Study: Health-promoting lifestyle practices of RNs

Editor's Note

In this study, overall physical activity and stress management scores were low for 494 RNs surveyed.

Results showed statistically significant differences between RNs 50 years of age and older and those 30 to 39 years of age for health responsibility, nutrition, and stress management, which suggests that older nurses are more concerned about their health.

A total of 67% reported having too many competing priorities, and had significantly lower scores for spiritual growth, interpersonal relations, and stress management.

The failure of many RNs to take adequate care of themselves needs to be better understood and addressed by nurses and their employers, the authors say.

Thacker, Karen PhD, RN, CNE; Haas Stavarski, Debra PhD, RN; Brancato, Vera EdD, RN, CNE; Flay, Cathryn MSN, RN; Greenawald, Deborah PhD, RN, CNE In February 2010, nurse leaders in Berks County, Pennsylvania, formed a grassroots nursing organization aimed at improving the health of individuals and communities by supporting evidence-based nursing practice.