Blogs

By Lauren Mochizuki We are living in a very dynamic world right now.  While certain things are out of our control, there are still many things within our  control.  I have previously written about what nurses can do to  emergency-proof their finances.  The process of ensuring a financially  secure future can take several years.  In the meantime, we ... more

Nurse uses passion for hydration to promote self-care Did I do anything today that made a difference? It’s a question nurse Sabrina Anastasio ponders at the end of each day. Sabrina changed careers to become a nurse at the age of 50, and now at the age of 57, she makes every effort to practice what she preaches. This mindset began when Sabrina caught herself ... more

Nurse focuses on moderation and everyday exercise to instill a healthy lifestyle Her mother, her children, and her own self confidence: Those are the 3 motivators that keep Liisa Dewhurst focused on a healthy lifestyle. When she was younger, Liisa was active in cheerleading and dance. Both helped her stay petite, but soon, poor nutrition set her on the ... more

By Lauren Mochizuki Many nurses are currently experiencing a collective financial crisis.  Full-time and part-time nurses are being flexed home or laid-off and furloughed, while some per diems are receiving fewer hours. Many medical facilities are encountering a low census, primary care offices and medical clinics have been temporarily closed, ... more

Take a look at these ANA COVID-19 Resources available to you, including FREE webinars & more! more

Below is an updated list of articles in the news as well as announcements that we've noticed. Take a look! more

By Joelle T. Fathi, DNP, RN, ARNP, ANP-BC, CTTS, NCTTP Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has shone a spotlight on the egregious reality of risk and racial inequities, particularly in current and former smokers and has amplified the opportunity to address these racial inequities through effective treatment of tobacco use disorder and nicotine ... more

Nurse changes goal from “healthy enough” to “thriving” Laura Hall, a nurse at Forks Community Hospital, once considered herself “fit enough” and “healthy enough.” But was she thriving? “No,” she says. And she was far from what she’d known as a young, active volleyball player with a strong foundation in health and fitness. But in her early 20s, Laura ... more

How long has it been since you hung out with a group of friends? Or hugged someone? Or sat down to eat at a restaurant? When not taking care of patients, you’re probably practicing the government’s recommendation of social distancing. Also called physical distancing, the purpose is to slow the spread of COVID-19. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control ... more

Nurse uses career to enhance her own life Walk the walk and talk the talk: That’s what Linda Lowry knew she needed to do when she became a nurse. Prior to getting her nursing degree, Linda was tipping the scales. She was out of shape and unhealthy. Ten years ago, when her son Michael passed away from an asthma attack at the age of 15, Linda used her grief as fuel. ... more

Nurse dedicates research project to helping fellow nurses increase physical activity levels A self-care video, developed as a product of Frances Akubuilo’s doctorate research, starts off with the question, “Nurses, how can we take care of our nation, if we don’t take care of ourselves?” This is a question Frances often asks in response to national ... more

This year is special. The World Health Organization (WHO) declared 2020 the “Year of the Nurse and Midwife” in honor of the 200th birthday anniversary of Florence Nightingale. Yes, 2020 is a year of recognition and celebration for nurses, even in the midst of COVID-19. It’s also the perfect time to focus more on self-care and your own health and wellness ... more

Nurses are the heart of healthcare. While National Nurses Week runs from May 6–12 every year, it’s always a great time to recognize nurse contributions. Studies show that meaningful recognition can renew a nurse’s commitment to their profession. It inspires and motivates nurses to keep giving back to patients and colleagues. It deepens a nurse’s ... more

HNHN's Strength through Resiliency Committee, via the behest of the American Nurses Association's 2019 Membership Assembly, is examining, developing, collecting mental health resources for nurses, including those for suicide prevention.  The Strength through Resiliency Committee is comprised of a Work Group and Review Committee and is ... more

During this unprecedented time of fear and stress, nurses are at high risk for mental health issues like anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress.  Help is available and you are NOT alone. Be proactive. If stress, anxiety, fear, rumination or depressed mood is interfering with your functioning: Contact your organization’s EAP (employee ... more

Lifestyle shift becomes new wellness motivator for nurse educator Shifting from a bedside nursing job to an administrative role, being a nurse educator comes with many challenges. For Linda Roney, one of those challenges was maintaining her own wellness. As a bedside nurse, Linda easily walked 3–4 miles per day during her shifts. But becoming an ... more

Making healthy eating and exercise a central part of your life If there are two things Barbara Happ knows how to do, it’s eating healthy and staying active. That’s because both make up a huge chunk of Barbara’s lifestyle. Her goals: Feel good every day Maintain a proper weight Keep lab results on the healthy side Barbara’s journey first began when she ... more

Nurse uses healthy lifestyle to educate and encourage her patients The phrase “practice what you preach” plays a big role in Shannon Queen’s life. As a nurse at MedStar Good Samaritan Hospital, she takes pride in educating patients on what it takes to improve and prevent disease. How can she not follow her own advice? Shannon took a proactive approach to ... more

Developed by Dr. Bernadette Melnyk and ANA Enterprise’s Healthy Nurse, Healthy Nation™ If you are feeling anxious and stressed about the COVID-19 pandemic, you are not alone – many nurses are experiencing higher than normal stress and anxiety levels right now. Here are six tips for coping with COVID-19.  Breathe deeply: Take five slow deep breaths ... more

Eat  healthy. Sounds simple, right? For many people, it’s not that easy. With all of the sugary, fatty, processed foods lining grocery store aisles, it’s easy to give in to temptation. Some of us require more insight into what healthy eating looks like — and that’s OK! 81% of people try to eat healthy and pay attention to their nutrition, according to a ... more

Nursing school dean focuses on staying active and finding peace. For Renae Schumann, a nursing school dean, health isn’t just about getting in a workout or eating nutritious foods. It’s also about finding peace. Which is why the dean makes it a priority to focus on all three (and much more) on a daily basis. It all started 14 years ago when Renae weighed ... more

