Role of Nutrition in Nursing Wellness

Nutrition plays a foundational role in nursing, influencing everything from patient recovery to disease prevention and even the well-being of nurses themselves.

A healthy diet will help you look and feel good as well. Since nurses are the main point of contact with patients, they must understand the importance of nutrition basics and be able to explain the facts about healthy food choices to their patients. Nutrition classes provide the information necessary to sort the fact from fiction about healthy eating and pass that knowledge on to their patients. Not only must nurses be able to explain the ins and outs of a healthy diet, but they must also lead by example.

How nutrition impacts job performance

Nurses need enough stamina to maintain a high level of performance. Good dietary decisions give nurses what they need to provide high-quality care: 

1. Sustained energy: Choose meals rich in complex carbohydrates (whole grains, vegetables, and legumes), proteins (lean meats, fish, dairy, beans, and lentils), and healthy fats (avocados, nuts, and olive oil). 
2. Immune system support: A strong immune system is important for nurses who are regularly exposed to pathogens. Vitamins and minerals such as Vitamin C (found in foods like citrus fruits, berries, and leafy greens), Vitamin D (found in foods such as fatty fish and some fortified dairy products), zinc (found in meat, shellfish, and legumes) and iron (found in red meat, beans, and spinach) support immune function. By incorporating those nutrients into daily meals, you can maintain a robust immune system. 
3. Weight management: Maintaining a healthy weight is important to prevent chronic diseases. Conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease can increase absenteeism in nursing units and can impair a nurse’s ability to perform their duties. 
4. Enhanced mental clarity: Certain nutrients can boost your ability to make quick decisions and manage multiple tasks simultaneously. For example, omega-3 fatty acids (found in food like fatty fish and flaxseeds) are known to support brain health. Antioxidants and B vitamins also support cognitive function. 
5. Hydration. If you’re dehydrated, it can significantly impair your cognitive performance. That can lead to difficulties in concentration, memory, and overall mental function. To stay hydrated, drink water regularly and consume water-rich foods like fruits and vegetables. Herbal teas and low-sugar electrolyte drinks are also beneficial, especially during long (or particularly stressful) shifts.

Meal Planning: A Strategy for Success:

A valuable strategy to ensure you consistently consume nutritious meals is meal planning. By dedicating a portion of your week to plan and prep your meals, you’ll be less tempted to fall back on fast food or unhealthy take-out options when time is tight. Aim for meals that include an array of vibrant vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. With ready-to-eat, nutritious meals on hand, you’ll save time, reduce stress, and bolster your overall health.

Nutrition is a powerful ally in a nurse’s quest for enhanced productivity and effectiveness. By providing your body with the right nutrients, you can maintain high energy levels, increase mental clarity, and boost your overall health. Making the right dietary choices, prioritising hydration, and snacking wisely can greatly enhance your performance. Through proper nutrition, not only can you deliver exceptional patient care, but you also protect and enhance your own health and vitality.

Organizational support for nutrition in nursing

Healthcare organizations can do a lot to support the nutritional wellness of nursing staff. There are many good reasons to do so. 

A nursing workforce that’s well-nourished and healthy is less likely to take sick leave. This reduces costs associated with absenteeism and turnover. Also, well-nourished nurses are more productive and more capable of delivering high-quality care. 

Employers Contribution for good nutrition in nursing:

• Provide access to healthy meals and snacks in the workplace. Hospitals can offer nutritious food in cafeterias, emphasizing low-sugar, low-sodium, and low-fat options. Healthcare organizations can also replace traditional vending machine offerings with healthier choices — nuts, seeds, dried fruits, or whole-grain snacks.
• Offer nutrition education programs. Dietitians or nutritionists can hold workshops or seminars to educate staff on the importance of nutrition in nursing. Nurses can learn to manage stress through diet or balance blood sugar levels, for instance. 
• Provide personalized nutrition counseling. Nurses can develop individualized nutrition plans based on their own health needs, dietary preferences, and work schedules. 
• Create a supportive environment that encourages healthy eating. Organizing healthy eating challenges, such as “Eat the Rainbow” (encouraging consumption of different coloured fruits and vegetables) can make nutrition fun and engaging. 
• Offer flexible scheduling. This helps nurses to allocate time for meal planning and preparation. 
• Allow for adequate breaks during shifts. Nurses need enough time to eat nutritious meals or snacks.  
• Promote regular hydration. Workplaces can install water dispensers with infused water (such as lemon, cucumber, or mint). Offering low-sugar electrolyte drinks in break rooms can help nurses stay hydrated during long shifts or high-stress situations. 
• Offer workplace wellness programs that focus on nutrition in nursing. Encouraging nurses to participate in cooking classes or workshops can boost morale. It also promotes an overall culture of health and wellness. 

