So why would an average nurse blog for other nurses, on a topic that the ‘other nurses’ have also studied thoroughly, become the trusted experts on, and have actually become, themselves?
Hard to say.
Is it because ‘Health’ is simply a cool topic? Yeah, maybe. Nothing wrong with living a long, happy life, full of nutritious food, restful sleep, vigorous exercise, meaningful work, heartfelt relationships, intellectual stimulation, and everything else that encompasses good health.
Is it because when the ONA call came out for someone to accept this challenge, my email inbox became sprinkled with variations of, “You ought to try this,” from friends, work colleagues, and district association board members?
Is it because of the ANA Code of Ethics – Provision 5?
“The nurse owes the same duties to self as to others, including the responsibility to promote health and safety, preserve wholeness of character and integrity, maintain competence, and continue personal and professional growth.”
Yes. As professionals, we’re bound. You’ve got to admit, healthy nurses are important for the effective practice of nursing and the health of the general population. And this is one way to contribute.
On the ANA Healthy Nurse, Healthy Nation website, (highly recommended – check it out) ANA defines a healthy nurse as one who actively focuses on creating and maintaining a balance and synergy of physical, intellectual, emotional, social, spiritual, personal and professional well-being. A healthy nurse lives life to the fullest capacity, across the wellness/illness continuum. Healthy nurses are stronger role models, advocates, and educators, personally, for their families, their communities and work environments, and ultimately for their patients.
Wow! That says a lot.
Perhaps the reason that I am blogging, though, is that I am that ‘average’ nurse. Just like you, I’ve read and studied plenty about promoting health, safety, wholeness of character, etc. I’ve learned the right behaviors and understand why nurses families, communities, and patients should exercise, maintain healthy weights, clear their minds, rest, sleep, and eat nutritious food.
However, do I consistently follow all the recommended behaviors myself? No way. Always a huge struggle! Always competing interests. . . . and always a new resolve to do better. Perhaps that’s the best and most realistic approach I can bring to a blog about healthy nurses. And the best and most realistic way to truly be a Healthy Nurse is to practice those health behaviors that are most satisfying. At least to start with.
I am Lucinda. I’ve been a nurse for over 30 years, and work full-time in professional development at a major medical center in Cleveland. The best way to channel my own inner ‘Healthy Nurse’ is to follow the healthy behavior I am most passionate about. And that would have to be bicycling. And bicycling some more. And even more bicycling after that.
Yes. I have become one of those people who will not drive a car when bicycle transportation will suffice. This is especially true for getting to work, and taking other short trips. Bicycling has to be a Healthy Nurse Behavior. Pedaling burns calories. It reduces carbon emissions and use of fossil fuels. There is little that is more invigorating than wind whooshing across my face (the faster the better). Whoops. Maybe not too fast. Unbridled speed, together with reckless abandon is a sure recipe for accidents and falls. Broken bones. Definitely no longer healthy. Back to that balance and synergy concept from the ANA definition. Slow down. Be safe. Enjoy.
A Healthy Nurse blog has to be about more than just bicycling, however. It has to include other Healthy behaviors of interest to more nurses.
So what would be of interest? I’d appreciate any and all suggestions. To start off, I played a little game – sort of like those mental tricks designed to stimulate/preserve brain health. I listed ‘Healthy Nurse’ words alphabetically. Take a look. Add to the list. And let us know which topics are of greatest interest. We’ll start with those. Just like the best way to become a ‘Healthy Nurse’ is to start practicing the most satisfying health behaviors, the best way to start a Healthy Nurse Blog is to write about the most satisfying topics.
(All right. Some of these are stretches, but you get the picture.)
Yeah. Health is a cool topic. And ‘Healthy Nurses’ even cooler.