Fostering belonging and social connectedness in nursing: Evidence-based strategies: A discussion paper for nurse students, faculty, leaders, and clinical nurses.

Background: The phenomenon of loneliness among healthcare providers, particularly nurses, has garnered increasing attention due to its detrimental effects on individual well-being and professional retention. The isolation experienced by nurses has been linked to heightened turnover rates and intentions to leave the profession, posing significant challenges to healthcare systems globally. Recognizing loneliness as an epidemic in 2023, the U.