Title : Impact of nurse obesity on safe healthcare delivery
Abstract:
Health care workers can acquire various illnesses and injuries during healthcare delivery. Declining health among healthcare workers can consequently impact patient care. While there are several uncontrollable factors that can cause illness among healthcare workers, specific controllable risk factors require immediate attention. Nurses comprise the largest group of healthcare workers. At the same time, obesity is proliferating among nurses as compared to any other healthcare professionals in both the U.S. and globally. The data from the National Center for Health Statistics indicates an alarming rise in obesity. The steady rise of experienced as well as novice nurses not maintaining an average BMI, poses questions about the safety of the general population under their care. The purpose of the following study was to first to increase awareness of this illness among nurses by identifying specific influencing factors. The detailed systematic review process aimed to examine the relationship between obesity among nurses and safe healthcare. Maslow identified physiological health as a basic human need, so being physiologically healthy drives motivation to ensure effective care for others. Content analysis identified patient safety as a major theme linked to obesity among nurses. Research data presented here provides an opportunity for obese nurses, as well as all healthcare workers to explore the risk to patient safety and the possibilities available to promote self-care. The detailed literature offers conclusions on the need to address, prevent and reduce nurse obesity. The role of healthcare administration in reassessing occupational influences, recognizing weight bias and promoting a healthier work environment is highlighted. Evidence presented has implications for educational leaders on early interventions for novice nurses. If this data analysis drives decision-making to address nurse obesity, then it can provide a significant basis for further advancements at both the global and humanitarian level to promote safe healthcare for all.
