16 Do we practice what we preach?
Matter for discussion submitted by the RCN East Dorset Branch
That this meeting of RCN Congress discusses whether nurses are good role models to their clients when it comes to health-related behaviours
Work led by the Nursing Development Committee
The debate at Congress centred on whether we know what triggers the causes for nurses adopting unhealthy behaviours and the need to promote healthy eating and food options available to them.
The RCN has contributed to the development of the Department of Health (DH) Health and well-being strategy (England), which aims to help rehabilitate people who have been on long term sick leave and support a healthy life style. Many nurses on long term sick leave could be positively affected by this initiative.
In October 2008 the RCN submitted a response to the Department of Work and Pensions consultation, No one written off: reforming welfare to reward responsibility, re-emphasising the RCN commitment to promoting health and well-being for all. The RCN has also input to the Occupational Health Clinical Excellence Unit's evidence-based guidelines, which impact directly on the management of health at work of the entire nursing population.
The RCN regularly engages members to contribute to the development of public health guidelines and behavioural change initiatives. The RCN Occupational Health Forum is currently part of the project team setting UK standards for the accreditation of health at work services. The RCN will also contribute, through the NHS Social Partnership Forum, to the forthcoming DH review of health and wellbeing in the NHS workforce. The RCN will continue to work with UK representatives, activists and key stakeholders for a public health campaign to highlight the benefits of good working practice and improving public health is likely to be a key lobbying issue for the next general election. The RCN also intends to develop a dignity at work charter for its members.
Each year the RCN gathers information � including the pressures and stresses encountered by nurses � through its annual membership survey to determine future campaigns and action. In 2008 the RCN implemented a stress audit, and developed its Working with care tool to help members identify stressors. However, the reasons why some nurses adopt unhealthy lifestyles are complex and research in this area is inconclusive. Future RCN work in this arena could include identifying causes or triggers, and lobbying for resources to support nurses to change their behaviour.
To raise awareness of health and health promoting lifestyles, Congress 2009 will include a number of specific activities and events including dedicated areas for exercise, morning walks and runs, as well as healthy eating 'taster' opportunities and the provision of healthy eating options.