Eat. Sleep. Nursing School.

Too Much Studying, Not Enough Exercising

Think back to the most stressful week in school you ever had. How much sleep did you get? Did you eat more than usual? Were you able to engage in exercise besides walking to the bathroom? While balancing assignments and meeting deadlines, students focus so much on getting their work done that they neglect taking care of themselves. Nursing students are no exception, and learning to manage their own health is needed to work in this physically demanding profession. When choosing a nursing school, students should identify how a school promotes physical health that will improve their exercise, diet, and sleep routines.

Eating a balanced meal, modified from the USDA's MyPlate recommendations. "Healthy Eating Plate" by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health

Finding the time and motivation to exercise can be challenging for nursing students to squeeze into their busy schedules. One study found that nursing students were not meeting the recommended 2.5 hours of exercise each week for adults in the U.S. (Blake et al.). This finding, combined with the effects of stress and overeating, is problematic as the time spent sitting and studying also means more time being inactive. To counter these harmful habits, consider what resources are offered by nursing schools that encourage physical activity.

One of SHINS' programs, the Passport Challenge, suggests daily tasks where students can earn prizes. "Staying Healthy in Nursing School" by Kennesaw State University

Leading a Healthy Lifestyle

Implementing physical activities for students increases exercise involvement and moral support with other students and the school. Scheduling group activities give nursing students opportunities to exercise that are convenient with their schedule. Staying Healthy in Nursing School (SHINS) is a program developed by Kennesaw State University to reduce stress and raise health awareness. The program includes activities such as daily fitness tasks, cooking demonstrations, and yoga classes. For students who are already physically fit and have a fitness routine, participating in these activities could be seen as a way to connect with other students. Finding a school that has these activities allows students to redirect their stress and benefit from the health advantages of eating appropriately and being physically active.

A few of the Passport Challenge's tasks. "Staying Healthy in Nursing School" by Kennesaw State University

Getting Sleep

Getting adequate sleep the night before clinical experiences at the hospital is desirable but may be difficult to regularly achieve. According to one research study, 83% of nursing students reported having 6 hours of sleep or less prior to their clinical rotation (Thomas, et al.). The amount of sleep received by students affects their performance, decision-making, and consequently, safe patient care. While students are encouraged to attend clinicals and gain experience, they should also be educated on sleep deprivation and how to avoid it. Consider the locations of the clinical sites partnered with the school, how long the shifts would be, and how many times clinicals would be done each week to determine your sleeping schedule.

Reduce your phone usage or change your phone's settings to help you get better sleep. "Clean Up Your Sleep Hygiene" by American Heart Association

Exercising Your Body, Not Just Your Mind

While nursing students spend a tremendous amount of time studying the human body and health problems, they may also have their own issues to resolve. As nurses are health advocates and role models for their patients, nursing students should start to develop healthy habits to develop their own routines. Finding a nursing school that provides physical health supports, such as scheduled activities, nutritional guidance, and sleep enhancement, will not only encourage students to lead healthy lifestyles but also give quality patient care.

Sources:

American Heart Association. "Clean Up Your Sleep Hygiene." Digital image. How to Sleep Better Infographic, 2018, www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-lifestyle/sleep/how-to-sleep-better-infographic. Accessed 25 Oct. 2019.

Blake, Holly, et al. "Predictors of Physical Activity and Barriers to Exercise in Nursing and Medical Students." Journal of Advanced Nursing, vol. 73, no. 4, Apr. 2017, pp. 917-929, Wiley Online Library. doi:10.1111/jan.13181. Accessed 14 Oct. 2019.

Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. "Healthy Eating Plate." Digital image. The Nutrition Source, 2011, www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/healthy-eating-plate/. Accessed 25 Oct. 2019.

Kennesaw State University. "Staying Healthy in Nursing School." Kennesaw State University Health Promotion and Wellness, 2018, wellness.kennesaw.edu/staying-healthy.php. Accessed 25 Oct. 2019.

Thomas, Cynthia M., et al. "Sleep Deprivation in Nursing Students: The Negative Impact for Quality and Safety." Journal of Nursing Education and Practice, vol. 7, no. 5, 3 Jan. 2017, pp. 87-93, ResearchGate. doi:10.5430/jnep.v7n5p87. Accessed 25 Oct. 2019.