RN well-being project - the covid-19 pandemic has taken an extraordinary mental and emotional toll on our nation's nurses, who are the largest sector and most trusted of all healthcare professionals

However, the unrelenting work stress placed on nurses has been overwhelming even before the pandemic. The oregon center for nursing's RN well-being project aims to test solutions throughout the state of oregon to find and identify the root causes of stress and burnout for nurses. The objective of this project is to improve nurses' mental and emotional well-being based on work location (rural VS. Urban), specific affiliation (bipoc, aapi, lgtbqia+), and practice setting (hospital VS. Community-based workplace). A qualitative survey of a representative sample of oregon nurses, conducted in april 2022, suggests nurses continue to report severe mental suffering and exhaustion despite the health support initiatives implemented by employers and state agencies. These findings indicate a GAP in prevention measures that consider the individual area of practice, organization, environment, and workplace culture to support mental health. A literature review conducted by the RN well-being project revealed various interventions that can be used to reduce burnout levels and prevent mental harm. Using an innovative mini-grant model, the RN well-being project will pilot projects at organizations that employ nurses in five counties throughout oregon. The mini-grant awardees will use evidence-based interventions to prevent, address, or support a specific nurse well-being challenge within the workplace. In addition, the project will amplify awareness about nurse well-being strategies and promising tactics, both within oregon and throughout the nation. Retaining an experienced nursing workforce is crucial to the healthcare of all oregonians, and supporting nurses following massive public health crises is imperative. This project will benefit all oregonians by retaining qualified and experienced nurses who will keep oregon healthy as we move into the next normal.