Blogs

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, sleep expert at SleepHelp.org 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 ... more

Between now and March 1, 2019, we will be running a contest to  celebrate ANA members who have joined Healthy Nurse, Healthy Nation .   Winners will receive one of ten Avantek White Noise Sound Machines. This contest will run in conjunction with our  February Healthy Sleep Challenge . Eligible participants will be automatically entered in the drawing. ... 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

Welcome to the Power Up with Produce Challenge !   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

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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

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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

This month’s resources include a host of webinars on Moral Resilience, Reversing Bullying in the Workplace, Getting Ahead of Sepsis, and Environmental Infection Control.   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

                                    Hospital and office cafeterias don’t always offer healthy options and buying salads every day can get expensive. That’s why it’s important to have some no-fuss, easy-to-prep lunches you can make in advance and bring to work. When you have lunch in the bag, you’ll be less tempted by the cafeteria’s latest fast food fix.   Here are a ... more

Nursing and being active often go hand in hand. Many nurses spend long hours on their feet. They might be lifting patients or pushing heavy beds. Despite all that physical effort, however, many nurses aren’t getting the amounts and types of exercise they need. more

Nursing is a rewarding profession, but it’s also a taxing one. Not only are nurses in demand around the clock, they’re often dealing with life-and-death scenarios. The fallout from those experiences can take a physical and emotional toll. In fact, the health of American nurses is worse than that of the average American in almost every domain. more

A nurse’s job is to keep people healthy, so it’s a grim irony that many nurses encounter unsafe situations in the workplace. From fatigue and needle sticks to falls and workplace violence, a wide range of threats can put nurses’ safety on the line.   Some of those threats are physical hazards: Nurses can sustain sharps injuries that expose them to ... 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