Blogs

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

We’re Accepting the Challenge! The nurses of Holy Name Medical Center in Teaneck, N.J., are thrilled to announce we accepted the Healthy Nurse Healthy Nation Grand Challenge as we celebrated National Nurses Week! As inspired by one of our med-surg nurses, Marissa Brown, and announced by our CNO/Vice President of Patient Care Services, Dr. ... more

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

This week, we are proud to shine the spotlight on the University of Texas at Austin School of Nursing (UTSON). UTSON is committed to providing faculty and students with an abundance of wellness opportunities, including yoga, walking groups, and of course, HNHN!   more

We are proud to shine the #HealthyNurse Spotlight on Tiffany Martin.  For me, health and wellness is a daily and life-long journey.  It is something that is ever present in my mind. I have always been attracted to holistic health and complementary therapies so I incorporate quite a few modalities to support my own health and wellness. I have a morning ... more

It's day 5 of the  Curb Your Sweet Tooth  challenge!  Yesterday we talked about sugar content in your drinks. Today we want you to consider limiting or skipping alcohol beverages. Not only does alcohol contain empty calories, many of these drinks are sugar-laden. Mixed drinks, like piña coladas, daiquiris, and frozen margaritas have the most added ... more

It's day 6 of the  Curb Your Sweet Tooth  challenge!  Today's tip is to  satisfy your sugar cravings with fruit . Believe it or not, natural sugars (such as those found in fruit) and processed sugar (like high fructose corn syrup) are pretty similar. They’re both comprised of fructose and glucose. The main difference is: When sugar naturally occurs ... more

It's day 4 of the Curb Your Sweet Tooth challenge!  Today we challenge you to think about the sugar content in what you are drinking. A single 12-ounce can of regular soda has about 10 teaspoons of added sugar, which is more than the average person should consume in a day. A child’s juice box has 5 teaspoons. A store-bought smoothie has 4 ½ teaspoons, and a ... more

Discover how the Virginia Nurses Association engages their members with HNHN through conferences, social media, continuing education and their own unique wellness initiative: Take Five . The Virginia Nurses Association (VNA) is a statewide, membership-based professional association for registered nurses. VNA represents the interests of ... more

It's day 3 of the  Curb Your Sweet Tooth  challenge! Today's tip is to decrease sneaky sources of sugar . Most packaged foods contain some form of sugar to increase flavor. Ketchup, tomato sauce, canned fruit, and cereal bars all contain added sugar. In fact, The New York Times reports that of the 600,000 food items for sale in America, about 80 percent ... more

It's day 2 of the  Curb Your Sweet Tooth  challenge!  While you are looking at food labels for sugar content today, take a look at the ingredients! The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is requiring all packaged goods to have an updated “Nutrition Facts” label by the year 2020 that clearly lists the amount of added sugars in a product. Until then, it’s ... more

Welcome to day 1 of the  Curb Your Sweet Tooth  challenge! Thank you for joining us! The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends that most women consume a maximum of six teaspoons of added sugar per day and that men consume less than nine . Today, we challenge you to  take note of how much sugar is in the foods you consume today . Read food labels to learn ... 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

We are proud to shine the spotlight on Regional Health.  Through HNHN and their own robust program, LiveWell by Regional Health, they ensure that their employees have access to what they need for optimal health and wellness.  Special shout out to Stephanie Iverson, Regional Health’s Health and Well-Being Program Specialist. 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

With a long history of promoting nurses’ health, safety, and wellness, the American Holistic Nurses Association (AHNA) is honored to partner with Healthy Nurse, Healthy Nation™ (HNHN) to expand nurses’ self-care skills.   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 ... 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

In this edition of the Champion Spotlight, we feature Bayhealth Medical Center.    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

Find out how The Pennsylvania State University College of Nursing is improving nursing student wellness by increased HNHN participation; campus-wide step challenges; and other fun programs and activities like lunchtime yoga.  Read more below.  more

On March 14 Marketa Houskova, Executive Director, ANA\California presented the Partners All In contest award to Nancy Lee, Senior Vice President and Chief Clinical Officer of Children's Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA). The $5,000.00 award will be invested in CHLA's wellness program to achieve the goal to implement a walking route with exercise ... more

The American Nurses Association (ANA) is working to highlight and encourage nursing innovation, and it is in this spirit that we’re proud to launch the ANA Innovation Awards™ powered by BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company). 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 pleased to shine the spotlight on the International Nurses Society on Addictions (IntNSA), one of our newest premier partners in the Healthy Nurse, Healthy Nation™ Grand Challenge (HNHN).   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

Find out how the Texas Nurses Association, one of our very first Premier Partners, participates in HNHN.   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

This week, we are proud to shine the spotlight on New Jersey State Nurses Association (NJSNA). NJSNA has convened a team of 125 dedicated and passionate nurses. From lavender at their convention to quinoa stuffed peppers on Pinterest, read more about their strategies to improve the health of nurses in New Jersey. 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

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 of responsibility, unpredictable environments, rotating ... more

Deborah Struth, MSN, RN, PhD(c),   Research Associate at  the Oncology Nursing Society shares more about the work they are doing to help nurses live a healthy lifestyle. 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 focus on NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital’s plethora of wellness offerings for their employees.  See below for their all-encompassing approach. 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 ... more

Every month Healthy Nurse, Healthy Nation hosts 2 challenges in the domains of physical activity, nutrition, rest, safety, and quality of life, that offer daily actionable tips over the course of short 5-10 day challenges delivered via text or to your inbox. Let us help you achieve your goals to better health & wellness. Check out the challenges below ... more

Learn more about how the New Mexico Nurses Associ ation (NMNA) is participating as an HNHN Premier Partner. 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 2018 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. During clinicals, I would get up at 4 am.  I was also my husband’s care giver; he had liver cancer that progressed to the bone rapidly. When I lost ... more

Ways to feel calmer when your workload and holiday to-do list feel out of control.  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

ANA’s Senior Policy Advisor, Sharon Morgan, points out how nurses are the best defense against the spread of infectious diseases.  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 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? Give these 12 tips  to get more rest  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 hardwiring 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

Prepare these nutritious meals once and eat all week. 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. 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