I wholeheartedly support this proposal!

I have been a nurse for over 30 years and a nurse educator for 20 years. I can personally tell you that nursing is a mentally and physically challenging profession that has only increased since the pandemic.

The physical and mental health of nurses is a major concern to me. I believe that incorporating behaviors that help reduce work strain, anxiety, and tension by increasing one’s ability to cope through holistic stress reduction strategies is essential to resilience.

I have always prioritized self-care in my life and taught the “concept” of self-care for the duration of my career. However, nursing curricula is so intense that educators only have time to talk about self-care concepts. The reality of practice is simply not feasible.

As nurses, we must change the way we think and act!

New nurses must start to not only value the knowledge of self-care practices but understand how to care for themselves. Therefore, self-care skill development is necessary. Mandating that nursing programs not only teach, but allow nursing students to experience relaxation, healthy eating and exercise through documented self-care activities will help students develop positive coping habits rather than negative ones. Participating in activities such as yoga, exercise classes, support groups, and other activities that promote health and illness prevention will help solidify these behaviors.

I believe that practicing self-care during nursing school will foster a healthier transition into practice and lengthen the time nurses are able to provide safe care to patients in demanding workplaces. I am thankful that this proposal is being considered and support it completely!