Tips for good nutrition 

Nurses often have irregular schedules and work long shifts. This makes it more challenging to maintain a healthy diet. Consider some of these tips to maintain good nutrition in nursing:

• Plan and prepare meals in advance. This ensures that nutritious options are available at any hour, day or night.
• Use a meal-delivery service. Nurses likely won’t have time or energy to cook a healthy meal after a tiring shift. Ready-made meals can reduce the temptation to opt for unhealthy convenience foods.
• Bring portable, non-perishable snacks to work. Snacking can be a crucial part of a nurse’s diet. Having nuts, seeds, or whole grain crackers readily available can provide energy and nutrients between meals. 
• Practice mindful eating. Even if you just have a few minutes, find a way to savor the food you’re consuming. Instead of eating in the break room, find an outdoor area (such as hospital gardens) if available. Or instead of grabbing a quick bite between patients at the nursing station, take a few minutes to eat in the staff lounge along with some conversation. 
• Stay hydrated. Carrying a reusable water bottle serves as a reminder to drink water regularly throughout your shift. Infused water can add some variety, making hydration more enjoyable.

FOR PATIENTS

Importance of Nutrition in Nursing

1. Promotes overall health and well-being
2. Supports immune function and infection prevention
3. Enhances wound healing and tissue repair
4. Improves mental health and cognitive function
5. Reduces risk of chronic diseases (e.g., diabetes, cardiovascular disease)

Nutritional Assessment in Nursing

1. Dietary history and habits
2. Anthropometric measurements (e.g., weight, height, BMI)
3. Biochemical markers (e.g., albumin, prealbumin)
4. Clinical signs of malnutrition (e.g., weight loss, muscle wasting)

Nutrition Interventions in Nursing

1. Individualized meal planning
2. Nutritional supplementation (e.g., vitamins, minerals)
3. Enteral and parenteral nutrition
4. Education on healthy eating habits
5. Support for patients with special dietary needs (e.g., diabetes, gluten-free)

Specific Nutritional Needs in Nursing

1. Gerontological nursing: focus on protein, calcium, and vitamin D
2. Pediatric nursing: focus on growth and development, vitamin D, and iron
3. Critical care nursing: focus on protein, calories, and electrolytes
4. Oncology nursing: focus on protein, calories, and nutritional supplements

Nursing Strategies for Promoting Healthy Nutrition

1. Encourage healthy eating habits
2. Provide nutrition education and counseling
3. Support meal planning and preparation
4. Monitor nutritional status and intervene as needed
5. Collaborate with registered dietitians and other healthcare professionals

Common Nutrition-Related Health Issues

1. Malnutrition and Dehydration
2. Obesity and Weight Management
3. Diabetes and Blood Sugar Control
4. Cardiovascular Disease and Lipid Management
5. Gastrointestinal Disorders (e.g., Constipation, Diarrhea)
6. Pressure Ulcers and Wound Healing
7. Renal Disease and Electrolyte Imbalance
8. Respiratory Disease and Oxygenation

Specific Nutrition-Related Health Issues in Nursing

1. Gerontological Nursing: Malnutrition, dehydration, and sarcopenia
2. Pediatric Nursing: Growth and development, obesity, and feeding disorders
3. Critical Care Nursing: Malnutrition, electrolyte imbalance, and gastrointestinal dysfunction
4. Oncology Nursing: Malnutrition, cachexia, and nutrition-related side effects
5. Rehabilitation Nursing: Malnutrition, weight management, and functional ability

Nursing Considerations

1. Assess nutritional status and fluid balance
2. Monitor laboratory results (e.g., albumin, prealbumin, electrolytes)
3. Provide individualized nutrition counseling and education
4. Implement evidence-based nutrition interventions
5. Collaborate with registered dietitians and other healthcare professionals

Nursing Interventions

1. Nutrition assessment and monitoring
2. Individualized meal planning and nutrition counseling
3. Nutritional supplementation (e.g., vitamins, minerals)
4. Enteral and parenteral nutrition
5. Fluid management and hydration

REFERENCES

1. Bell D & Valentine G (2020) Consuming Geographies, We Are What We Eat. Routledge, London.
2. Brogden BJ (2019) Clinical skills: the importance of nutrition for acutely ill hospital patients. British Journal of Nursing (BJN) 13, 914.
3. Clay M (2020) Nutritious, enjoyable food in nursing homes. Elderly Care 12, 11–16.
4. Copeman J (2020) Clinical. Promoting nutrition in older people in nursing and residential homes. British Journal of Community Nursing 5, 277–278.
5. Stacey Kusterbeck, What Is the Role of Nutrition in Nursing Wellness?, July 24, 2024, https://www.nurse.com/blog/nutrition-in-nursing-wellness-nsp/

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