Healthy Nurse, Healthy Nation: FAQs
Healthy Nurse, Healthy Nation (HNHN), ANA Enterprise’s free nurse wellness program, is excited to share some of its stories and features in this American Nurse Journal supplement. But first, let’s answer some questions you might have about the program.
Who can join HNHN?
Although HNHN focuses on nurse and student nurse health, safety, and wellness, just about anyone working in healthcare will benefit from this program. You don’t need to be an ANA member to participate.
Nurse wellness depends on a healthy work environment, so we encourage nurse employers—such as hospitals and healthcare systems—nursing organizations, and schools of nursing to join as partner organizations. Involving all these groups helps ensure continuity of health, safety, and wellness practices, policies, and programs in nurses’ daily lives.
How much does it cost to join HNHN?
HNHN is free; there’s no cost to join. We’re proudly sponsored by the following organizations:
What is HNHN’s focus?
We focus on six domains of health: physical activity, rest, nutrition, safety, quality of life, and mental health.
What does HNHN offer individual nurses and student nurses?
We offer an online platform, emails, texts, and social media for nurses and student nurses to connect with and support each other, engage in friendly competition, expand their wellness knowledge and expertise, and assess and track their health and wellness progress. Specifically, we offer a commitment wall, discussion boards, health and wellness blogs, nurse and organizational spotlight stories, comprehensive health surveys with immediate results, monthly wellness challenges, giveaways, coffee chats, and special events.
What does HNHN offer partner organizations?
As a free nurse wellness program for your organization, HNHN offers partner organizations a monthly newsletter and multiple recognition opportunities via blogs and spotlights on our website and social media platforms. If you join at certain partner levels (all levels are free!) you can receive de-identified, aggregated data reports after 25 or more participants take our health survey and affiliate with your organization. Learn more at hnhn.org.
How can I get started?
You can participate in various ways, including the following:
- Join the online platform at hnhn.org.
- Receive our monthly text challenge tips by texting healthynurse to 52886.
- Request to join our private Facebook group (Healthy Nurse, Healthy Nation).
What’s coming up?
We’re continually working to expand our offerings. For example, look for the following:
- New landing page
- Podcasts
- Updated health survey
Who’s on the HNHN team?
Senior Director Katie Boston Leary, PhD, MHA, MBA, RN, NEA-BC, leads our team. Additional team members include Holly Carpenter, BSN, RN, senior policy advisor; Alison Cuccia, DrPH, MSPH, research and program manager; Rasheda Jones, PhD, RN, program manager; and Aieda Solomon, senior program analyst. The team meets quarterly with their advisory committee, which includes a group of nurse wellness experts, researchers, and subject matter experts.
Look for recommendations from the HNHN team throughout this supplement.
Recipes
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Nutrition
#healthynurse spotlights
Deitra worked with family members to recreate her favorite cultural recipes using only plant-based ingredients.
“When you know how to utilize our cultural foods, you can eat healthy and still enjoy the foods that feed your soul.”
As a certified diabetes care and education specialist, Nancy revolutionizes diabetes care through health equity and plant-based nutrition, while helping shape the next generation of healthcare professionals.
“It’s a commitment to making a positive impact, inspired by my mom’s journey and the challenges faced by underserved communities.”
As the CEO and president of a 501c(3) charitable organization, Meryl shares her passion for whole food and plant-based diets with adults and children across the country.
“The typical way we think about nutrition in America doesn’t generally contribute to someone’s health. Very often, our diets actually cause health problems.”
Diagnosed with two autoimmune diseases, Jennifer, current ANA president, focuses on healthy eating. Having a vast vegetable garden in her backyard helps keep fresh foods on Jennifer’s table.
“If I don’t take care of myself, I could develop other autoimmune diseases like diabetes or lupus.”
Challenges
Tips
- Strategic sips: Keep a water bottle on hand and take intentional sips.
- Mindful moments: When you have a chance to enjoy a beverage you love, take a moment to reflect on its taste, temperature, and how it makes you feel.
- Buddy up: Rally your colleagues to join you in prioritizing hydration.
Tips
- Try the hand method: Use your hand as a guide for portion sizes.
- Embrace the two-thirds rule: Fill your plate two-thirds full, leaving the remaining third for flexibility.
- Be mindful of liquid calories: Consider the calories in beverages.
“I’m a fan of the nutrition challenges because they provide daily practical tips that help you close the knowing vs doing gap!”
— Rasheda Jones, HNHN team member
Physical activity
#healthynurse spotlights
After a successful experience with an online fitness coach, Georgina launched her own online wellness program offering personalized wellness plans for healthcare workers.
“I consider myself a nurse advocate in this space because I’ve lived it and I know what they need.”
Samantha runs to help her mental health. In 2022, she ran the Boston Marathon, winning the Guinness World Record for fastest marathon run in scrubs. Her goal was to raise awareness for nurse mental health needs.
