A New Threat to the Nursing Workforce: Take a Stand!

Abstract

The consequences of a sedentary lifestyle have been extensively studied, and the findings have been broadly reported in scientific journals as well as all forms of media. The development of cancer, cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, venous thromboembolism, and extensive musculoskeletal strain can all result from prolonged immobility and repetitive computer use. Health care workers in the ambulatory setting are impacted by immobility because of the nature of their work. A workstation wellness intervention involved evidence-based activities for employees who have limited physical activity in the course of a workday, with the goal of promoting health. The participants engaged in a 4-week program of intermittent stretching, drinking water, and standing or walking during their workday. Participants reported a statistically significant increase in knowledge about workstation ergonomics (p = .0034) and the impact of prolonged sitting. There was also a statistically significant increase in the number of participants who became more aware about the number of times they stand up/walk and stretch at their workstation. Participants reported that the new bundle of activities was sustainable. This workstation wellness intervention is an inexpensive and simple self-directed wellness program that can increase knowledge, change behavior, and improve health perception among employees who work in sedentary jobs.