By Jill B. Hamilton, PhD, RN, FAAN and Nakia C. Best, PhD, RN Being a nurse is rewarding. We show compassion and empathy to patient and caregivers that are vulnerable and need our help to make difficult decisions. We serve as patient advocates. Nurses are also leaders and researchers that have a profound effect on how health care is delivered. No matter ... more

By Heather Moreno Nutrition is a key, controllable factor affecting our health. But sadly, the CDC reports that most Americans don’t eat a healthy diet. Allowing for barriers to education and access to nutritious food, there’s still an alarming number of well-informed adults who eat poorly. Why doesn’t information equal healthy eating? There’s no ... more

63-year-old former nurse walks 25,000 steps per day, loses 130 pounds A lot can happen when your daily steps go from 1,500 to 25,000. Jane Flowers is proof. Two years ago, she received a Fitbit® activity band as a gift from a friend. She was reluctant to use it at first, but decided to give it a try. Even though she was overweight, she felt like she lived an ... more

Healthy habits start at home for nursing instructor A nurse’s duty is to improve the health and wellness of others. It’s no surprise that this often transfers into home life. At least it does for Sarah Oerther, a nursing instructor at Saint Louis University. While not currently employed as a bedside nurse, Sarah dedicates herself to helping those ... more

When we think about health and wellness, your financial habits may not seem like a top priority.  Surprisingly though, the biggest stress factor for most Americans today is money. It outranks family issues, health or work as a source of worry. Financial wellness is part of our quality of life and can help to alleviate stress and improve your overall ... more

50-year-old makes exercise a non-negotiable part of her day A daily routine is the foundation of a healthy lifestyle. Over time, what you do with it can make or break your health. Tonja Thigpen, administrative director of nursing at Mary Washington Hospital, chose to make exercise the cornerstone of her routine. While she’s always been physically ... more

Nursing student focuses on mindful living and mental health Stress is a familiar companion for most people in the nursing field — especially nursing students. To proactively address and eliminate stress, Johns Hopkins School of Nursing student Matthew Padgett focuses on mindfulness and meaningful interactions. “ I try to have a lot of intention ... more

By Nursing@Georgetown One in three women and one in four men have experienced sexual violence involving physical contact during their lifetimes, External link  according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This type of trauma necessitates urgent medical attention from trained sexual assault nurse examiners (SANEs),  yet ... more

A nurse’s passion for health and wellness shines bright for others If you ask Chelsea Rolfes what she’s most passionate about, she’ll say it’s helping the average person live a better, healthier life. She does this in multiple ways. One is her career as a nurse — and another is modeling what a healthy, balanced life looks like. Chelsea has always been ... more

Guest blogger, Terri Bogue, MSN, RN, PCNS-BC , co-author and developer of both the website and book entitled Extinguish Burnout: A Practical Guide to Prevention and Recovery , continues her blog series on nursing burnout by contrasting post-traumatic stress disorder and post-traumatic growth. Nurses and other emergency responders see some of the ... more

Lifestyle medicine practitioner helps nurses makes healthy behaviors stick To make a lifestyle change stick, you have to change your behavior. As a Board Certified Lifestyle Medicine Practitioner, Aaron Stuber, RN, BSN, DipACLM, helps his patients change their behaviors in subtle ways. He focuses on lifestyle medicine — a data-driven approach to ... more

By Vanessa S. Elliott   It’s 4 am and you are nearing the end of your 12-hour shift, when your stomach starts growling and the first thing you grab are the crackers in the patient pantry. You have one pack, with hopes that you will be okay, but then suddenly you have downed 5 packs and washed it down with a soda. Then you say to yourself, “Well, there goes my ... more

By Elizabeth Monsees Nurses are natural partners in antibiotic stewardship efforts.  Aside from interacting with an array of disciplines and having the privilege to spend time with patients, our daily work promotes appropriate antibiotic use.   Nurses support the process of antibiotic optimization through a number of clinical practices such as: ... more

In the fall of 2014, I took a local university course in Health Navigation.  The most valuable aspect of that course was an introduction to Motivational Interviewing (MI).  By learning and practicing MI, I discovered how to positively impact my health and well-being, as well as that of the patients I work with. MI is a highly researched, evidence-based ... more

Nurses have a great deal in common with family caregivers. Both selflessly give up their energy and time to care for another person(s). Both require daily patience, compassion, and resilience. And both often put others before themselves.  As nurses, embracing the family caregiver is just as important to the well-being of our patients as caring for ... more

Striving to avoid chronic conditions like high blood pressure, trauma nurse turns to healthy nutrition and exercise to lose 80 pounds. Find your motivation. That’s the message from Jaylin Myles, RN, ER/trauma nurse at Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center. Finding her motivation changed her life for the better. At first, her motivation was ... more

Nurse coach and RN dedicates her career to helping nurses concentrate on themselves. When was the last time you put yourself first? As a nurse coach and founder of Therapeutic Professionals, Mary Turner, RN, dedicates her career to putting nurses in the patient’s seat. She listens to them, cares for them, and supports them. “So many nurses give, give, ... more

Student health nurse promotes a healthy lifestyle at college campus Every change, no matter how small, makes a difference in achieving long-term goals. Susan Indvik, BSN, RN and student health nurse at Dakota College at Bottineau, knows this firsthand. She’s constantly thinking of new ways to promote a healthy lifestyle among the student ... more

I have been a nurse for 26 years.  I did not really become interested in taking care of myself until after I had my second child.  This is when I decided to pick up running again.  When I was in the military, I ran because I was told to.  Now I was running for me.  As a working mom and wife, this was my time to myself and a way to release stress.  As a nurse, I have been ... more

Growing up Italian was a little challenging.  While my family is amazing, every gathering was centered around food.  Relatives would come over in the evenings at times during the week, and my parents would scurry to ensure there was fresh coffee, and we had a pastry or two to serve our “guests.”  Christmastime was when dozens and dozens of cookies were ... more

