Nursing N°1

Background on Nursing N°1
In January 2008 we launched the Nursing N°1 campaign through which we aim to enable community nurses to look after their own health and wellbeing  as well as that of their patients.

The campaign was launched by QNI staff joining together with staff from the Oxford Health Alliance (OxHA) to take part in Nordic walking in London's Regents Park demonstrating an unusual, but effective way of exercising in an urban environment.  Click here for the news release.

Nursing N°1 campaign provides information, ideas and useful resources specially tailored help community nurses who want to so more about their own healthy activities. It is not about pressuring nurses to be fit and healthy in order to be role models for others. It is about offering help and support to those who have decided that they want to improve their own health or personal wellbeing.

Part 1: Healthy eating, drinking, smoking cessation and exercise
The focus of the first part of the campaign was on healthy eating and drinking, smoking cessation and exercise.

The Nursing N°1  heath journal, which is available free from the QNI, contains reminders of key information about these three issues, as well as diary space to record health aims and actions taken.

QNI staff have promised to look after their own health and wellbeing and are keeping web diaries of their progress.  Click here to see how they're getting on.

We're offering packs including The Nursing N° 1 health journal, T-shirt, pedometer and a drawstring rucksack.  The journals are currently available free of charge and you can buy packs containing a T-shirt, pedometer and drawstring rucksack from the Institute at the subsidised price of £3.50  Click here to order your free journal and here to buy the full pack (please note that the medium sized T-shirt is temporarily out of stock due to overwhelming demand).For an image of the pack click here.

Part 2: Mental health
The second part of the campaign is about mental health.

To many nurses, handling stress is one of the biggest challenges of the job. And if left unchecked, stress can have a big impact on your mental health.

We have been surveying nurses about stress at work but we are keen to hear from more people on this subject. The findings of the survey will show what the most important issues are, and guide us in the decision about what forms of practical advice and support we should offer.

Please click here if you would like to take part in the survey.

Competition:
Please click here to find out how you can win a Champney's Spa Break for two.
 

Government minister supports Nursing N° 1

"I am delighted to be able to support the QNI's 'Nursing No 1' campaign. It is important that those who care about others find the time to look after themselves as well. It is easy to forget about your own health when focussing on caring for others, but the discipline of a healthy lifestyle
can only have positive benefits for yourself and, as a consequence, your patients too."
Ann Keen, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Health

Tell us what you think we should be focussing on.  What could we do to help you improve your own health and wellbeing?  Click here to let us know.

'I do believe you don’t have to be perfect example to your patients, we are all human and there is something in saying “hey, I know how hard it is, I have tried myself many times”. But I really do want to weigh less and be fitter.

I am really looking forward to actively taking part in this campaign. How great it will be to end 2008 fitter and slimmer, with the support of an organisation that supports nurses in so many other areas.'

Sally Wells MSc, SRN, FQNI, Practice Nurse, Guildford.

'I am delighted to be able to support the QNI's 'Nursing No 1' campaign. It is important that those who care about others find the time to look after themselves as well. It is easy to forget about your own health when focussing on caring for others, but the discipline of a healthy lifestyle
can only have positive benefits for yourself and, as a consequence, your patients too.'

Ann Keen, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Health