US nurses urged to become healthy role models

Nurses in the United States are being encouraged to improve their health as part of a drive to boost the nation’s well-being.

The American Nurses Association Enterprise wants the 3.6 million nurses in the US to increase their wellness to encourage others to follow suit.

The enterprise is the organising arm of the American Nurses Association, the American Nurses Credentialing Centre and the American Nurses Foundation.

Inspirational role

Nurses are less healthy than the average American yet are the most trusted of healthcare professionals, says the ANA Enterprise. It adds that if nurses improve their well-being, they could become role models for others.

The Healthy Nurse, Healthy Nation Grand Challenge launches on 1 May and urges nurses – and others – to take action in five areas: physical activity, nutrition, rest, quality of life and safety.

Sacrificing health

ANA Enterprise chief executive officer Marla J. Weston said: ‘Nurses are committed to caring for their patients, and they often put their own health aside.

'As a result, nurses are less healthy than the average American due to the demands of shift work, higher levels of stress, and lack of access to healthy food.’

The ANA has already declared 2017 the Year of the Healthy Nurse. Nurses can access resources and tips to spur them on here.

In other news

• Police release CCTV in search for missing nursing student
• Cycling to work lowers risk of premature death by 40%