Healthy nurses may lead to better patient well-being

Tuesday, 30 August 2011 16:00

News - Employee Wellness

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Regular physical activity has been linked to decreased stress levels in multiple clinical studies. Considering the benefits of both exercise and low anxiety, it makes sense that nurses should recommend healthy lifestyle habits to their patients in an effort to promote overall well-being for the ill.

Researchers at the Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing at Case Western Reserve University agree that nurses can serve as good role models. However, these healthcare staff members may be in need of some healthy lifestyle lessons themselves.

A secondary study by scientists at the Physicians & Ambulatory Network Services at the North Shore revealed that about half of the nurses at a New York hospital were overweight or obese. Moreover, all of the male nurses included in the research fell into one of these unhealthy categories.

Authors of the study said that nurses who lead lifestyles that promote wellness are more likely to instruct their patients to do so, and that sharing personal struggles is very helpful in encouraging patients to follow an exercise regimen.

The findings suggest that many nurses are in need of employee wellness programs that provide tools and resources for well-being, including stress management techniques and tips on diet and exercise. This may have the added benefit of improving patient health, which can be good for the whole organization.