Neurodiversity among nurses: Consequences for well-being and burnout

Background A particular gap in past research is a lack of understanding of how neurodivergence may impact nurses' workplace well-being. With up to 20% of individuals displaying neurodivergent traits in the workplace, it is important to recognize that those traits could be considered barriers with opportunities for change, or strengths of the individuals in these workplaces. Promoting well-being among neurodivergent nurses is critical for both their health and improving nursing care in general. Purpose The current study sought to investigate the prevalence and well-being of neurodivergent nurses compared to nurses who do not identify as neurodivergent. Methods A cross-sectional study of 300 nurses (mean age: 38 years; average experience: 12 years) was conducted wherein participants were asked if they identified as or had been diagnosed as neurodivergent. Participants were then surveyed using various measures of well-being, health, and burnout. Results demonstrated that over a third of nurses identified as neurodivergent, and others reported they had received a diagnosis. Neurodivergent nurses scored higher than their peers on negative factors, such as general and workplace psychological distress, burnout, and pain. Discussion These findings point to how neurodivergent nurses are more prevalent than previously thought, relative to general population prevalence estimates of up to 20%. This could demonstrate that the occupation of nursing is possibly attractive to neurodivergent individuals, especially those who report attention-deficit hyperactivity traits. Conclusion Findings also demonstrate that nurses have different workplace experiences, which highlights an opportunity to improve well-being for this nursing sub-population.