By Rosa Hart, BSN, RN, SCRN
Gen Z nurses are launching their careers amidst a period of record loneliness and disconnection. Studies indicate that 72% of Gen Z experience regular loneliness, with 79% ailing as far back as 2019. The COVID-19 pandemic only accelerated the crisis, compounding isolation and mental health concerns.
Nursing associations are optimally placed to make an appeal to early career nurses by promoting themselves as a source of force to nurture community and a platform for meaningful activism. Through social connectedness, mentorship, and professional engagement, we can combat workplace isolation while creating a more robust nursing profession in general.
The Socialization Gap in Nursing
As opposed to earlier generations, Gen Z has been brought up in a digital-first environment, so in-person communication becomes something new. This change can be witnessed in the workplace, where in addition to Gen Z:
● 74% of adults find casual conversation in common areas challenging. A new survey taken in the United Kingdom indicates that, according to a study requested by Tildawin.com and conducted by OnePoll.com, about 74% of employed adults reported struggling to engage in light conversation with colleagues in shared spaces (e.g., kitchens or elevators).
● 50% would rather use digital communication tools than interact in person. The same report found that nearly 50% of respondents admitted to preferring digital channels (WhatsApp, Teams, or email) over face-to-face conversation—even when sitting nearby.
● 40% of Gen Z employees believe that working remotely has caused them to find in-person socialization challenging. The study also highlighted that 40% of Gen Z workers reported feeling more comfortable communicating online, indicating that remote work has made traditional, in-person interactions feel unfamiliar or “like learning a new language.”
● 28% will avoid common areas to bypass awkward interactions. Finally, 28% of respondents said they actively avoid common areas (such as the office kitchen) to skip potential awkward interactions.
Traditional breakroom socialization has been replaced by solitary interactions, stoking workplace disengagement. If left unchecked, the trend threatens the collaboration and supportive environment that have long defined nursing.
The Role of Nursing Organizations:
Nursing organizations can address this socialization deficit by constructing community through formal networking and activist opportunities. By incorporating interactive engagement initiatives, we can provide Gen Z nurses with a sense of community and purpose.
Framework for Community Engagement: Speed Networking & Activism
In order to establish connection among younger nurses, we recommend introducing structured meet-and-greet sessions into annual nursing conferences and regional meetings. These can include:
Speed Networking Sessions:
Modeled after speed dating, these structured conversations encourage substantive, timed interactions among attendees.
Rotating discussion topics focus on shared experiences, career goals, and workplace challenges.
Facilitated by experienced mentors who can offer career guidance and professional orientation.
Themed Social Mixers:
Gen Z interest-based events, i.e., wellness, sustainability, or health care technology.
Incorporating interactive elements such as substantial live Q&A panels, storytelling, or hands-on workshops.
Activism and Advocacy Opportunities:
Many Gen Z nurses seek activism as a source of community. Organizations can channel this interest into nursing advocacy efforts.
Offering in-person policy workshops, letter-writing campaigns, or legislative meet-ups offers structured, substantive engagement.
Partnering with traditional advocacy groups allows Gen Z nurses to contribute meaningfully towards healthcare reform efforts.
The Benefits of Implementing This Initiative:
Nursing organizations, through social interaction, mentorship, and activism, can:
Increase job satisfaction and retention of Gen Z nurses.
Improve workplace relationships, leading to better teamwork and collaboration.
Offer a support system that eliminates the mental illness associated with isolation.
Enhance the role of nursing organizations as essential professional homes for new nurses.
Nursing is a community, not just a profession. And as the social world evolves, we must evolve by giving Gen Z nurses intentional, structured opportunities to connect. By introducing speed networking and activism into professional conferences and events, we can begin to reverse the epidemic of loneliness while keeping the next generation of nurses connected, empowered, and supported.
The time to act is now. Together, we can cultivate a stronger, more united nursing workforce for the future.
Rosa Hart, BSN, RN, SCRN is a serial podcaster, speaker and media consultant. She has over a decade of experience working with stroke survivors and their loved ones. Nurse Rosa is a passionate patient advocate and uses her skill with social media to raise awareness in the community.
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