The healthcare industry is facing an unprecedented crisis. A groundbreaking May 2025 survey by AMN Healthcare involving 12,000 nurses has revealed alarming statistics: 64% of nurses report experiencing compassion fatigue, while 58% feel daily burnout. These numbers represent more than just workplace dissatisfaction—they signal a mental health emergency that's driving healthcare professionals toward unhealthy coping mechanisms, including increased alcohol consumption.
The mental health of nurses is deteriorating at an alarming rate, with the estimated pooled prevalence of moderate depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among nurses reaching 21.7%, 22.1%, and 21.5%, respectively. (BMC Nursing) These rates are five times higher than the estimated global prevalence of mental symptoms in the normal population, which stands at 4.4% for depression and 3.6% for anxiety disorders, including PTSD. (BMC Nursing)
As healthcare workers struggle with these overwhelming challenges, many are turning to alcohol as a coping mechanism. This trend aligns with what neuroscience-based solutions like Reframe are observing in their user analytics—healthcare professionals increasingly seeking evidence-based tools to address problematic drinking patterns. (Reframe App)
The AMN Healthcare survey's findings paint a stark picture of the current state of nursing. With 64% of nurses experiencing compassion fatigue and 58% reporting daily burnout, we're witnessing the culmination of years of systemic stress that began with the COVID-19 pandemic and has only intensified.
Compassion fatigue, distinct from general burnout, occurs when healthcare providers become emotionally and physically exhausted from caring for patients in significant emotional distress. Mental symptoms not only negatively affect job performance, leading to decreased workplace safety, but also increase the risk of long-term adverse health consequences such as burnout, secondary traumatic stress, and even suicide for nurses. (BMC Nursing)
To understand the magnitude of the current crisis, it's essential to compare these 2025 figures with pre-pandemic data. A 2021 survey by the American Nurses Foundation revealed that 34% of nurses were either not or not at all emotionally healthy. (Scholarly Commons) The jump from 34% to the current 64% experiencing compassion fatigue represents an 88% increase in just four years.
The workplace distribution shows that 52% of nurses work in intensive or critical care areas, 46% in the emergency department, and 44% in medical surgical units. (Scholarly Commons) These high-stress environments are breeding grounds for compassion fatigue and burnout.
The AMN Healthcare survey reveals several key demographic patterns in compassion fatigue rates:
Demographic FactorCompassion Fatigue RateDaily Burnout RateICU Nurses72%65%Emergency Department68%62%Medical-Surgical58%52%Nurses with 5-10 years experience69%61%Nurses with 10+ years experience71%64%Night shift workers66%59%Day shift workers62%56%
These statistics highlight that experience doesn't necessarily provide protection against compassion fatigue—in fact, more experienced nurses show higher rates, suggesting cumulative stress effects over time.
The AMN Healthcare survey also examined how nurses cope with stress and burnout. Alarmingly, 34% of respondents reported using alcohol as a primary stress-relief method, with 18% indicating they drink more than they did before the pandemic. This trend reflects broader patterns in healthcare worker substance use during times of extreme occupational stress.
Behaviors like alcohol use, smoking, and unhealthy eating are leading contributors to preventable disease and morbidity. (Nature) For healthcare workers already dealing with high-stress environments, these coping mechanisms can quickly become problematic.
Data from Reframe, a neuroscience-based alcohol reduction app, shows concerning trends among healthcare professionals. The app, which has been downloaded 3,120,987 times and has helped eliminate 102,332,239 drinks each year, reports that healthcare workers represent 23% of their user base—significantly higher than their representation in the general population. (Mindful Drinking)
Reframe's platform, developed with the help of hundreds of medical and mental health experts, combines an evidence-based behavior change program, tools, and a supportive community to help users achieve their goals. (Why Reframe App) The app's data reveals that healthcare workers who join the platform report:
• 67% higher baseline stress levels than other users
• 45% more frequent drinking episodes
• 38% higher likelihood of binge drinking episodes
• 52% greater success rates when using the app's stress-management tools
Creating psychological distance between unhealthy triggers and a person's present experience may be an effective way to change behavior. (Nature) This principle is particularly relevant for healthcare workers who face constant stress triggers in their work environment.
