About WisPAN
OUR PARTNERS:
Nurses Face Mental Health and Substance Use Challenges, Too
Healthcare professionals care for everyone else, but they are not immune to mental health struggles and substance use. Estimates indicate that 10% to 15% of nurses experience substance misuse, while the ANA notes that 6% to 8% face professional impairment due to drugs or alcohol. When you factor in broader mental health concerns like chronic stress, burnout, and depression, the reality is clear: out of every 10 nurses you work with, one is likely struggling and in need of support.
Support by Nurses, For Nurses
Maybe you are one of those nurses needing a safe space to breathe, heal, or find guidance. WisPAN is the only organization in Wisconsin dedicated to providing nurse-to-nurse peer support for both mental health and substance use recovery. From individual check-ins and support groups to educational programs, we are here to ensure no nurse faces these hurdles alone or in fear of judgment. Beyond peer support, we are committed to educating the public and healthcare community so that substance use and mental health challenges in nursing are met with understanding rather than stigma.
While our roots are in Wisconsin, nurses from any state are welcome to join our community and find support.
What does WisPAN offer?
- Our mission: To champion nurse and nursing student wellbeing through peer-led connection and education—because a supported nursing community is the essential foundation for a healthy public.
- We offer peer support to Wisconsin nurses in a safe
environment to give hope and healing to every nurse who seeks it. - We cultivate nurse wellness through dedicated education,
ultimately creating a safer workplace for staff and
patients.
Our Team
Kristin Waite-Labott
Founder and President
Jenny Klug
Vice President and Director of Social Media
Open Position
Secretary
Robb Labott
Treasurer
Nancy Korom
Director at Large
Heidi Paquette
Director at Large
Christopher Wojnar
Director at Large
Julie Lepianka
Director at Large
Piper Bratz
Director at Large
Angie Bartkus
Business Advisor
Lee Za Ong
Research Advisor
Helen Saha
Outreach Advisor
Our Values
Courage
Courageous decisions to drive us in meeting our goals of promoting nurse well-being and patient safety through educating healthcare professionals, institutions, and the public.
Collaboration
Honesty
Gratitude
Gratitude for all involved in our organization: the nurses that trust us to help them, the nurses offering support, the support from our communities, volunteers, donors, board members and staff.