| A healthy nurse as defined by the ANA HealthyNurse™ program is one who actively focuses on creating and maintaining a balance and synergy of his or her health, safety, wellness and life to their fullest capacity physically, intellectually, emotionally, socially , spiritually; both personally and professionally across the wellness/illness continuum. A HealthyNurse™ is a better role model, educator, and advocate – personally, for the family, for the community, for the work environment, and for the patient. Nurses are 3.1 million strong and the most trusted profession, and have the power to make a difference! By choosing nutritious foods and an active lifestyle, managing stress, living tobacco-free, getting preventive immunizations and screenings, and choosing protective measures such as wearing sunscreen and bicycle helmets, nurses can set an example on how to BE healthy.
Accessible to all registered nurses in November, 2013, ANA is providing a comprehensive health risk appraisal (HRA) with funding from Pfizer. This HRA will give nurses real-time data on their health, safety, and wellness, personally and professionally. Nurses will be able to compare their results to those of other nurses in specific groupings such as age or nursing specialty. Additionally nurses can compare their results to national averages and ideal standards. Upon completion of the HRA, nurses are directed to a web wellness portal, filled with interactive quizzes, games, and pertinent resources. The HRA will also build nursing data, inclusive of all ages and both sexes. Current data will be collected and updated as well as new data, such as how often nurses eat out at restaurants and wear sunscreen. Watch nursingworld.org for the official launch!
In June of 2013 at the ANA Membership Assembly, 114 registered nurses beta-tested ANA’s HRA. The majority of nurses was female, working fulltime and actively employed in nursing. Forty-four percent have been a nurse for 31-40 years. What are some interesting statistics that we have learned so far from participants?
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Health
- 94% report good to excellent health
- 86% have had a routine checkup in about a year’s time
- Over 90% received their annual flu shot, and have had at least 3 doses of the Hepatitis B vaccine
- 42% feel obligated or expected to come to work even when sick or injured
- 42% report being diagnosed with hypertension, 48% lower back pain, 21% asthma
Safety
- Top health and safety risks at work include workplace stress (75%); infectious disease agents (34%); and lifting heavy objects (30%)
- 99% drive; 66% never text and drive
- 67% have experienced verbal or nonverbal aggression from a peer in their current workplace
- 26% have been physically assaulted by a patient or family member at work
- 32% get less than 7 hours sleep; 9% have nodded off while driving
Wellness
- 68% of employers offer health promotion activities and 60% of respondents participate in them
- Over 90% report a tobacco free work environment
- Less than 2% smoke cigarettes
- 64% do not drink sugar sweetened beverages
- 65% eat 3 or more servings of fruits and vegetables daily
- 60% perform muscle-strengthening on 2 or more days a week
- 65% engage in aerobic physical activity of at least moderate intensity for 2.5 hours or 1.25 hours of vigorous intensity a week
This beta test gives encouraging results about tobacco smoke-free healthcare and about RNs being immunized for influenza and Hepatitis B. But we can see that we have much more work to do to improve our overall health, safety and wellness. Just think, if all 3.1 million registered nurses increase their personal wellness and that of just some of their family, community, co-workers and patients, what a healthier world we would live in!
ANA has demonstrated its commitment to "HealthyNurse™" and safe and healthy work environments through its development of the Department for Health, Safety, and Wellness. We are here to assist you on your wellness journey, increasing safe and healthy personal and professional practices.
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