Dear Nursing Colleagues,
As we begin 2026, I hope you all find some time to refresh and recharge after the busyness of the holidays. The start of a new year always brings the opportunity for clean slates and fresh starts. It is a time when many of us set goals to improve our overall health and wellbeing, though we often find it challenging to maintain these goals.
This time of year also brings an increase in flu and respiratory viruses, leading to higher hospital admissions and acuity surges. As a result, nurses are stretched thin, experiencing work fatigue and emotional exhaustion. During this period of increased stress, I encourage you to consider Provision 5.1 in the 2025 Code of Ethics:
Nurses have a duty to take care of their own health and safety. Nurses define health, determine their level of risk tolerance, and establish work-life balance for themselves. A nurse’s professional performance and personal life may be affected by the extraordinary demands of care, leading to fatigue, weathering, or even burnout. Nurses must be alert to the signs and symptoms that their own health and well-being have been negatively affected.
While nurses have a duty to care for others, this should not come at the expense of their own health and well-being. To be their best selves for others, nurses must prioritize activities that promote human flourishing. Restorative rest, active movement, mindfulness, connecting with others, and engaging in activities that bring joy are essential. Too often, I hear that nurses are too busy to engage in personal wellness activities such as eating, hydrating, exercising, or even taking bathroom breaks during working hours.
A 2018 study by Melnyk et al. provides evidence that when nurses do not prioritize their physical and emotional health, patient care is impacted. Unknowingly, nurses may be less likely to prevent adverse events and more likely to miss care. Taking uninterrupted breaks away from the patient care unit can actually improve outcomes, yet many nurses feel they cannot step away from patient care.
How do we change the script to support our nursing colleagues and protect our patients? The new year is an opportunity to encourage new ways of thinking, new nursing care models, and a focus on human flourishing in every aspect of patient care.
I urge each of you to take proactive steps towards your own well-being. Make a commitment to prioritize self-care, whether it is taking regular breaks, engaging in physical activity, or simply finding ways to incorporate joy throughout your day. By caring for yourselves, you are better equipped to provide the highest level of care to your patients. Let’s work together to create supportive environments where every nurse feels empowered to prioritize their health and well-being.
