Employee Assistance Programs

As the focus on nurse well-being evolves, an important consideration is the role of an organization's employee assistance program (EAP). Employee assistance programs are historically underused by employees and are not understood in terms of the depth of services and partnerships they can offer. Nurse executives have a key role in maximizing EAP services and utilization as ones who refer staff and who can influence and decide on an EAP partner and related programs and services. This column discusses how EAPs can be a significant tool for nurse leaders in supporting employees.