Intentional Self-Care Activities Improve Health Behavior Scores for Nurses: A Qualitative Observational Study

Nurses face a variety of stressors and research examining nursing employee wellness programs is inconclusive with regard to cost-benefit and outcomes. This study aims to explore the impact of a self-directed short-term (2 wk) self-care activity on registered nurses (RNs) self-rated health-related quality of life.

This was a prospective nonrandomized interventional pilot study that consented RNs working in a university hospital working day shift and night shift. Demographic data and the RAND-36-item Short Form (RAND-36) scores were obtained at baseline. Each RN then self-selected and committed to engaging in one of 30 self-care activities for a 2-week period. Follow-up RAND-36 scores were obtained after RNs completed the 2-week intervention.

The RAND-36 is a tool that was used to collect participant responses.

One hundred twenty-one nurses were enrolled in the study. Ninety-five (78.5%) out of the 121 had both baseline and follow-up SF-26 scores available. The nurses were mostly baccalaureate prepared [95 (78.5%)] and worked day shift [87 (71.9%)]. The physical health problems subscale at baseline [21.2 (6.0)] was similar to follow-up [22 (6.0); P=0.386]. There was a statistically significant improvement in RAND-36 subscale scores for: physical functioning (P=0.0096), pain (P=0.003), general health perceptions (P<0.0001), energy and fatigue (P<0.0001), social functioning (P=0.0004), emotional health problems (P=0.0422), and emotional well-being (P=0.0348).

This study identified a positive impact on nursing when the nurses self-selected a wellness activity. Positive changes in energy/fatigue, social functioning, and emotional well-being showed potential for healthcare workers and their well-being. Exploring short-term programs that promote autonomous motivation may provide cost-effective wellness programs. Future work should test for sustainability and long-term impact.