The importance of belongingness and friendships within the nursing community

Nursing, by its very nature, is a profession built upon care, empathy and interpersonal connections. It transcends beyond mere diagnostics and treatment, and is deeply rooted in establishing meaningful connections with patients, their families and fellow professionals.

The essence of nursing is not simply the clinical and technical expertise, but also the human touch, understanding and genuine relationships, all of which form the bedrock of care. The profession calls for empathy and a deep sense of commitment, where every interaction is an opportunity to make a positive impact. In this context, it becomes imperative for nurses to build and nurture connections, not only for the wellbeing of the patients, but also for their own professional and personal growth.

Nursing can be emotionally draining: being constantly exposed to illness, suffering and, at times, death places a weighty emotional load on nurses. Having a sense of belonging and genuine friendships with peers can therefore provide crucial emotional support. Sharing experiences, voicing concerns and discussing the emotional impact of their roles allows nurses to process their feelings and improve their psychological wellbeing. This shared understanding fosters resilience, enabling nurses to cope with their duties without succumbing to burnout.