Promoting Nurses’ Mental Health
Effective Date: November 30, 2020
Status: Position Statement
Adopted by: ANA Board of Directors
Summary
This Position Statement is intended to guide the American Nurses Association (ANA) in advocacy and public engagement on policies and programs to support optimal mental health for all nurses.
ANA believes that policymakers as well as health care leaders and institutions should recognize and address nurses’ unique mental health needs and implement strategies to ensure these needs are met under all conditions, including during disasters and public health emergencies. Access to affordable mental health screenings and confidential mental health assistance and treatment is vital, and the use of these resources must not threaten nurses’ licensure or employment. The profession must put an end to the stigma that is still attached to mental health issues so that all nurses feel able to get the help they need.
ANA recognizes that improving nurses’ mental health depends, in large part, on improvements in the larger health care delivery system, including addressing everyone’s mental health and supporting nurse engagement in efforts to transform the system. Mental health screenings, assistance, and treatment must be affordable and accessible.
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