Table 1.

Tips for Nurse Leaders to Increase Health-Promoting Behaviors in Nurses

Post signs near elevators encouraging nurses to take the stairs if going down two floors or up one floor

Encourage healthy snacks in the workplace

Encourage a culture of civility and support where nurses feel safe coming to administrators for assistance with workplace and home stressors

Find alternatives to cake and doughnuts to celebrate special occasions

Hold standing or walking meetings

Choose a trigger that occurs frequently (eg, sending an e-mail, washing your hands) and use that as a reminder for staff members to breathe deeply and relax their shoulders

Hold inservice sessions on healthy behaviors such as “Simple Healthy Meals and Snacks to Pack for Work” or “Tips for a Healthy Night’s Sleep”

Advocate for healthy workplace initiatives such as healthy work hours and shifts, options for exercise, or healthy food options available at all hours

Organize healthy group activities before or after shift changes such as 5K walks, yoga classes, or fitness competitions using fitness tracking devices or pedometers

Have a quiet space on the unit where nurses can choose from a library of healthy break options, including video or audio files with instructions for guided meditations, breathing exercises, simple yoga stretches, aromatherapy, or self-massage

Model healthy behaviors by packing healthy lunches and snacks and demonstrating a healthy work-life balance