My name is Rhonda Darnell and I am a nurse practitioner.  I never had a weight problem until I reached 40 and slowly over the years my weight crept up. Being only 5’1 I could not carry the extra weight well and when I stepped on the scales at age 55 with it reaching almost 160 lb. my heart sank. I come from a family of obesity, diabetes, heart disease and strokes. I ... more

A switch to a vegetarian diet leads to massive weight loss and improved quality of life.   That’s not who I am. I’m not mildly obese.   These thoughts raced through Nikolay Zuyev’s mind after an assessment from his primary care physician. As a registered nurse and graduate student at New York University, he didn’t like what he heard. And that dislike was ... more

I am  56 years old and a registered nurse. My background includes over 37 years of specialized geriatric care. I am currently working as the Resident Care Management Director at Susqueview Home in Lock Haven, Pennsylvania and  my position as  an RN has been a rewarding experience. As healthcare continues to change, I feel it is so important to maintain a ... more

By Linda Roszak Burton _____________________________________________________________________________ Learn more about the research behind the benefits of practicing gratitude from Linda Roszak Burton's blog below and get started on developing a meaningful gratitude practice in our next #healthynurse challenge. Sign up for the   Your Gratitude is Showing   challenge, powered by support from  CeraVe  here or TEXT healthynurse to 52886. _____________________________________________________________________________ more

By Eileen T. O’Grady, PhD, RN, NP Dr. Eileen O’Grady is a certified Nurse Practitioner and Wellness Coach who uses an evidence-based approach with people to reverse or entirely prevent disease.  With over 35 years of experience in health care, she believes deeply that more attention must be paid to getting us unstuck from lifestyles that do not support ... more

I have struggled with my weight since I was in elementary school. Diet after diet and I rarely saw successful until this past year. I have several medical conditions that make me more predisposed to being overweight. It was a nasty cycle because the weight gain would make the medical conditions worse and would, on many days, cause me to not want to ... more

Retired nurse competes in 100-mile horseback riding competition Endurance is defined as “the ability to withstand an unpleasant or difficult process or situation without giving way.” If there’s one person who knows endurance, it’s 61-year-old Carol Kight-Dufour. Carol is a huge fan of endurance riding — a sport involving long distance rides on ... more

I didn't take fitness and proper nutrition seriously until I had my first child. Being a new mom and working 10-hour days, 5 days a week as a nurse was challenging.  Caring for myself properly soon went out the door.  I would only care for my family, my patients, and would never stop to care for me. Soon I gained so much weight that I was unable to fit in any of my ... more

I share with you my story, my journey, and more so, my recovery of how chronic stress affected me. I had an intractable migraine w/ aura aka status migrainosus, in 2016, that landed me in the ICU where they also discovered an arrhythmia (AVNRT) that I then had an ablation for. Childhood trauma, stress from personal life, clinical stressors, moral ... more

Anxiety at work? Eileen Carino, Clinical Director at Griffin Hospital, recommends acupuncture and aromatherapy. How can we do more to take care of ourselves in the workplace? That’s the question we continue to ask as we put our patients first (and ourselves last) day in and day out. There’s only so much time in the shift, yet so much to do. It’s not unusual ... more

Explore what having a nurse mentor, or being a mentor to someone else, can do for you. To be the best version of ourselves, we need to feel emotionally safe. The same is true at work. Emotional safety is a precondition for productive relationships, even in the workplace. Nurse mentorship helps create those emotionally safe relationships. Having a nurse ... more

Guest blogger,  Terri Bogue, MSN, RN, PCNS-BC ,  co-author and developer of both the website and book entitled Extinguish: Burnout A Practical Guide to Prevention and Recovery , continues her blog series on nursing burnout by contrasting it with compassion fatigue.  Her first blog addressed the need to thrive not just survive and the second, ... more

My Journey To Self-Care I wasn’t always the picture of perfect health. Though my genetics pre-disposed me to a relatively high metabolism, and being active in my early years, produced a body that most people thought I had to work for. So, I had it made, well at least for a little while. I really didn’t start gaining weight until my junior year of college. It ... more

Guest blogger,  Terri Bogue, MSN, RN, PCNS-BC , co-author and developer of both the website and book entitled Extinguish Burnout , continues her blog series on burnout prevention. Learning how to manage the multiple demands placed on you is an important part of managing your personal agency and guarding against burnout.  Managing demands is ... more

Nurse scientist prioritizes her mental health by learning to say no. Surrounding yourself with those who practice a healthy lifestyle is one way to set yourself up for success. Carolyn Huffman, WHNP, PhD, is proof. She was raised in a family that prioritized health. Her father, who had once been overweight, got healthy after his physician told him ... more

72-year-old Jean Ivey, PhD, PNP-PC, FAANP, has accomplished what many people dream about: She has maintained a healthy weight for over 15 years. Her motivation came from carrying her grandchildren, who were babies at the time, up a few flights of stairs to her home. She could barely do it without becoming exhausted. “I thought, ‘If this makes me tired — ... more

Nurse practitioner undergoes weight-loss surgery, loses 250 pounds. Melvin (Mel) Viney APRN, FNP-BC, ENP-C, has come a long way in just a few years. Flashback to nine years ago, Mel was disabled for a year due to obesity, thoracic surgery, and radiation treatments. He couldn’t exercise. And it was difficult to get around. All of this made losing weight ... more

Breast cancer survivor and nurse bikes 102 miles with Riders 4 the Cure. Build wellness practices into your life, because if you hit a health challenge, those practices carry you forward. That’s the takeaway message from Lisa Kiser, DNP, CNM, WHNP, assistant clinical professor at the University of Arizona College of Nursing. Lisa knows this because ... more

Did you know that June is Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month and the start of The Longest Day ®, a DIY fundraiser for the Alzheimer’s Association? As a granddaughter who has lost her dear grandfather to Alzheimer’s, and as an adult critical care nurse, I am very passionate about spreading awareness for Alzheimer’s, fundraising, and research. I say ... more

