Nursing can be a physically demanding career. Between manually lifting patients and being on their feet for long shifts, nurses require stamina and strength to stay the course. Add in the emotional and psychological demands of caring for the sick and injured, and it is apparent that nurses need to take time to focus on their own health.
Furthermore, demanding academic programs can add to the time management hurdles faced by nursing students who continue to work while earning their degree. Convenient options like the online Registered Nurse (RN) to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program from The University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) offer the flexibility working students need to manage their time efficiently. However, stress from full-time work and studies can challenge anyone’s well-being. Employer-sponsored wellness programs offer one way for nurses to practice self-care so that they can continue to give their patients the best care.
What Benefits Do Wellness Programs Offer?
Wellness programs are beneficial for several reasons. Program participants frequently complete online health risk assessments (HRAs) which pose questions related to lifestyle, diet, exercise and mental health. This provides a baseline of an individual’s overall health and identifies areas in which they can improve.
HRAs are easy to understand and serve as a handy reference for goal setting and tracking progress. Plus, some employers even offer a reduction in the employee’s portion of healthcare premiums for participating. HRAs help people prevent and address healthcare issues proactively, avoiding more expensive treatment and extended sick leave when problems go undetected. This can save on costs for employers, employees and insurance companies.
The range of services wellness programs offer can be extensive, making it easier for participants to find helpful resources all in one place. Wellness initiatives frequently include information about smoking cessation, dietary and meal planning, exercise, physical health and mental and emotional health. The programs may also include biometric screenings to check body mass index, blood pressure, cholesterol and other risk factors.
Wellness programs offer ongoing support and encouragement, which is particularly valuable for those who have no support systems in place. Wellness programs coordinated via the internet — typically through a dedicated website, portal and/or app — can automatically send updates and reminders by email or text message, prompting participants to follow the steps necessary to meet their health goals. An online health coach, usually assigned at the beginning of the program, can communicate through secure messaging with no appointment or travel necessary.
This type of support model shows promise for multiple positive outcomes. For instance, a 2023 scientific literature review found that worksite wellness programs based on physical activity like exercise generally increased the physical health and productivity of workers. According to the Mayo Clinic, exercise increases one’s “overall health” and “sense of well-being” while reducing stress and lessening symptoms of depression and anxiety. All of this suggests that wellness programs can improve an individual’s physical and mental health as well as their performance on the job.
Should Nurses Engage in Wellness Program Offerings?
Wellness programs increased in popularity over recent years as employers attempt to reduce healthcare costs and improve employee health. According to United Healthcare, employers offer an average of 22 different well-being programs. Yet, while many employees prefer employers who offer such programs, participation can be low. Logically, employers who incentivize and reward participation in wellness programs see a bump in employee engagement.
Program offerings vary from onsite exercise and yoga classes to campus architectural installations designed for breaks, meditation and relaxation. With the wide variety of initiatives covered by these programs, most nurses can benefit. From a financial perspective, participation can equal lower insurance premiums, reduced copays and, in some instances, cashback incentives for completing certain requirements like biometric screening.
The true payoff though is in improved physical, mental and emotional health. Due to the demands and inherent risk factors of the profession, nurses experience high rates of work-induced maladies like stress, depression, sleeping problems, burnout and injuries. While wellness programs cannot stave off all the challenges nurses face, they may help mitigate symptoms, severity and the number of occurrences by providing physical and emotional guidance and support.
Join Today and Prioritize Personal Health and Well-Being
Wellness programs have many benefits. For nurses who seek a healthier lifestyle — whether that means weight loss, stress management or smoking cessation — joining an employer-sponsored wellness program can improve the likelihood of success. With a built-in support system and financial incentives, wellness programs provide another form of self-care for nurses, allowing them to provide quality care to patients as well.
Learn about The UTA online RN to BSN program.
