

Create and lean on your support network 

Why it helps: A problem shared is a problem halved. Shared experiences combat isolation, normalize challenges, and can provide practical solutions.  

How to do this: 

• Join travel or staff nurses communities on social media 

• Participate in debrief sessions with your colleagues after difficult shifts 

• Check in on your coworkers and share coping strategies 

Use professional mental health resources 

Why it helps: Counseling and coaching offer coping tools and confidential advice. 

How to do this: 

• For staff nurses, you can explore your facility’s EAP (employee assistance program) and on-site counseling services 

• Travel nurses can confirm EAP access through their agency  

• All nurses can explore virtual therapy services, which may fit more easily around shifts that in-person sessions 

Prioritize quality sleep 

Why it helps: Quality sleep improves emotional regulation, cognitive performance, and physical health. 

How to do this: 

• Reduce caffeine intake if you find yourself struggling to sleep 

• Exercise regularly and at least 2 hours before you go to sleep 

• Create a restful sleep environment that’s dark, cool, and quiet; you can use earplugs, lavender pillow sprays, white-noise apps, and eye masks 

• Limit screen time at least one hour before bed 

Set boundaries  

Why it helps: Protecting your work/life balance prevents chronic overwork, resentment, and burnout. 

How to do this: 

• For staff nurses, you should define clear off-duty hours and communicate them to your unit manager. 

• Travel nurses should clarify shift expectations and overtime policies with each facility 

• Decline overtime when you feel your capacity is reached, protecting your wellbeing and upholding the best standards of patient care 

Our expert team of travel nurse recruiters take our nurses’ mental health seriously, advocating for their interests to facilities. Check out our current travel nurse jobs now or get in touch to start your journey to a better work/life balance today.