As the patient walked through the outside exit, she passed by a group of nurses apparently on their cigarette break. What thoughts does this image conjure up in your mind? Your first thoughts are probably of hypocrisy and not necessarily the Hippocratic oath.

It is the duty of a medical professional to provide sound health related advice to the patient. It is a moral judgment as to whether the medical professional takes his or her own advice. However, the consequences of poor health behavior choices have the potential to impact not only their health but also their professional effectiveness.

It is believed that nurses who have direct patient contact and responsibility for patient education should present themselves as health behavior role models to their patients. This is especially true as it concerns clearly visible health behaviors such as tobacco use, nutritional practices, or personal hygiene. It is difficult to achieve credibility with a patient when trying to educate them on possible lifestyle changes if the nurse does not effectively practice their own advice.

Patient perception is fundamental in the health care profession. The consequences of a nurse's poor health behavior choices have the potential to impact professional effectiveness, as well as the patient's health. Nurses who choose to engage in behavior that is undesirable in patients might want to consider an area of nursing which does not involve direct patient educational interaction.

Remember, what's good for the patient is also good for the health care professional. That might be a hard to swallow pill for some people in nursing. However, being a good role model is part of the overall effectiveness of a skilled and qualified nurse.

posted by: Lisa (LazyGirl)