Healthy Nursing

Nurses Activism

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Do you believe that nurses should practice what they preach? Should nurses have a healthy weight, not smoke, take the stairs instead of the elevator, drink more water, etc.?

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Specializes in Clinical Research, Outpt Women's Health.

In an ideal world yes.

In reality? I think it should be left up to the individual to choose to live their life however they wish.

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Specializes in OR, Nursing Professional Development.

Nurses are human. Humans aren't perfect. If nurses were all required to "practice what they preach", we'd have a nursing shortage so bad, no one would get care. Also, don't forget looks can be deceiving. That healthy looking 20-something may be killing her liver every weekend binge drinking while the overweight 40-something nurse hits the gym 4 days a week.

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I don't preach to my patients; I educate them. I know that is just a saying, but I think it is worth pointing out. It is up to each person, including me, what they want to do with the available knowledge out there.

On taking the stairs vs the elevator - it is just one form of movement, and not a great one for many people at that. It is hard on your knees, not possible for many who are disabled or have cardiac disease, may cause injuries due to falls, and so on. The widely popularized "Take the Stairs!" movement that is going around is viewed by some to be ableist and shaming to those who cannot do so. It leads to a negative assumption for those who choose to take the elevator as "lazy" or someone who doesn't care about their health.

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Specializes in Clinical Research, Outpt Women's Health.

I do high intensity interval training workouts every day. Have done aerobics daily for 25 years.

I go up stairs no problem. I avoid walking down stairs more than 1 flight though. Gotta save my knees for my real work outs!

And I have many bad habits to balance my many good habits.:roflmao:

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Specializes in MDS/ UR.

Is this your homework assignment?

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Specializes in ICU, CM, Geriatrics, Management.
... your homework assignment?

Does sound like one. :yawn:

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Specializes in retired LTC.

Popcorn time?

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Hold the butter and salt. Wouldn't want you to be a hyprocrite to your patients.

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Thanks for all your responses....yes this was a homework assignment for school. I was curious to know the answers to these questions though, thanks for your thoughts.

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