The Relationship Between Narrative Medicine and Nurse and Nurse Practitioner Well-Being

TL;DR

This study finds that practicing narrative medicine is linked to better well-being for nurses and nurse practitioners.

Contribution

The study establishes a novel link between narrative medicine practices and improved well-being among RNs and NPs.

Findings

Strong correlations between narrative medicine practices and well-being scores were found among RNs.

Moderate correlations were observed in select narrative medicine practice dimensions among NPs.

Narrative medicine may help reduce burnout and improve professional resilience in nursing.

Abstract

Background: Narrative Medicine (NM) has emerged as a strategy to support reflective clinical practice and emotional resilience among nurses. This study examined relationships between NM practices and well-being among registered nurses (RNs) and nurse practitioners (NPs). Methods: A national sample of RNs and NPs was recruited using snowball sampling. Participants completed a NM practice survey and the Mayo Clinic Well-Being Index (WBI) survey. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation coefficients. Results: A total of 3167 responses were analyzed (1934 RNs and 1233 NPs). Among RNs, strong statistically significant correlations were found between NM practices and well-being scores (p < 0.001). Among NPs, moderate correlations appeared in select NM practice dimensions (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Engagement in narrative Medicine practices is associated with improved well-being among nurses and nurse practitioners. NM may present a promising strategy to reduce burnout and strengthen professional resilience.