Let me preface this thread by stating that I am a nursing student working on a BSN. One of my class assignments is to post to a nursing forum on a topic we have discussed in our Foundations class. I appreciate y'all taking the time to answer and discuss with me your thoughts on the following:
I have only been in the hospital for about 6 weeks for my Middle family clinical rotation. I have spent these beginning weeks doing observations in various departments, including the OR, Endoscopy lab, Cath lab and others. I have come in contact with a lot of nurses whom I would not say are role models of good health.
One of the things we have discussed in class is that the best way to teach your patients about good health is to be a good role model. In my opinion that would mean maintaining a healthy weight, eating well, exercising and most definitely NOT smoking.
I realize that being a nurse can be very stressful and that sometimes our outlets aren't always the most appropriate. I guess my question is two fold. First, do you believe that we as nurses (or nurses to be :)) should be role models for our patients? Second, what can be done to promote better health in our own profession?
Once again, thank you for your time and assistance.
I did not mean to stir up anything. I was unaware that this topic had been beaten to death on this board; seeing as I just found it. I will consider the thread closed and I will print up what has been posted so far. Thanks to all of you who gave your opinions on the topic. It is very much appreciated.
Specializes in Specializes in L/D, newborn, GYN, LTC, Dialysis.
And be sure and "check in" to the Healthier Living Support thread if you feel you need support and help in your quest to be healthy. Know no one can be "nagged" into being "healthy". It comes from within and nagging/acting sanctimonious helps no one but one's own ego.
(shameless plug for the the thread was a half joke---I am just like Marla, tired of the old "nurses should be models of health" belief by some)
Oh, please, not 
:chuckle
Marie_LPN, RN, LPN, RN
12,126 Posts
Why don't we just close the thread and save the impending degradement????? :stone