You spend so much time caring for others that you put yourself last. Your mind and body deserve some me-time. Patient care is only as good as the care you give yourself. And as the saying goes, the more you  fill up your own cup, the more you can pour into the cups of others. That’s the message Alison Hernandez, PhD, RN-BC, has for all nurses, but especially ... more

Guest blogger, Terri Bogue, MSN, RN, PCNS-BC , co-author and developer of both the website and book entitled Extinguish Burnout , shares some insights in preventing burnout in the nursing profession. There’s more than one way to avoid burnout.  For this blog, we define burnout as the perception that you cannot change your environment and thus have no ... more

Karla discusses her past, sometimes "unhealthy" vegan diet and how a gallbladder attack encouraged her current healthier plant-based diet . As nurses, I like to think we realize that there is a strong relationship between lifestyle and health. I have been a registered nurse since 1999, and yet, I have seen a surge in chronic health conditions, all of ... more

Dr. Uniqua Smith, PhD, MBA, RN, NE-BC shares below how her continual fitness journey aided in her successful battle with cancer. In 2015, when I transitioned from working in clinical care to strictly administration, I decided that I needed to start making healthier choices and add in some exercise.  Over the years, from working evening shift in the ... more

Exercise and plant-based diet helps nurse shed 235 pounds. "It’s a journey." That’s what Denise says about her health and wellness changes over the past few years. She’s certainly come a long way on this journey. Back in 2011, Denise reached a breaking point. She wasn’t happy with herself. Getting through the day was exhausting. She was overweight and ... more

Kansas City nurse trains for her third 340-mile paddleboarding race Lauren Rodriguez is a Kansas girl, born and raised. She’s also a water-lover. Whether it’s swimming, water-skiing, canoeing, or stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) — the water is her sanctuary. In addition to being a water bug, Lauren is competitive. With that combination, it’s no ... more

National Infant Immunization Week (NIIW) is April 27-May 4, 2019.  This is the 25 th anniversary of NIIW, an annual observance to highlight the positive impact of vaccination on the lives of infants and children. Healthcare professionals are on the front lines of the fight against vaccine-preventable diseases.  According to CDC research, parents ... more

CAPT Belsito is an RN currently serving  with the United States Public Health Services (USPHS). She has always had a passion for health and fitness. She is a two-time Hall of Fame powerlifter and Masters Olympic weightlifter. Representing the USA at the World Powerlifting Championships seven times and attending eight Master Olympic Weightlifting ... more

Conway Medical Center nurse makes exercise a habit she can’t break Five-foot-tall Corazon (Cora) White, MSN, RN, carried extra weight on her body for years — ever since having children. She always thought to herself, “this is the year I’ll take off the weight.” But yet another year would pass. In 2016, Cora transitioned from a floor nurse to a clinical ... more

Learn how nurses benefit from mini resilience-building exercises throughout the workday. Many nurses place themselves last on their list of priorities during their shifts. They forget to fuel themselves with healthy snacks and water, or take a bathroom break, or stop and catch their breath. Strong evidence links job stress, safety, and health ... more

This year, I will celebrate 35 years as a nurse. Currently, I am an APN practicing full time in inpatient obstetrics. In addition, I share leadership of a perinatal bereavement/palliative care program and provide grief support. I am an overachiever and experienced educator and speaker. I have been fortunate to receive many awards for my clinical ... more

Follow Kimberly's journey as she experiences a different way of looking at health. I remember being a novice nurse on a busy medical-surgical floor located in a busy hospital in New York. I was running around nonstop for 12 hour shifts, skipping meals and avoiding going to the bathroom because I was always too busy. I was young and skinny then, a ... more

What is it?   This is a diet consisting of larger amount of fats, moderate amount of proteins and extremely low carbohydrate consumption.  Twenty to fifty grams of carbs or less are consumed daily.   (For context, there are 25 grams of carbohydrates in an apple and about 50 grams in a bagel). Reduced carbohydrate intake puts the body in a state of ketosis ... more

Recently, HNHN had the opportunity to chat with Pamela F. Cipriano, PhD, RN, NEA-BC, FAAN about all things wellness, including her recent past presidency at the American Nurses Association (ANA), her current  role as first vice president at the International Council of Nurses (ICN), and her personal health journey. HNHN:   You made several health ... more

By Ms. Amy Highland Your body needs sleep to regulate emotions , fight off infection , and heal from daily use and stress. If you're struggling to get a full seven to nine hours of sleep, what you eat and when you eat it could be part of the problem. The right food choices (and meal timing) help fuel your body with the nutrients needed for better (and more) ... more

Official Rules Summary of Contest:  The Healthy Nurse, Healthy Nation™ (HNHN) Grand Challenge  features monthly health challenges to engage nurses and others, including a ten day sleep challenge which will begin on February 25, 2019. ANA will randomly select 10 participants who have joined both the American Nurses Association as a member and HNHN ... more

Peter Stoffan is the Patient Care Director of the Pre-op and Post Anesthesia Care Units at NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center (NYP) NYP would like to recognize Peter Stoffan, as he exemplifies a healthy nurse and is always looking for ways to promote Healthy Nurse, Health Nation for his staff.  Peter has always had an interest in ... more

By Angela Amico, MPH, Senior Policy Associate for the Center for Science in the Public Interest This time of the year, my friends and family are sharing their New Year’s resolutions. One resolution comes up again and again: to eat better. But in our food environment, eating healthy is like trudging through deep snow—it’s exhausting. Think about where ... more

Latonia Ford is currently a Captain in the United States Public Health Service. Her specialty is emergency medicine and she is presently stationed at the Food & Drug Administration in Silver Spring, Maryland. We all say we want to be a nurse to help others, but I also wanted to be a nurse to set a positive example. I started my journey in health and fitness ... more

