What is Mattering and Why Does It Matter?

Do nurses feel like they truly matter at work?

Not just that they show up and do their job, but that their efforts are noticed, appreciated, and celebrated by their colleagues and nurse leaders?

That’s the question a colleague recently sent me from a commentary in the Journal of Advanced Nursing, introducing a concept I’d never quite heard put this way before: mattering.

I’ve written about the importance of finding meaning and purpose in your work. But “mattering” feels different. More personal. More human.

Because mattering isn’t just about doing good work—it’s about feeling seen. It’s the deep-down knowledge that you are appreciated, respected, and valued for who you are and what you bring.

A Few Big Ideas from the Article

• We all want more than a to-do list — We want lives that feel full and fulfilling, where happiness, satisfaction, and contentment aren’t occasional visitors but regular guests.
• Self-awareness is magic — When we truly know ourselves, we start to believe in our own worth and see the unique difference we can make.
• When mattering goes missing, trouble follows — Without it, healthcare professionals can lose energy, passion, and connection to their work—and patient care can suffer as a result.

How Design Can Help Nurses Feel They Matter

So how do we design healthcare workplaces that don’t just look good, but make people feel good? Spaces that whisper, “You belong here, and you’re valued”? Here are some essentials:

• Beauty – Spaces that lift your spirit the moment you walk in.
• Joy – Little touches that spark smiles (and maybe even happy dances).
• Caring – Environments that radiate compassion, for both patients and staff.
• Fun – Playful details that make workdays feel a little lighter.
• Privacy – Quiet corners where you can think, breathe, and recharge.
• Camaraderie – Inviting spots for connection, collaboration, and laughter.
• Safety & Security – The solid ground that allows trust to grow.

Great design can bring all of this to life—but it takes more than a comfy chair in the staff lounge or a nice view out the window. It requires fresh thinking and a dash of creativity.

Because at the end of the day, it’s not just about designing a place for work—it’s about creating an environment where caregivers themselves feel cared for. Every. Single. Day.

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Photo: D 35799203 | Nurse Patient © Monkey Business Images | Dreamstime.com