Nurses as Instruments of Healing: Self-Care Practices of Nurses in a Rural Hospital Setting

To better understand current self-care practices and health-promoting behaviors of nursing staff in a rural hospital and determine if there is a need for further development of a holistic self-care program for nursing staff in the hospital.

In this cross-sectional, descriptive study, a structured questionnaire was used to collect data on current self-care practices and health needs and interests of hospital registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and certified nursing assistants from inpatient, outpatient, and emergency departments. A convenience sample of 45 was employed.

Most prevalent self-care practices included humor/laughter/play, music, spirituality/prayer, healthy sleep habits, reading, healthy nutrition, and walking. At least 75.6% answered to be extremely or likely to use three of five fitness programs (95% confidence interval [CI: 63.05%, 88.15%]). All four nutrition education programs were rated extremely likely or likely by at least two thirds of respondents (66.7%; 95% CI [52.93%, 80.47%]). Other programs of interests included health education programs and job stress management programs. Majority would participate in self-care program at work if one was offered (73.3%; 95% CI [60.37%, 86.23%]).

Majority of nursing staff recognize the importance of self-care. There is a strong preference toward fitness programs and nutrition education programs at work to other programs.