The Relationship Between Narrative Medicine and Nurse and Nurse Practitioner Well-Being
<b>Background:</b> 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). <b>Methods:</b> 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. <b>Results:</b> 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 (<i>p</i> < 0.001). Among NPs, moderate correlations appeared in select NM practice dimensions (<i>p</i> < 0.05). <b>Conclusions:</b> 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.
Authors
- Paulette Thabault
- Emily Gesner
Institutions
- Dartmouth–Hitchcock Medical Center (US)
- Northeastern University (US)
- Norwich University (US)
- Norwich University Applied Research Institute (US)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Nursing Reports
- Published
- 2026-01-20
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.3390/nursrep16010032
- Primary Topic
- Empathy and Medical Education
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00