I started a new position as a Diabetes Education Specialist, at a very busy urban teaching hospital, and although I was very blessed to have this new position, it was very stressful, just learning the new job.  After a few months, I felt like I had  a grasp of my new job and began to self-reflect about my own health, since I have a family history of diabetes.  I ... more

 Understanding SAD, plus 5 strategies for beating the winter blahs. Pitch-black mornings and evenings, shorter days, and colder weather that makes it unpleasant to be outside for long: All these factors can contribute to feeling blue in the winter. And it’s perfectly normal.   However, if you feel sluggish or sad for weeks, you might have seasonal ... more

  more

On August 10, 2018, in a Syracuse NY gym, three “off-duty” nurses were finishing a workout and one was getting ready to start.  Then a tragic accident happened, but these heroes jumped right in and saved a man’s life.  HNHN interviewed the four nurses to not only hear how they restored a fellow gym member’s health, but also how hard they work to maintain ... more

How to prevent and handle 5 winter weather dangers. The approach of the holidays and the onset of winter bring a lot to look forward to. However, it’s important to be prepared safety-wise for colder weather. Although some winter injuries may involve bad luck (like a slip on ice), there are tactics you can use to keep yourself, your family, and your ... more

Amy is a nurse from Australia.  She has a Post-Graduate Certificate in Nursing Practice (ICU), a Certificate 3 and 4 in Fitness, and is a Level 3 Metabolic Nutritionist.  She is currently studying her Meditation Teacher Training.  Below is her story: I became very health conscious at age 14, after my diagnosis of Crohn’s disease, I was incredibly ... more

It’s possible to feel fulfilled at work and at home. Nurse coach and RN Heather Lapides explains how.   more

It’s the holiday season. Time for family, friend, and co-worker get-togethers. Time for shopping wrapping, and giving gifts. Time for holiday traditions. Maybe there will be some traveling.  For many people, alcohol is a part of the holidays…a cup of eggnog at the company party, a glass of wine to relax after a long day of shopping, a new year’s toast ... more

Art begins with a thought and a sacred space I was skinny, quiet and my mind wondered constantly. I was given a certificate as the “Most Behaved” student in first grade. I gave my teacher a drawing of a rose and in her excitement, she hugged the drawing to her chest and proudly showed it in class. I was stunned and embarrassed.  I ran home crying and swearing ... more

Learn a simple technique to feel better quickly. If you’re feeling stressed, tired, overwhelmed, or in pain, try tapping. Also known as the Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT), tapping is similar to acupuncture, where lightly tapping certain points on the face and upper body can help relieve tension and stress. Unlike with acupuncture though, you ... more

Lighten up your holiday spread while keeping tradition and flavor alive. As the holiday season approaches, you’re probably looking forward to indulging in the classic recipes (sweet potato casserole, buttery cookies, and creamy gravy to name a few). You might think that allowing yourself to have these special dishes will derail your health goals. ... more

We are pleased to shine the #healthynurse Spotlight on Mary Ellen Levine, MSN/Ed, RN CPHN . While helping her dog lose weight, Mary Ellen took a hard look at her own health.  Although her dog has now passed, Mary Ellen maintains her exercise and good nutrition regimen, as well as active HNHN participation. My name is Mary Ellen Levine and I’m from New ... more

On October 9 at Healthy Nurse, Healthy Nation and Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) Health celebrated the successful completion of the first ever Healthy Nurse, Healthy Nation Simply to Go Nutrition Pilot, supported by Sodexo. MUSC Health nurses have improved their nutritional health by tripling their daily consumption of fruits and ... more

There are some foods combinations that just seem to go together perfectly. And we’re not talking about chocolate and peanut butter (although that is a delicious combo). The food pairings below increase the nutrients your body absorbs, making your meals healthier with no extra effort. Try these pairings, along with a healthy recipe that uses both ... more

We are pleased to shine the #healthynurse spotlight on Lisa Ertle, BA, RN .  Lisa’s wellness plan enhances her quality of life with spiritual and philanthropic components, as well as studying Mandarin! I have always loved that famous quote from Aunty Mame: “Life’s a banquet and some poor suckers are starving to death!” I believe there is so much to be ... more

By Melissa Harvey, Director of the Hospital Preparedness Program  With the nation still recovering from Hurricane Florence and wildfires in the west, it is critical that the U.S. health care system be ready. Fortunately, The Hospital Preparedness Program (HPP) prepares the health care system to save lives during emergencies and disasters. ... more

A bucket list, also known as a life list, is a record of the things you’d like to do or accomplish before you die. Research suggests that people who write down their goals are more likely to accomplish them. So, creating a bucket list is a powerful tool for reaching your life’s goals. Creating a life list is as simple as taking out a piece of paper and a pen and ... more

Marilyn Pierce-Bulger, APRN, Owner/Manager, FASDx Services LLC and Board of Director member, Alaska Center for FASDs, Anchorage, AK Beth Kelsey, EdD, APRN, WHNP-BC, FAANP, Director of Publications, National Association of Nurse Practitioners in Women’s Health Catherine Ruhl, MS, CNM, Director, Women’s Health Programs, Association of ... more

For as long as I can remember I have struggled with my weight. Though, unknowingly I was fighting the voice inside myself, more than I was battling the scale. My striving to be perfect every time I tried, continually failed me. Nursing school is where everything came together for me, and my journey to better health began. Education was the key to my success ... more

Why distracted driving is a problem — and what you can do to prevent it.   more

Description: The Japanese practice of unplugging and getting out in nature can make you happier and healthier. What is it about spending time in nature that makes us feel so good? A lot actually. Science has shown us that being outdoors and in nature may boost immunity , while lowering stress levels and improving mood . More good news: You don’t have to ... more

Last year was the first year we held NHNA's Healthy Nurse Scholarship 5K & Health Fair.  We had a goal to create a nursing scholarship fund and decided to integrate this goal with our plan to conduct a wellness event as part of our participation in HNHN.  This event was held on September 21, 2017 on the Rivier University campus.  We teamed with the Rivier ... more

