Effects of Exercise and Nutrition on Nurses\u27 Stress Levels

Problem: Research shows that nurses are more likely to become overweight or obese the longer they practice nursing at the bedside in the United States. Also, nursing is a high stress profession that can contribute to unhealthy behaviors relating to being overweight. Healthy eating habits and exercise is the key to reduce stress and the risk of becoming overweight or obese. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine what the effects of exercise and healthy nutritional education had on nurses\u27 stress levels. Methods: A convenience sample of nurses on an ICU Stepdown unit from a local hospital was asked to take a 10 question Likert style survey measuring their physical activity, nutrition habits, and stress levels. An educational pamphlet was explained and handed out after the pre-survey was completed and a post survey was then issued to measure their understanding. Pertinent Findings: It is expected that following education the participants will increase their physical activity and make healthier eating choices to support reducing their stress levels at the hospital. Conclusion: This study helped educate nurses on the importance of healthy eating and physical exercise to reduce their stress at work with the pamphlet as a reference