Developing a Green Nursing Practice in a Profession That Contributes to Climate Change: One Nurse's Journey

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Healthcare Management
• Nursing Practice

Background:

• The healthcare sector is a major contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions, with hospitals being primary sources.
• Critical care units generate substantially higher emissions compared to general patient care areas.
• Environmental harm from healthcare includes waste disposal, toxicant exposure, and pollution.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore how nurses can address environmental challenges within healthcare settings.
• To guide the integration of sustainability principles into nursing practices.
• To empower nurses to influence national and global health through environmental stewardship.

Main Methods:

• Review of current literature on healthcare sustainability and nursing roles.
• Analysis of barriers to implementing green practices in hospitals.
• Discussion of strategies for nurses to promote environmental stewardship.

Main Results:

• Significant environmental impact from healthcare operations, especially in intensive care units.
• Barriers to green practice integration include time, leadership support, and knowledge gaps.
• Nursing values align with environmental stewardship, yet often conflict with existing hospital policies.

Conclusions:

• Nurses are pivotal in confronting environmental problems in healthcare.
• Adopting green nursing practices is essential for mitigating climate change's health impacts.
• Collective nursing action can drive systemic change towards a sustainable healthcare future.