HNHN is pleased to shine the spotlight on Dionne Allen .  As an active HNHN Facebook group member, Dionne motivates co-workers and others to join her in hiking and skiing. I love that Healthy Nurse, Healthy Nation is a concept!  It may be long overdue, but glad it is here and that so many nurses participate to encourage and share how they stay healthy or ... more

8 ways nurses who work nights can stay healthy and happy. more

We are pleased to shine the #healthynurse spotlight on Jeanne Harris, BSN, RN .  Through an amazing fitness journey, Jeanne lost weight and is now a certified Zumba and yoga instructor. My name is Jeanne Harris, I live in Pensacola Florida and am a Registered Nurse at Baptist Hospital 4 West, Cardiac for the last 12 years and co-chair The Health and ... more

Cynthia Coleman, RN, and Donna M. Fountain, PhD, RN share their experiences of workplace violence against nurses.   more

We are pleased to shine the #healthynurse Spotlight on Tracey Jaworski-Lucas, BSN, RN .  The emotional and spiritual demands of nursing caught Tracy by surprise.  Read on to discover how she nurtures that part of herself to combat burnout. I have known that I wanted to be a nurse since the first grade. When I began my RN career at forty-three, I couldn’t ... more

Barbara Dossey, PhD, RN, AHN-BC, FAAN, HWNC-BC and Co-Director of the International Nurse Coach Association (HNHN Champion), explains what a nurse coach does and how to become one.   more

We are pleased to shine the #healthynurse Spotlight on Kiki Magno, MSN, RN, BC . To me, self–care is primary care. It has always been at the forefront of my mind. I have a continued passion for integrating holistic and complimentary practices into my daily regime. I have an evening routine as my day unwinds. I listen to calming music, mostly sounds of ... more

Jacque Crockford, Exercise Physiology Content Manager at the American Council on Exercise (ACE), shares five ways to up the fitness factor at your organization.   more

Healthy Nurse, Healthy Nation™ (HNHN) started around the time when I started lifting weights. Because of my trainer and a new online nursing support system, I didn't feel alone. Suddenly I had people around me who were dedicated to living a healthy lifestyle, not just drinking every weekend. When I got into a new routine of meal prepping and made ... more

An Overview of Various Meditation Techniques more

Use Your Role as a Nurse to Get Engaged in Your Community and Beyond. Three of ANA’s advocacy experts share their tips for getting involved, even when you’re crunched for time.   more

We are pleased to shine the #healthynurse Spotlight on Jenell Steele, BSN, RN .  When Jenell realized she was not always practicing what she was preaching, she made several healthy changes to her lifestyle.   As nurses, we do a great job managing the health outcomes of other people, less than stellar for ourselves! Most of us think we have time; we will ... more

Before you can get involved politically, you need to understand the issues. Read about some of the key political concerns of nurses. more

... more

Jessica Ek, Social Media Engagement Manager for the American Nurses Association, shares tips and advice on avoiding common social media pitfalls as well as how to use the community to your benefit.  more

Boost your daily intake with these tips. more

We are proud to shine the #HealthyNurse Spotlight on Kimberley Smith, RNC, BSN . A frequent poster on our private Facebook group, Kimberley has been focusing on fueling her body with better nutrition, not for weight loss, but for energy. Read more about Kimberley below as she shares what she enjoys about HNHN.  After 33 years of preaching health ... more

Fitness expert Sabrena Jo tells us why strength training is important and how to start. According to ANA’s 2016 Health Risk Appraisal, only 48 percent of nurses engage in some type of muscle-building activities. This fact could be because of the many myths surrounding strength training. A common (and unfounded) fear about weight lifting is that it ... more

This week we are proud to shine the #HealthyNurse Spotlight on Dr. Charlene Moske-Weber . As a longtime advocate for health and wellness among nurses, I am thrilled to be part of the American Nurses Association’s Healthy Nurse, Healthy Nation™ (HNHN) initiative. As a nurse educator, I am concerned about the disconnect that exists between nursing’s ... more

These inventive workouts can help you have fun and get fit.   more

When you’re working toward accomplishing a big goal — like losing weight or getting fit — it can be hard to feel good about yourself during the process. But, you deserve to feel good about yourself right where you are now. And having strong self-esteem can improve your quality of life, well-being, and give you the confidence to keep working to achieve your goals. Try these tactics to feel better about who you are right now:   more

This week’s #HealthyNurse Spotlight is on Christian R. Schreckhise . Christian is a student at Pennsylvania State University’s College of Nursing and is also the SNAP Public Relations Chair.  See his spotlight below on how even as a very busy nursing student, he keeps healthy. My role with HNHN is to help facilitate activity amongst our members, ... more

We are proud to shine the #HealthyNurse Spotlight on Rochelle “Shelly” Anderson-Doyley ! Shelly is a top poster in our Facebook community with her daily walking regimen.  A real community asset, Shelly inspires others in their nutrition or physical activity commitments through comments and photos.   Shelly tells us, “I enjoy walking early ... more

Want to see your organization make healthy changes? Help start a wellness team! Learn some how tos below. more

Here’s how to start exercising, no matter what’s holding you back.  Let’s face it, if you’re not exercising regularly, there’s probably a good reason. As nurses, we know how important it is to meet the Department of Health and Human Services’ recommended 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity each ... more

Skip the store and whip up these foods in your own kitchen for tastier, healthier, and cheaper fare. more

We are proud to shine the #HealthyNurse Spotlight on Swardiq “Q” Mayanja . Q is a “nurse by day and host of the 'Everyday Hero' show by night.” His wellness journey centers on finding his personal joy in the nursing profession AND having a fulfilling side gig where he often shows gratitude for heroes overlooked by the public. Read his story below. My name is ... more

