Work-Life Balance
Anxiety and depression are more common in nursing than many realize, yet they’re still rarely talked about openly. Between overwhelming patient loads, long hours and moments of real trauma, the emotional toll can be intense.
We asked Kelley Johnson, RN, MSN, to share her perspective on what truly drives burnout—and the strategies she’s found most helpful for managing stress on and off the floor.
Whether you’re new to the profession or years into your career, understanding these challenges and having tools to cope can make a meaningful difference in both your mental health and the quality of care you deliver.
Understanding Anxiety and Depression in Nursing
Common Workplace Triggers
Nursing comes with a unique set of stressors. Nurse Kelley Johnson, RN, MSN, points to one especially serious issue:
“The worst, by far, is violence against nurses. I have never, ever seen a nurse fully recover from being assaulted at work, and the entire dynamic of the unit usually shifts as well for a little while. Nurses need more protection at work and higher consequences for violence from anyone in their workplace.”
Other triggers include chronic understaffing, constant high-stakes decisions and long hours that leave little time to decompress. Over time, these pressures can take a toll not just emotionally, but physically too.
Recognizing the Symptoms
Signs of anxiety and depression often appear gradually: a sense of dread before shifts, trouble focusing during rounds or emotional numbness. Physical symptoms are also common, like persistent nurse fatigue, headaches or changes in sleep. Left unaddressed, these signs can build into burnout—or something more serious.
Why It Matters for Patient Care
Mental health doesn’t just affect how a nurse feels; it affects how care is delivered. Clinical decision-making, safety protocols and communication with patients all suffer when nurses are mentally and emotionally drained. Supporting nurse mental health is more than a wellness initiative. It’s a patient safety priority.
Practical On-the-Shift Tips
When you’re managing an understaffed floor or juggling emergencies back-to-back, coping tools you can use in the moment are essential. Here are strategies to help reduce anxiety during your shift without stepping away from the unit.
Time Management Hacks
Nurse Kelley shares:
“Charting literally whenever you can and trying to stay on top of everything you need to get done from the start of the shift was a great way to help set the tone and pace of the entire day.”
- Start with the hard stuff: Prioritize stress-heavy tasks (like med passes or documentation) so you don’t fall behind.
- Create micro-checklists: Quick visual lists tucked into a pocket or clipboard help you stay organized without adding decision fatigue.
- Batch tasks: Group similar responsibilities (vitals, documentation, rounding) to save time and reduce mental load.
Grounding and Centering Techniques
- 5-4-3-2-1 Method: Name 5 things you can see, 4 you can touch, 3 you can hear, 2 you can smell and 1 you can taste—a proven grounding technique for overwhelming moments.
- Box Breathing: Inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 4, exhale for 4, hold for 4. This technique helps reset your nervous system on a hectic floor.
- Touch anchors: Keep a small, meaningful object (like a stone or charm) in your pocket to hold during stressful moments and trigger calm.
Leaning on Teamwork
- Buddy up: Pair with a coworker and check in throughout the day. Even a quick debrief or shared laugh can ease stress.
- Delegate when possible: Ask for help before things spiral. Your teammates know the load and often want to support you.
- Celebrate small wins: Share moments of progress, smooth IV starts or good patient feedback. Positivity spreads.
Long-Term Workplace Solutions
Establishing Healthy Routines
Strong habits outside of work build resilience on the job. Consistent sleep, nourishing meals, regular movement and time to decompress all help regulate stress and protect mental health in high-pressure roles.
Building Professional Resilience
Resilience isn’t about pushing through alone—it’s about having the right systems in place. Peer mentorship, access to mental health programs and workplace wellness initiatives all play a role. And perhaps most importantly, creating a culture where it’s safe to ask for help makes a lasting difference.
Setting Work/Home Boundaries
Taking off your badge should feel like stepping out of work—not just hitting pause before the next shift. Boundaries between personal life and professional duties are key to long-term well-being. That might mean turning off work email alerts after hours or making time for hobbies that recharge you. Learn more boundary tips in our guide on how to achieve work-life balance.
When to Seek Professional Help for Anxiety & Depression
So how do you know when it’s time to stop pushing through and start reaching out?
According to Nurse Kelley, “The moment you stop enjoying work altogether or enjoying doing things you used to love outside of work is the moment we should all seek professional help, in my opinion.”
If anxiety or depression is interfering with your quality of life, it’s time to talk to a professional. Therapy, medication and other treatment options can provide real support for the long term.
Supporting Nurses and Strengthening Care
When nurses care for themselves, they’re able to give the best care to others. A mentally healthy nursing workforce isn’t just important—it’s foundational to safe, compassionate patient care.
At Cherokee Uniforms, we recognize the pressures nurses face daily, and our support goes beyond scrubs. Mental health should never be sidelined. Let’s keep the conversation open, advocate for safer workplaces and encourage one another to prioritize well-being at every level.