“Competitive running … has helped me meet new people and form good friendships.”
Whether it’s cycling, resistance training, high-intensity interval training, yoga, or stretching, Nicole loves it all.
“Movement helps me get into my body and offers me space in my mind to be creative.”
Patricia knew that real change required a plan. She and her running partner built up to running 5Ks and then half-marathons. Combining running with healthy eating led her to lose nearly 150 pounds.
“I’ve never been a runner, but now I love it.”
Challenges
Tips
- Meditate while walking: Visit bit.ly/3T64jeI to learn how to multiply the benefits of walking without any extra time.
- Make the most of your movement: Be more mindful of your movements and find opportunities to work your muscles as you do everyday tasks.
- Stretch and decompress: Stretching each day can help relieve aches and pains and allow your mind to focus on other things.
Tips
- Listen for nature’s whisper: A 2019 study discovered that woodland noises may boost relaxation 30% more than meditation apps do.
- Soak up soothing waters: Research proves that spending time near water can lower your stress levels, enhance your mood, and improve your well-being.
- Spot a kindred spirit: If you see another person during your walk, throw some kindness their way.
“As a runner myself, I find spotlights such as Samantha Roecker’s very inspiring.”
— HNHN researcher Alison Cuccia
Safety and Rest
#healthynurse spotlights
REST: Aundrea prioritizes her bedtime routine by reading and disconnecting from electronics at least 30 minutes before bed.
“I’ve educated myself about sleep and how prioritizing it (regardless of shift) impacts our overall well-being.”
REST: This former ANA Enterprise CEO created natural breaks in her workday for stretching and mindfulness exercises.
“Instead of depleting energy, it [a break] can replenish your energy and clear your mind.”
SAFETY: Ernest, the 36th president of ANA, is a strong vaccine advocate. He participated in a phase 3 clinical trial for the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine to show solidarity with frontline nurses.
“Just like airlines tell you to put on your oxygen mask before helping someone else, the same is true for your personal health.”
SAFETY: Maria is passionate about fixing the toxic environment that can stem from nurses being uncivil with each other.
“…advocate for your coworkers and yourself. When we take care of ourselves and each other, we can provide the best possible care to the patients.”
Challenges
Tips
- Lower stress with deep breathing: Practice a deep breathing technique for 3 to 5 minutes.
- Plan for a mini spa day: Spa activities (aromatherapy, DIY face mask, relaxing bath) provide an opportunity to de-stress and reconnect with yourself.
- Enjoy a podcast pause: Listening to a podcast provides a mental escape. Tune in to topics that interest you.
Tips
- Right PPE, right time: Consider type of exposure, isolation precautions, durability, and fit.
- Hand hygiene means nail hygiene: The CDC recommends keeping nails trimmed and cleaning underneath them while handwashing.
- Be an agent for change: Stand your ground or call a timeout if you think infection control policies and procedures aren’t being followed.
“Nurses sometimes forget that part of getting proper rest includes taking breaks at work and using your vacation time to decompress.”
— Holly Carpenter, HNHN team member
Mental health
#healthynurse spotlights
Sian participated in Dry January and found that her mood improved and she felt less anxious.
“I believe that it was my decision to eliminate alcohol that has kept me in a strong, powerful position to get the most out of my life and career.”
Self-compassion practices, including micro-restorative breaks, helped Pam navigate breast cancer treatment.
“It’s intentional time to slow down, take note of my energy, listen, and feel what’s going on with myself and my heart.”
Rick dedicates time to unwind with periodic mental breaks that allow him to disconnect from daily responsibilities.
“I try to keep my mental health in check by doing little activities that aren’t related to work or family.”
During the pandemic, Latanya experienced many things she couldn’t control. What she could control was her mindset and how she handled stress.
“We get stuck thinking self-care only includes things like spa days, but it’s not just that. It’s also about building yourself up mentally and emotionally.”
A program in nurse coaching taught Lisa how stress settles in the body and can trickle down to all areas of life.
“Taking that nurse coaching program opened my eyes and changed my trajectory.”
Challenges
You’re not alone. Make the call.
Tips
- Assess your stress: Take the American Nurses Foundation Stress Self-Assessment Quiz.
- Make technology your ally: Explore tools, apps, and resources to mitigate burnout.
- Gear up with gratitude: Practice gratitude with journaling, thank you notes, and conversations.
- Forge strong connections: Strengthen your in-person and online community and connections to protect yourself against burnout.
- Make rest your biggest defense: Embrace the beauty of holistic rest.
- Treat yourself like a champion: Turn self-advocacy into a tool that protects you from burnout.
“Healthy Nurse, Healthy Nation nurse suicide prevention resources; mental health activity challenges; blogs on managing stress, anxiety, and depression; and community support by nurses for nurses help those in need sustain their mental health and overall well-being.”
