Depression in registered nurses: A state of the science

Arica A. Brandford, Deborah B. Reed

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

91 Scopus citations

Abstract

Registered nurses suffer from depression at almost twice the rate of individuals in other professions. Major depression affects both employees and organizations. Depression is linked to increases in work absenteeism, short-term disability, and decreased productivity and presenteeism. Depression experienced by registered nurses may not be fully preventable, but realizing its presence and prevalence in the workplace is of vital importance. It is essential that we have a healthy, vibrant, and present registered nurse workforce to ensure that quality patient outcomes are achieved. This review of 36 articles assesses the current state of the science related to depression in registered nurses so that occupational health nurses can create pathways and work environments for better mental health for registered nurses.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)488-511
Number of pages24
JournalWorkplace Health and Safety
Volume64
Issue number10
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 1 2016

Keywords

  • mental health
  • occupational hazards
  • organizational culture/climate
  • productivity
  • research
  • workforce

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health
  • Nursing (miscellaneous)

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