Perceived Need and Utilization of Mental Health Services by Registered Nurses.

BACKGROUND

Nurses experience high rates of mental health stressors. Mental health support services can mitigate the burden of these stressors and mental health sequelae, but nurses may not access them due to stigma, unavailability, or concerns regarding professional standing.

OBJECTIVE

To examine the association between nurse characteristics and perceived need for and utilization of mental health services and identify barriers to nurses accessing mental health services.

METHODS

Cross-sectional survey data were analyzed from 367 nurses in one large urban health system. Descriptive statistics and multinomial logistic regression were used to examine demographic, workplace, and mental health characteristics that were independently associated with perceived need for and utilization of mental health services.

RESULTS

Nurses who reported experiences of verbal abuse, anxiety, or burnout and who were younger and partnered were more likely to have utilized mental health services and have perceived they would benefit from these services. The most prevalent barriers to care included not knowing how to find a provider, inconvenient hours, and embarrassment or concerns about judgment from others.

DISCUSSION

Several barriers prevent nurses who perceive a need for mental health services from accessing them. Interventions targeting these barriers may help mitigate the burden of mental health conditions in this population.