Nursing schools aim to address students’ poor mental health

Nursing schools are launching initiatives to better support students who are experiencing higher rates of depression than previous cohorts. Ohio State University in Columbus screens incoming health science students for depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation and directs students to campus health services as needed, according to OSU Chief Wellness Officer Bernadette Melnyk, PhD, RN, who is an AONL member. Many nursing programs have introduced programs to lower stress, prevent burnout and reduce emotional trauma. Melnyk says nursing schools should integrate stress management programs into the curriculum instead of offering them as electives. She notes students overwhelmed from regular coursework will not sign up for additional stress management programs. (Medscape article, 11/19/24)