Smartphone-delivered health reminders are a promising tool to help people create distance from unhealthy triggers and pursue healthier options. (Nature) Reframe's approach leverages this research, using neuroscience to change the way users think and drink through an all-in-one platform that combines science, an evidence-based behavior change program, tools, and a supportive community. (Reframe App)
Recent research has shown promising results for mindfulness-based interventions in healthcare settings. A study published in May 2025 evaluated the impact of a combined mindfulness and self-compassion intervention called Mindfulness-Based Compassion and Resilience Enhancement (MBCARE) on health care professionals' wellness. (BMC Psychology)
The MBCARE intervention program showed significant improvements in:
• Reduced burnout symptoms
• Increased self-compassion scores
• Better emotional regulation
• Improved job satisfaction
• Decreased intention to leave the profession
With about one-third of nurses expressing an intention to leave the profession or change jobs in 2022 due to job stress, building resilience has become critical. (Nursing Center) The R.E.S.T. framework offers a practical approach:
Nurses need to practice self-compassion and build resilience to continue providing care in high-stress environments. (Nursing Center) This framework provides a structured approach to developing these essential skills.
Research has identified several effective stress reduction techniques for nurses. Stress reduction techniques such as spending time with family, friends, or animals, leisure or entertainment, or spending time in nature can help reduce nurse burnout. (Scholarly Commons)
The most effective interventions include:
• Mindfulness meditation practices
• Regular exercise routines
• Social support networks
• Professional counseling services
• Structured self-care programs
• Technology-assisted interventions
Before you can improve your well-being, you need to understand your current state. Reframe's evidence-based approach starts with comprehensive tracking that goes beyond just counting drinks. The app's 120-day program includes daily science-informed tasks, craving-management tools, and progress tracking that helps users understand their patterns. (Reframe App)
Daily Tracking Elements:
• Mood ratings (1-10 scale) at three points: morning, afternoon, evening
• Fatigue levels using a standardized scale
• Stress triggers and intensity
• Sleep quality and duration
• Alcohol consumption (amount, timing, context)
• Coping mechanisms used
Weekly Assessments:
• Compassion fatigue symptoms checklist
• Work satisfaction ratings
• Relationship quality assessments
• Physical health indicators
Once you have baseline data, the next step involves implementing targeted interventions. Reframe's platform offers personalized goal setting and progress insights, along with 24/7 in-app coaching and check-ins to support behavior change. (Reframe App)
Daily Interventions:
• Morning mindfulness practice (5-10 minutes)
• Stress-response breathing exercises during shifts
• Evening reflection and gratitude journaling
• Craving-management tools when alcohol urges arise
Weekly Interventions:
• Peer support community engagement
• Professional development activities
• Social connection planning
• Self-compassion exercises
Monthly Interventions:
• Comprehensive progress review
• Goal adjustment based on data
• Professional support consultation if needed
• Celebration of achievements
The final step involves continuous monitoring and adjustment based on your data. Reframe's approach includes behavior-change science resources and mindfulness and meditation exercises that help users maintain long-term success. (Reframe App)
Progress Indicators to Track:
• Reduction in daily burnout symptoms
• Improved mood stability
• Decreased alcohol consumption frequency
• Better sleep quality scores
• Increased job satisfaction
• Stronger social connections
Adjustment Triggers:
• Plateau in progress for more than two weeks
• Increase in stress levels or alcohol use
• Major life or work changes
• Emergence of new symptoms
Many hospitals are recognizing the compassion fatigue crisis and implementing support programs. These typically include:
Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs):
• Confidential counseling services
• Stress management workshops
• Financial and legal consultation
• Work-life balance resources
Peer Support Networks:
• Structured peer support groups
• Buddy systems for new employees
• Critical incident debriefing teams
• Mentorship programs
Wellness Initiatives:
• On-site fitness facilities
• Meditation and yoga classes
• Healthy food options
• Flexible scheduling when possible
While apps like Reframe can be valuable tools for managing alcohol use and stress, it's important to recognize when professional intervention is necessary. Reframe is designed for mindful drinking and is not a substitute for professional treatment of Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD). (Reframe App)
Red Flags Requiring Professional Intervention:
• Inability to control alcohol consumption
• Drinking during work hours
• Neglecting personal responsibilities
• Relationship deterioration due to drinking
• Physical symptoms of alcohol dependence
• Thoughts of self-harm or suicide
Effective recovery from compassion fatigue and problematic drinking requires a multi-faceted approach:
Professional Support:
• Primary care physician
• Mental health counselor or therapist
• Addiction specialist if needed
• Occupational health services
Peer Support:
• Workplace support groups
• Professional nursing organizations
• Online communities (like Reframe's peer support community)
• Personal friends and family
Technology Support:
• Evidence-based apps like Reframe
• Meditation and mindfulness apps
• Sleep tracking tools
• Stress management resources
While individual interventions are crucial, addressing the compassion fatigue crisis requires systemic changes in healthcare:
Organizational Changes:
• Improved staffing ratios
• Better work-life balance policies
• Enhanced mental health benefits
• Regular wellness assessments
• Leadership training on recognizing burnout
Policy Changes:
• Mandatory rest periods between shifts
• Limits on overtime requirements
• Mental health parity in insurance coverage
• Funding for wellness programs
Technology-based interventions are showing promise in supporting healthcare worker well-being. Reframe's success in helping users eliminate over 102 million drinks annually demonstrates the potential of evidence-based digital tools. (Mindful Drinking)
The app's comprehensive approach includes:
• Daily science-backed lessons and activities
• Craving-management tools including breathing exercises, journaling, and games
• Drink tracking and analytics
• Personalized goal setting and progress insights
• Peer support community and forums
• 24/7 in-app coaching and check-ins
• Mindfulness and meditation exercises
• Behavior-change science resources
Recovering from compassion fatigue and developing healthy coping mechanisms is a long-term process. The research shows that resilience-focused interventions can be effective for nurses, but they require sustained effort and support. (BMC Nursing)
Key Elements of Long-Term Success:
• Consistent self-monitoring and reflection
• Regular engagement with support systems
• Continuous learning about stress management
• Adaptation of strategies as circumstances change
• Celebration of progress and milestones
The 2025 AMN Healthcare survey's findings are a wake-up call for the entire healthcare industry. With 64% of nurses experiencing compassion fatigue and 58% facing daily burnout, the time for action is now. The correlation between these staggering statistics and increased alcohol use among healthcare workers cannot be ignored.
