The use of digital applications to support well-being is increasing across healthcare. This presentation will consider the increasing prevalence of these applications and their adoption for supporting the well-being of the nursing workforce. A key focus will be on whether these tools primarily cater for individuals or organisational needs. Self-determination theory will be explored as a theoretical framework to assess their design and impact. Additionally, the session will highlight nurses' ability to engage with digital applications, evaluating their suitability and effectiveness in addressing workplace challenges.

During ongoing global nursing shortages, addressing workplace well-being has become a priority. Factors such as an ageing nursing workforce, decreased undergraduates, and workforce retention issues contribute to the overall challenge. High levels of stress negatively affect nurses’ well-being and are associated with increased intention to leave the profession, with burnout being a predictor of clinical errors that impact patient safety and prolong hospital stays. Research has demonstrated that nurses’ well-being is linked to improved performance, stronger professional collaboration, and better retention rates.

This presentation draws on key findings from an integrative literature review on the potential of digital applications to support the well-being of nurses, and a paper on the use of self-determination theory as a theoretical framework to inform digital well-being applications in nursing, to discuss and provide insights into the current digital landscape for nurse well-being and their theoretical design and implementation.

With the increased prevalence of digital applications, it is vital to evaluate their effectiveness in supporting nurses. This session will be relevant to nurses interested in their own well-being, researchers investigating digital health interventions, and leaders involved in workforce support. By identifying knowledge gaps and outlining future research directions, this presentation will offer a crucial perspective on digital applications as a meaningful solution to workplace well-being challenges in nursing.