4 Ways to check in and support a colleague in need — Power of Peers challenge — Day 9 — Healthy Nurse, Nurse, Healthy Nation
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Support a Colleague in Need
Recognizing when you need support or a mental health break is important. So is the ability to recognize when your fellow nurses need support. While awareness of mental health issues in nursing continues to grow, stigma still exists. This can make it hard for some nurses to speak up out of fear of retribution, bullying, or even loss of employment.
The simple gesture of checking in with a colleague and offering help can make a world of difference.
Your Action for Today
Identify a colleague who might need support and reach out to help. For example:
It also helps to understand your colleague’s coping strategies (see Day 3). This will enable you to support them in the way they need. If you’re not sure, ask them about their favorite self-care practices or stress-relief techniques. Offer to join them in one.
Bonus idea: Make peer support part of every day. Before or after your shift, take 30 seconds to check in with someone on your team. Ask, “On a scale from 1 to 10, how are you feeling today?” If they rate low, ask if you can do anything to help. If they rate high, ask what’s working well for them!
Even during a busy shift, a quick check-in is manageable, and you’re helping to promote a culture of care and communication.
Join us on day 10: A sneak peek - Master skills on building peer and leadership support — and earn CEUs.
Missed day 8? Catch up here.
Recognizing when you need support or a mental health break is important. So is the ability to recognize when your fellow nurses need support. While awareness of mental health issues in nursing continues to grow, stigma still exists. This can make it hard for some nurses to speak up out of fear of retribution, bullying, or even loss of employment.
The simple gesture of checking in with a colleague and offering help can make a world of difference.
Your Action for Today
Identify a colleague who might need support and reach out to help. For example:
- Ask them how they’re feeling, and practice active listening without interruption or judgment.
- Encourage them to take a mental wellness break (see Day 8 for ideas) and offer to cover them for a few minutes.
- Invite them to join you on a mood-boosting walk.
- Send them a note of encouragement, a funny meme, or words of gratitude for the work they do.
It also helps to understand your colleague’s coping strategies (see Day 3). This will enable you to support them in the way they need. If you’re not sure, ask them about their favorite self-care practices or stress-relief techniques. Offer to join them in one.
Bonus idea: Make peer support part of every day. Before or after your shift, take 30 seconds to check in with someone on your team. Ask, “On a scale from 1 to 10, how are you feeling today?” If they rate low, ask if you can do anything to help. If they rate high, ask what’s working well for them!
Even during a busy shift, a quick check-in is manageable, and you’re helping to promote a culture of care and communication.
Join us on day 10: A sneak peek - Master skills on building peer and leadership support — and earn CEUs.
Missed day 8? Catch up here.
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06/12/2025 4:30pm CDT
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