— Katie Boston-Leary, senior director of Healthy Nurse, Healthy Nation
Quality of Life
#healthynurse spotlights
Katie’s optimistic attitude and devotion to sustainability go beyond her work and define her as a person.
“I started to learn more about environmental health, realizing the significant impact environmental exposures can have on reproductive health.”
With a career spanning over 7 decades, Marilyn’s story is a testament to resilience, passion, and an unwavering commitment to stay involved in nursing.
“Through all the changes and challenges, nursing remains a beacon of compassion and care…”
Jessica’s experience of breast implant illness compelled her to take action.
“I think it’s the nurse in me because when there’s a safety concern, I feel like I have to act, and I can’t let it go.”
Viji’s journey from military nursing officer in India to Magnet® program director in Texas has shaped her perspective, professional growth, and ability to lead.
“It wasn’t always easy, but I’m glad we came to this country. Now, I proudly consider myself a global citizen.”
Challenges
Tips
- Do a brain dump: Write down all your thoughts as they come to you. Imagine you’re physically releasing your thoughts.
- Eliminate multitasking: Focus on one thought or one task at a time so you can give it the attention it deserves.
- Choose one area to tidy up: Zone in on one cluttered part of a space, then get to work decluttering.
Tips
- Reflect on unconscious bias: Think about a time when you made a decision or formed an opinion about someone without consciously thinking about it.
- Have courageous conversations: Choose a coworker you trust and feel comfortable with. Explain that you want to understand their experiences related to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
- Speak up for fairness: If you see an act of discrimination or bias, call out the behavior by speaking assertively yet respectfully.
“From issues of diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging, and acceptance to navigating a better work-life balance, we hope nurses will continue to take advantage of the tools we offer.”
— Aieda Solomon, HNHN team member
HNHN in action
Wonder how some of our partners incorporate Healthy Nurse, Healthy Nation (HNHN) into their organizations? Here are a few examples.
Vanderbilt Health
Vanderbilt Health integrates HNHN into all aspects of nurse wellness. They reinstated their Nurse Wellness Committee after a brief hiatus during the COVID-19 pandemic. The committee revamped the nurse wellness model, incorporating essential elements outlined by HNHN. The Vanderbilt Healthy Nurse Wellness Wheel, created by the committee, includes spiritual, intellectual, physical, environmental, financial, occupational, social, and emotional elements. These align with the six HNHN domains.
The organization’s initiatives include a weekly farmers market, shift break reminders, and roaming yoga breaks. Mamie Williams, PhD, MPH, APRN, senior director of nurse diversity and inclusion at Vanderbilt Health said, “Co-chairing the HNHN Advisory Committee is a fulfilling career goal, allowing me to improve the health of the nation’s nurses. The committee is a strong advocate for nurse well-being, and being part of it has been transformative.”
MD Anderson Cancer Center
“At MD Anderson Cancer Center, we integrate the principles of HNHN into our wellness offerings by aligning our initiatives with their pillars of physical activity, nutrition, rest, quality of life, safety, and mental health,” said Evan Thoman, MS, PMP, CWP, director of workforce wellness. “This ensures our team members have access to comprehensive resources and programs that promote overall well-being. As a co-chair of the HNHN Advisory Committee, I leverage my expertise to help guide the planning and implementation of these wellness initiatives to foster a culture of well-being within my organization.”
San Francisco VA
“Here at the San Francisco VA, we aim for a workplace where employees are both happier and healthier for having come in to work,” said Ella Price, BSN, RN, NBC-HWC, employee whole health coordinator and employee wellness coalition chair. “Two years ago, a group of SFVA nurses launched a partnership with HNHN. Seeking ways to make this vision come alive, SFVA nurses are leaders, chairing the facility’s employee wellness coalition, serving as wellness champions, leading hiking and walking groups, hosting rock painting activities, and organizing potlucks and gatherings outside of work. Nurses have formed a civility and respect task force and are leading the charge for Pathway to Excellence®. Our nurses are taking action, working together, and making things happen for the greater good.”
Philippine Nurses Association of America, Inc
The Philippine Nurses Association of America, Inc. promotes their partnership with HNHN in their advertising material. A recent example was their Chief Nurse 5K Challenge in July 2024.
Tennessee Nurses Association
The Tennessee Nurses Association’s 2023 Annual Conference was, in members’ Ashley Carter’s and William Hall’s words, “a rallying point … to reimagine, reinvent, and reaffirm our commitment to the well-being of our fellow nurses.” By incorporating healthy meals, meaningful recognition and awards, and a live HNHN presentation, they’re well on their way.
We want YOU to be our next inspiration.
- Join HNHN if you haven’t already.
- Participate in our monthly wellness challenges.
- Take our HealthyNurse Survey annually to track your progress.
- Post your comments, successes, suggestions, and questions in our community discussions and social media.