We are proud to shine the #HealthyNurse Spotlight on  Daisy Molina ‍ , MSN-Ed, RNC-LRN, CLS, CIME .   Daisy discovered her way to better health through a weight management program.  She now feels empowered to take on any challenge that comes her way.  Read more about how she discovered balance, consistency, and sustainability in her diet and attitude ... more

Give meetings and conferences a health boost with these tips.    more

We are proud to shine the #HealthyNurse Spotlight on Julie R. David, MSN, ARNP, ANP-BC .   I am a mother of 2 preschool and school-age little girls, who works full-time as the Magnet Project Director in my organization. I am blessed having my girls despite a difficult first pregnancy at an advanced maternal age (AMA -pregnancy above 35 years old). It was ... more

Make these tweaks to your meals and snacks to stay energized throughout the day.  more

This week, we are pleased to shine the spotlight on Toni Scott, MSN, CYT and founder of Yogatones. Below is peek at her wellness journey: As a former burnt out nurse, and now a yoga and mindfulness provider, this challenge lies deep within my heart, beliefs, and work. It supports my personal and professional mission of providing nurses with inspiration ... more

This week, we are pleased to shine the spotlight on Heather Lapides, RN, BSN, NC-BC . The single best thing I have done to become a happier, healthier nurse was to become a Transformative Nurse Coach. After working in the ICU for years, I was spiraling towards burnout and thinking of leaving nursing all together. Since becoming a Board Certified Nurse ... more

We are proud to shine the spotlight on Sheena D. Pracyk this week. For most of my adulthood, being a nurse wasn’t just my job; it was my life and an integral part of my self-identity.  My nursing career and experiences have been amazing, giving me my closest friends, a chance to travel and the opportunity to meet my husband.  For over twenty years, the levels ... more

This week, we are proud to shine the HealthyNurse Spotlight on Marcia Free, BSN, RN, CCRP , who took the challenge to transform her overall health, which led to an 80 pound weight loss.  My journey toward health began 4 years ago when I took a job doing chronic care management in a primary care practice.  My duties are varied, and include aspects of patient ... more

This week, we are pleased to shine the spotlight on Eileen Reali, BSN RN RN-BC .   The Reali family, Eileen is pictured with glasses. Health and wellness have always been on my mind, but somehow not generally in my diet in the last few years. I have managed to improve some areas of wellness in my life along the way. In the past few years, I’ve improved my sleep ... more

This week, we are pleased to shine the spotlight on  Amy B. Eilertsen, MN, RN .  Here is Amy’s inspiring health journey following a serious hip injury: “A year ago during a dressage lesson I was unexpectedly thrown from a horse and hit the dirt squarely on my left hip.  Activity is such an important part of maintaining my physical and mental health that, ... more

Tips and tricks to make 2019 the year you stick to your healthy goals.   more

ANA’s Senior Policy Advisor Ruth Francis, MPH, MCHES, explains why nurse fatigue is a dangerous issue for nurses and what we can do about it.    more

When it comes to nurse safety and wellness, these hospitals crush it! Steal their ideas for your organization. more

We’re happy to share how HNHN premier partner The Ohio State University College of Nursing is helping faculty, staff and student nurses thrive.  more

This week, we are pleased to shine the spotlight on Robin Carmichael, RN, BSN . About a year ago, this was my life.  At 5’6 and over 212 pounds, I had a high-stress, full-time teaching job with a 2.5 hour commute. On clinical days, I would get up at 4 a.m.  I was also my husband’s care giver; he had liver cancer that progressed to the bone rapidly. When I lost Rich ... more

Between juggling long shifts, patients in critical care, and trying to get yourself and your family ready for holiday festivities, it’s no wonder experiencing the joy of the season can be a challenge. Here are some ideas to simplify during this stressful time, so you, too, can be jolly!   Take a small step each day Feeling stressed about all you have to do ... more

Tips and tricks to make 2018 the year you stick to your healthy goals.   more

The past few months we have all seen the troubling headlines of nurse abuse. Do something to help end this behavior! Take the #EndNurseAbuse pledge!   more

Learn more about how the Wisconsin Nurses Association (WNA) is participating as an HNHN Champion Partner. more

Preventing the spread of infection within a hospital takes a concerted team effort in which nurses are critical. “Nurses are at every level of patient care, whether within an institution, community, or home.  It’s the nurse who is the patient advocate, educator, and facilitator of care. They’re the individuals who are most likely to ensure patient ... more

5 ways being grateful can improve your outlook and well-being.    more

7 strategies for maintaining good-for-you habits between Thanksgiving and New Year’s.    more

Camille Adair, RN and NMNA Chair, Healthy Nurse | Healthy New Mexico Interest Group discusses the importance of the connection between disclosure and well-being in this article from the New Mexico Nurse, originally published on August 2, 2017, and reprinted with permission of the New Mexico Nurses Association. Here is the link to the original online version .    more

ANA’s Senior Policy Advisor, Sharon Morgan, explains the impact staffing has on nurse and patient safety.   more

Children’s Hospital - Los Angeles (CHLA)   was presented with a Certificate of Recognition for being an exceptional Premier Partner in ANA’s Healthy Nurse, Healthy Nation Grand Challenge (HNHN) GC . more

ANA’s Senior Policy Advisor Ruth Francis, MPH, MCHES, shares strategies for keeping nurses safe from sharps.   more

Natasha Bethea, ANA’s Senior Membership Marketing Specialist, shares tips and strategies nurses can use to overcome generational issues in the workplace.   more

ANA’s Senior Policy Advisor Liz Stokes, JD, MA, RN, explains why moral courage is important for nurses and how to cultivate it.   more

Hospice nurse, Camille Adair, RN, shares her strategies for honoring the life and death of a patient – and nurses’ own suffering.    more

These quick and healthy meals are simple enough to whip up even after a long shift.   more

As nurses, many of us feel that, of course, we are mindful, but are we really? And just what is mindfulness? Check out this blog to learn more about how to stay mindful and how doing so can enhance your nursing practice. more

