The general perception among the public is that hospital workers are at the forefront of receving adequate and quality healthcare by virtue of their working environment. However, recent studies have proven that this assumption could not be further from the truth. According to Taylor and Bithoney (2012), healthcare workers represent one of the unhealthiest group among the general population. This shocking trend has been attributed to a wide range of reasons such as unhealthy eating habits and general lifestyle practices as well as the nature of their work. However, it is not easy, or realistic to expect healthcare workers to model a healthy lifestyle on account of promoting a similar behavior among the American population.
Child and Institute of Medicine (2014) indicate that the unhealthy lifestyle practices of a majority of Americans as evidenced by lack of proper eating habits, lack of physical exercise and bad habits such as excessive smoking and drinking are some the underlying reasons for the increase in chronic disease such as obesity, cardiovascular illnesses, and arthritis among others. In this regard, expecting healthcare workers to model a proper and healthy lifestyle, as much as it is appealing, it is unrealistic.
Healthcare workers are some the most overworked staff among the American workforce. The unfriendly hours and inconsistent working hours can account for the high levels of work-related stress and in worst-case scenarios, depression. This situation affects both their physical and mental well-being (Guzik, 2013). In addition, as a result of the demanding environment they work in, implementing a healthy diet is easier said than done. This instance is as a result of emergencies that require such individuals to be available at every beck and call hence the need to take fast food to save on time.
Even though healthcare workers should model the realms of a healthy lifestyle in their physical, mental, and spiritual lives, the nature of their work only makes this aspect wishful thinking unless action is undertaken to develop a relevant culture of health.
References
Child, A. P., & Institute of Medicine (U.S.). (2014). Keeping patients safe: Transforming the work environment of nurses. Washington, D.C: National Academies Press.
Guzik, A. (2013). Essentials for occupational health nursing. Chichester: John Wiley & Sons.
Taylor, M. & Bithoney, W. (2012). 10 steps to developing a culture of health for hospital and health system employers. Truven Health Analytics. Retrieved from http://img.en25.com/Web/TruvenHealthAnalytics/EMP_11759_0812_10steps2cultureOFhealth_WEB.pdf
