Our healthier hospital? The challenge for nursing.

AIM

This paper aims to explore the problems which are currently preventing hospital nurses from fulfilling their health promotion role, and makes recommendations for nursing managers.

BACKGROUND

Hospital nurses have a key role to play in meeting recent Government proposals, which aim to enhance health promotion and public health in the NHS.

KEY ISSUES

Lack of knowledge and skills, unhealthy hospital environments, poor collaboration, insufficient time and poor nursing management are impediments to hospital nurses promoting health.

CONCLUSIONS

Hospital nurse managers need to capitalize on government enthusiasm by supporting health promotion education for nursing staff improving the hospital environment and facilitating better interdisciplinary working.