# 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.

## Key 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.