Honoring Nurses' Well-Being: A Moral and Strategic Imperative
- Linda Roszak Burton
- May 5
- 4 min read
Updated: May 7
Every year during National Nurses Week (May 6-12), we pause to honor the remarkable dedication of nurses across the country. Their compassion, resilience and commitment to patient care are the bedrock of our health care systems. But this week is more than a celebration—it is a call to action. To truly honor nurses, we must prioritize their well-being with the same urgency we bring to patient outcomes. The Future of Nursing 2020-2030 Report shows that supporting nurse well-being is not only a moral imperative; it is a strategic investment in the health of our organizations.¹
While the factors contributing to burnout among all health care professionals are well documented, measured and analyzed, we believe there is much to learn from those whose well-being is measured as "thriving"—even in the face of setbacks and challenges. That's why we look to ethos—from the Greek meaning for the distinguishing character and guiding values and beliefs of an individual, community or institution—to harness what is working well and cultivate greater well-being for nurses (and all clinicians).
Accordant's ethos: Awakening Virtues in Health Care approach focuses on developing, teaching and implementing evidence-based practices to enhance well-being initiatives. These initiatives aim to empower individuals, strengthen medical teams and positively impact health care organizations and the communities they serve.
The Cost of Nurse Burnout
According to the American Nurses Foundation, 56% percent of nurses are experiencing burnout, including emotional exhaustion, and 64% say they feel "a great deal of stress because of their job." When nurses leave their profession due to stress and burnout, health care institutions face increased recruitment and training costs, which disrupt the continuity of care and place financial strain on the system. The national registered nurse turnover rate stands at 16%, estimating the average cost of turnover for a bedside RN is $61,110, an 8.6% increase. For the average hospital, this can equate to roughly $3.9 to $5.7 million in losses per year.² Additionally, a study on occupational health found burnout to be associated with lower health care quality and safety as well as lower patient satisfaction.³
A Case for Gratitude
Thankfully, a growing body of evidence-based research in gratitude offers a hopeful path forward. Research has found that one of the most effective ways to enhance well-being is by building a culture of gratitude—and recent studies show how the benefits of gratitude extend to nurses in particular. When nurses experience gratitude at work—whether expressing it themselves or receiving it from others—it helps reduce stress, foster positive relationships and deepen a sense of purpose. While gratitude alone can't replace other essential workplace supports, it can fuel the resilience nurses need to meet the demands of their vital and challenging work.⁴
Further research from the Greater Good Science Center at UC Berkeley suggests that practicing gratitude improves resilience, reduces stress and enhances overall well-being. Even in high-pressure environments, pausing to acknowledge small positive moments—a meaningful patient interaction, a supportive colleague or a moment of personal achievement—can rewire the brain toward greater positivity. While practicing gratitude may seem like a "soft skill," it is more important than ever. As positive emotions and feelings of empowerment among nurses are on the decline, stress and anxiety remain consistently high.⁵
Additionally, “Meaningful Recognition” is one of the top five American Association of Critical Care Nurses (AACN) standards for establishing and sustaining healthy work environments. Nurses must be recognized and must recognize others for the value each brings to the work of the organization.⁶
Ultimately, the well-being of nurses is not just a personal issue; it is a strategic imperative for health care systems and economies. By prioritizing nurse well-being, we create healthier workplaces, improve patient care outcomes and contribute to a more resilient and economically sustainable health care system.
To the nurses who show up day after day with courage and compassion, thank you. You are the heart of healing. And to the health care leaders reading this: let this week be a catalyst. Let us move from celebration to commitment—because the well-being of nurses is not a luxury. It is a cornerstone of exceptional care.
And perhaps the most powerful place to start is with ethos—cultivating cultures of gratitude, connection and meaning that remind nurses not just of what they do, but of why it matters.
Want more? Take some time to complete the National Nurses Week Worksheet: Honoring Well-Being, Ethos & Gratitude—designed to help nurses (and those who support them) reflect on well-being, express gratitude and identify simple, meaningful action steps. Complete it yourself or share it with a nurse you know and appreciate!
² https://www.nsinursingsolutions.com/Documents/Library/NSI_National_Health_Care_Retention_Report.pdf
About the Author: Linda Roszak Burton BS, BBC, ACC, is a Principal Consultant and a certified executive coach and health and well-being coach with Accordant. She is the author of Gratitude Heals: A Journal for Inspiration and Guidance. Her TEDx Talk on the Power of Gratitude was released in 2022. You can reach her at Linda@AccordantHealth.com for information on her well-being coaching programs or connect with her through LinkedIn.
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