Practice what we preach?

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When I was enrolled in a program in AZ I remember this fellow student who was 7 months pregnant and chain smoked. She was only there 2 or 3 weeks, but it bothered me ssooo much. As nurses aren't we held to higher standards when it comes to promoting the well being of others? Are we obligated to practice what we teach?

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Originally posted by RNntraining

Are we be obligated to practice what we preach?

I think the key word here is preach.

I teach people the importance of taking care of themselves, and I encourage them to make lifestyle changes. But they are ultimately in control of, and responsible for, themselves. I would never attempt to preach to someone about what lifestyle choices they should make.

Heather

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Specializes in LTC, ER, ICU,.

well said, heather and i agree.

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Specializes in Trauma acute surgery, surgical ICU, PACU.

I agree, Heather... :)

I am currently attempting to teach myself about proper nutrition and exercise.... lol....

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Specializes in Community Health Nurse.

I agree with all of the above. No one should tell someone else how to live their life. And......if they are "preaching" to someone else about how they should or shouldn't live.....they'd darn well better be PRACTICING in their own life what they PREACH to others.

Teach..........don't preach! Amen! :D

Almost time for BB3 guys!

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Originally posted by pebbles

I am currently attempting to teach myself about proper nutrition and exercise.... lol....

May I offer some encouragement?

:D Heather

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I agree with all of you as well. Don't get me wrong.... I didn't mean to sound like I was all for a nurse imposing practices and ways of life on someone. I myself can't tolerate people who try to play off the whole "holier than thou" act. I am a true believer that a person's body and life are their own and they are the sole decision makers of what they do with them. Was I wrong for being bothered by her actions? I think not, but I never intended on telling her.

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Specializes in Community Health Nurse.
Originally posted by RNntraining

.................................................................

Are we obligated to practice what we teach?

RNntraining...........I reread this thread, and I.....for one......don't think your question above was answered. We just went off on a "teach vs. preach" trend.........so.......in directly answering your question:

"Are we obligated to practice what we teach?"

My own PERSONAL answer would have to be YES!!! :)

I could not teach someone something that I did not practice doing in my own life.

I raised my children with the belief that if you talk a certain game, you should walk that game......or don't bother talking it......it makes a hypocrite out of a person to do so.

I hope this answers your question more directly. Sorry for overlooking your REAL question the first time around. :kiss

Nighty-night! :zzzzz

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Specializes in Community Health Nurse.
Originally posted by RNntraining

........................... Was I wrong for being bothered by her actions? I think not, but I never intended on telling her.

In answer to your second question in your later post:

"Was I wrong for being bothered by her actions?"

My answer to you would be NO!!! :)

My personal take on this is that we may be bothered by something someone else does, but if they do not ask our opinion on it......we should keep our opinion to ourselves.

Everyone has the privilege in America of either taking a healthy approach to life, or a nonhealthy approach to life......unfortunately......even the little unborn babies pay a price for some negative health choices pregnant moms make in what they choose to consume into their bodies during their pregnancies. :o

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Specializes in Trauma acute surgery, surgical ICU, PACU.

I dunno. It's not like she was teaching moms to smoke while pregnant. Lots of doctors and nurses smoke and still take excellent care of their patients. I think the question would be "does it impact patient care"? If not, then it's the nurse's (or students) own business.

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OK, so we'll play with semantics.

Am I obligated to practice what I teach? No. And am I a hypocrite for teaching and encouraging a person to make healthier decisions than myself? No.

On a daily basis, I encourage new moms to quit smoking, eat healthier, and breastfeed their babies. Are these things I have always been good at or done myself? No. Does it make me a hypocrite for encouraging my patients to do these things? No. See, I teach these things to my patients because I honestly want them to be healthier. Even if it means they can do better at them than me. More power to them. Doesn't make me a hypocrite, just makes me honest.

Heather

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