‘Do as I say, but not as I do’: Are next generation nurses role models for health?

Abstract

This study indicates that the health profile of pre-registration nurses is relatively poor, and that those who are sedentary engage in other negative lifestyle behaviours also. Despite significant education relating to health promotion and health behaviours of patients being targeted at pre-registered nurses, it seems that this knowledge is not always transferred to their own behaviour. There is a need for timely intervention to establish healthy lifestyle behaviours amongst nurses early in their career.