Healthy Nurse, Healthy Nation - The Power of Nurses: Recharge & Rise challenge, sponsored by Humana
Nursing is grounded in strength, compassion, and resilience. Yet too often, the very professionals who provide continuous care operate in a state of chronic depletion.
Long shifts, high-acuity patients, emotional intensity, and constant vigilance require sustained cognitive and emotional energy. Without intentional recovery, energy gradually diminishes over time.
Fatigue is more than feeling tired. Research consistently shows that insufficient sleep and chronic exhaustion impair decision-making, reaction time, emotional regulation, and cardiovascular health. Over time, prolonged fatigue contributes to burnout, decreased job satisfaction, and increased risk for long-term health conditions.
Within Healthy Nurse, Healthy Nation®, Rest is one of six essential domains of well-being and a foundational driver of sustainable nursing practice. Without adequate recovery, the other domains, such as physical activity, mental health, safety, quality of life, and nutrition, become more difficult to maintain.
Rest is not simply a personal preference. It is a biological requirement and a professional safeguard that supports clarity, resilience, and safe patient care.
In celebration of National Nurses Week, we’re launching a two-part pilot challenge, beginning with a week of reflection and learning, followed by an interactive Optimity-powered engagement experience. This challenge is designed to help you:
• Reframe rest as essential rather than optional
• Strengthen practical habits that support sleep and recovery
• Build confidence in protecting restorative boundaries
• Recognize how nutrition, hydration, and daily routines influence energy
Each day offers one focused, practical action rooted in real nursing experiences. Through awareness, reflection, and small intentional steps, we can move from depletion toward restoration and renewal together.
Click "Yes," under "Ready to Join?" to sign up today!
This challenge starts on May 4.
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- An online community to connect you to others with similar goals – share stories &gain best practices
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How are you doing in the challenge?
I should start by saying that rest & relaxation is extremely challenging for me, hence the importance. I recognize that without rest & refueling, I have little to give, to not only myself but especially to others. I commit to listening to my body & allowing the time it needs to rejuvinate.
This rest challenge reminded me that rest is not optional—it is essential for both personal well-being and safe patient care. When nurses are well-rested, we are more focused, make better decisions, and provide higher-quality care. Although it can be difficult to maintain these habits consistently, even small changes made a noticeable difference in how I felt physically and mentally.
I just joined the challenge that began on May 4. I have read studies that show how restorative rest and sleep is to your wellbeing and ability to help others. I will work on taking small breaks at work to combat fatigue and improve productivity.
Great to be reminded about the importance of rest and sleep. I’m ready to make small changes for big wins in my health on the long run!
I recently finished the modules for Nurse Well Being It is important not only to recognize stress in our peers but also with ourselves Having a quiet space or quiet time to reset is helpful Deb Stuart RN OR
wellness and motivation challenge designed to help nurses reset, recharge, and rise stronger — mentally, physically, and emotionally
Rest makes me more patient
Excited to be apart of encouraging each other to pause and rest for a moment!
Just returned from a mini girls trip and feeling rejuvenated after a great rest.
@Njango That sounds wonderful!
I often feel guilty when I slow down. I need to learn to rest more and not rest as an after thought.
@Pat-Rice Milton Same! I've been trying to “schedule” time for me to do something I enjoy at home, so I don't have to feel like “oh I could be doing this…” it does help!