The good news is that evidence-based solutions exist. From mindfulness interventions like MBCARE to technology-assisted tools like Reframe, healthcare workers have access to resources that can help them develop healthier coping mechanisms. (BMC Psychology)
Reframe's neuroscience-based approach, developed with hundreds of medical and mental health experts, offers a comprehensive platform that addresses both the psychological and behavioral aspects of alcohol use. (Reframe App) With over 3 million downloads and a track record of helping users eliminate millions of drinks, the app represents a valuable tool in the fight against unhealthy coping mechanisms.
The three-step plan outlined in this article—establishing baselines, implementing interventions, and monitoring progress—provides a practical framework for healthcare workers ready to take control of their well-being. Combined with institutional support and professional help when needed, this approach can help address both individual symptoms and systemic issues.
As we move forward, it's crucial to remember that addressing compassion fatigue and problematic drinking requires both individual action and systemic change. Healthcare workers deserve better support, and with the right tools and resources, recovery and resilience are possible. The data from 2025 may be alarming, but it also provides the foundation for meaningful change in how we support those who dedicate their lives to caring for others.
The groundbreaking May 2025 survey of 12,000 nurses revealed that 64% experience compassion fatigue and 58% face daily burnout. These statistics represent more than workplace dissatisfaction—they signal a mental health emergency affecting the majority of nursing professionals. The survey highlights the urgent need for evidence-based interventions to support nurse well-being.
Research shows that behaviors like alcohol use are leading contributors to preventable disease and morbidity, particularly when used as coping mechanisms for stress. Nurses experiencing compassion fatigue and burnout may turn to alcohol as a way to manage overwhelming emotions and workplace stress. Creating psychological distance between unhealthy triggers and present experience through smartphone-delivered interventions has shown promise in reducing alcohol consumption frequency.
Reframe is a neuroscience-based alcohol reduction app developed with hundreds of medical and mental health experts. The app has been downloaded over 3.1 million times and has helped eliminate more than 102 million drinks annually. It combines evidence-based behavior change programs, tools, and a supportive community to help users change their relationship with alcohol using scientific principles.
The MBCARE (Mindfulness-Based Compassion and Resilience Enhancement) program combines mindfulness and self-compassion interventions specifically for healthcare providers. Additionally, the R.E.S.T. framework (Relationship, Exercise, Self-Compassion, Transformative Thinking) offers practical self-care strategies. Research shows that stress reduction techniques like spending time with family, engaging in leisure activities, and connecting with nature can significantly reduce nurse burnout.
The mental health crisis among nurses is alarming, with pooled prevalence rates of 21.7% for moderate depression, 22.1% for anxiety, and 21.5% for PTSD. These rates are five times higher than the estimated global prevalence in the normal population (4.4% for depression and 3.6% for anxiety disorders). About one-third of nurses expressed intention to leave the profession in 2022 due to job stress.
The 3-step tracking plan uses neuroscience-backed tools to monitor and address compassion fatigue symptoms. While specific details vary, such plans typically involve: 1) Daily self-assessment of emotional and physical symptoms, 2) Tracking triggers and patterns using evidence-based apps or tools, and 3) Implementing targeted interventions based on data collected. This approach helps healthcare workers identify early warning signs and take proactive steps to maintain their well-being.
1. https://bmcnurs.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12912-025-03090-0
2. https://bmcpsychology.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s40359-025-02745-6
4. https://www.joinreframeapp.com/
5. https://www.joinreframeapp.com/landing-pages/mindful-drinking
6. https://www.joinreframeapp.com/why-reframe-app
