Begley, Dent Discuss Ways to Improve Staff Mental Health

AONL CEO Robyn Begley, DNP, RN, told Becker’s Healthcare nurse leaders should directly address the reluctance of their staff to use well-being and mental health services.  "This is a big issue,” said Begley, who also serves as the American Hospital Association’s CNO and senior vice president of workforce. “We are confronting it head on and advocating that leaders be very transparent about the programs available to help nurses feeling burnout." Further, Begley noted, nurse executives should “attempt to reduce stress as much as possible from the nursing environment.” Bob Dent, DNP, RN, vice president of patient care services and CNO at Emory Decatur Hospital in North Decatur, Ga., recommended creating psychologically safe spaces to have conversations about emotions and mental health. “Be present for your teams," added Dent, who is a former AONL board chair. The article responded to a May article in Nursing Outlook finding nurses are hesitant to use resources to support their well-being. (Becker’s Healthcare article, 8/1/23)