Nurses have to make decisions all the time and situations arise where decisions on what to do can feel daunting, especially when they feel unethical. How do you cope with taking actions you may be uncomfortable with, but are either asked or required to take? ANA’s Senior Policy Advisor Liz Stokes, JD, MA, RN, explains how moral distress affects us and how to work through it.   more

Cynthia Clark, PhD, RN, ANEF, FAAN, explains how nurses can foster collegial relationships with one another, move past incivility and bullying, and promote healthy work environments.    more

We debunk four common excuses nurses give for not working out. more

Bounce back from unhealthy blunders with these tips from health coach Camille Adair, RN .    more

A balanced diet is a critical piece of the health picture. Unfortunately, many nurses face an uphill battle when it comes to eating right. more

Try these simple tweaks to add more joy to your day from Marie Shanahan MA, BSN, HN-BC.   more

We ensure our patients drink enough fluids, but we don’t do the same for ourselves. Cardiac Clinical Nurse Specialist Nurse Alice Benjamin explains how to stay hydrated at work. more

Kati Kleber, BSN, RN, CCRN breaks down how to make sense of choosing your next steps in nursing. more

Are you burned out? Karen Anderson, Clinical Nurse Specialist for Patient and Family Centered Care at the Hospital of The University of Pennsylvania explains how to recognize the symptoms and how to get help.  more

Nine suggestions for a simple and healthy morning meal to start your day off right.  more

Eight tips to make a restful vacation a reality.    more

Nurses often have to simultaneously care for others both at work and at home, leaving ourselves strapped for time or attention to attend to our own needs. Angela Newton, a nurse at The Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, offers  some really good tips  on how to cope with the stresses that come when you are constantly focused on anyone, but yourself.    more

Try these 15 simple tweaks to up your fruit and veggie intake.   more

Eighty-two percent (82%) of nurses consider workplace stress to be the biggest workplace hazard. Pick up some tips from this blog to learn how to start using meditation as a way to  combat stress . more

Brenda Murdough, a PACU nurse at Duke University Hospital, ran her first marathon at the age of 58. and lost 38 lbs in 10 months. Learn about her weight loss journey in this blog.   more

Lack of sleep can cause you to make mistakes while at work or in daily life in general. Are you having trouble falling asleep? Try these 12 tips  from Jackie Levin, board-certified holistic nurse and founder of Leading Edge Nursing.   more

USPHS' Chief Professional Officer, RAMD Susan Orsega ‍  and some other wonderful nurses got together to complete our #FitNurseFriday 5K Challenge in May. Check out their photos. They had so much fun! What are you doing to get active?  Did you do the challenge too? Post your photos in our #FitNurseFriday discussion and share your experiences! Have you joined our private Facebook group  yet? Follow us on   Twitter  and  Instagram .  Make sure to tag us and a #HealthyNurse. more

At age 60 Missy Conover-Walker, a Nurse Practitioner and manager of an employee health center, lost over 100 pounds. Read her inspiring story in this week's physical activity blog. more

Mary Jo Assi, DNP, RN, NEA-BC, FNP-BC, FAAN has been a nurse for over 30 years. Read the inspirational story of her journey to better wellness and her commitment to hard-wiring healthy behaviors. Mary Jo is the Associate Chief Nursing Officer at Press Ganey and former Vice President of Nursing Practice and Innovation at ANA.   more

 Over the course of a year, 35,800 nurse workdays are lost due to musculoskeletal injury, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, and according to the American Nurses Association’s 2016 Health Risk Appraisal , seven out of 10 nurses report pain resulting from their work.   “Nurses are the heart of health care, yet they are the most injured ... more

Nurses understand the dangers of spending too much time in the sun and many of us practice sun safety measures to protect against skin cancer, but protecting against skin cancer is a topic that should stay top of mind. Check out these Sun Safety Tips for Nurses.   more

Not sure when to get what checked out? Use this chart to make sure you’re up to date with your preventative check-ups. more

Not sure when to get what checked out? Use this chart to make sure you’re up to date with your preventative check-ups.   more

When employers provide the right tools, employees can create and foster healthy habits both at work and at home. Whether an on-site fitness center, weight loss plan reimbursement, or free cancer screenings, wellness perks all contribute to the health and longevity of staff members. Take a peek at what hospitals and other employers nationwide are doing to enhance the health of their nurses.    more

Nurses often work in high-stress environments and deal with life and death situations. This makes us almost twice as likely to experience depression as people in other professions. That's why it is important understand the signs and know how to get help. The good news is that since we’re in the health care industry, we have access to the treatment and support needed to recover. more

Jacklynn Lesniak MS BSN RN NEA-BC, Chief Nursing Officer and the Senior Vice President of Patient Care Services at Cancer Treatment Centers of America ® (CTCA) at Midwestern Regional Medical Center (Midwestern) shares the case for taking a break. CTCA has pioneered innovative practices around nurse rest and rejuvenation and has seen significant results.   more

As nurses, too often we are dealing with multiple emotions in a given day. Things at work and at home can be stressful and those  high-calorie treats  from coworkers or patients are just so readily available, that we hardly notice overindulgence. Before you reach for that feel good confection , try these strategies from other nurses!   more

Did you know workplace stress impacts nurses with nearly the same frequency as infectious disease agents, on-the-job falls, and workplace violence combined?  Alleviate your stress by trying out these easy-to-implement strategies shared by Nicole Vienneau, RN and board-certified integrative nurse coach at Blue Monarch .   more

The good news is that you don't have to be in a gym to sneak some fitness into your daily routine. Heidi Rye ‍ , an RN and certified group fitness instructor, has shared some great ideas on how to incorporate fitness moves into your routine, if you’re crunched for time. more

Less than a third of nurses get 7-9 hours of the recommended sleep time per night. Demanding schedules contribute challenges to achieving a good night’s sleep, but it's important to recognize why we should make the case for more sleep. Read this blog to understand why. more