Posted: September 10th, 2024

The Role of Nurses and Nutrition in Healthy Patients

Role of Nurses and Nutrition in Healthy Patients.

Nutrition is the main contributor to human health. This fundamental relationship between diet and wellbeing has been extensively studied and documented in medical literature. The popular dieticians saying that we are what we eat is undeniably very accurate. This concept emphasizes the direct impact of our food choices on our physical and mental states.

Proper nutrition does not only keep us healthy and strong, it plays a fundamental role in preventing us from infections and also enhances the recovery process after an illness. The intricate balance of nutrients in our diet supports our immune system, cellular repair, and overall bodily functions. While it is the role of dieticians and nutritionists to teach people about proper nutrition, the lack of enough dieticians in the health care industry forces nurses to take up the role because they are the primary point of contact with the patients. This shift in responsibilities highlights the evolving nature of nursing practice in modern healthcare settings.

To effectively teach and explain about nutrition, nurses must thoroughly understand the ins and outs of proper nutrition and the benefits of maintaining a healthy diet regime. This requires ongoing education and training for nurses to stay updated with the latest nutritional guidelines and research. Above all, nurses should purpose to lead by example by observing healthy eating habits. By doing so, they not only improve their own health but also gain credibility when advising patients on nutritional matters.

The Link Between Nutrition and Health

A healthy dietary routine is vital in disease prevention. Research has consistently shown that a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can significantly reduce the risk of various health issues. Good nutrition is not only vital in preventing deficiency diseases but also chronic illnesses like diabetes and heart diseases. The long-term impact of nutrition on these non-communicable diseases underscores the importance of early nutritional education and intervention.

Nurses are skilled to work in a variety of healthcare settings. This versatility allows them to address nutritional concerns across different patient populations and healthcare environments. Nurses who work in hospitals mostly focus on the dietary needs of patients recovering from illnesses. Their role often involves collaborating with dietitians to ensure patients receive appropriate nutrition during their hospital stay.

However, community nurses are concerned with promoting proper nutritional habits focused on prevention. This proactive approach aims to reduce the incidence of nutrition-related health problems before they require hospitalization. Community nurses can reach out directly to people in community centers, institutions, and support groups. This direct engagement allows for personalized nutritional advice tailored to the specific needs and cultural contexts of different communities.

In addition, nutrition also affects how a person responds to an infection. The body’s immune response is heavily dependent on the availability of certain nutrients, making proper nutrition crucial during illness. The nutritional state of a patient affects their outcomes during an illness and the chances of a smooth recovery. Malnutrition can significantly impair the healing process and increase the risk of complications.

In the United States, all patients must undergo nutritional screening at the time of admission. This standardized approach helps identify nutritional risks early in the treatment process. Unfortunately, most people are already severely malnourished during admission, which impairs the recovery process. This highlights the need for better nutritional awareness and practices in the general population.

This calls for early screening programs in the society before illness and hospitalization occur to boost chances of recovery and survival. Implementing such programs could significantly improve public health outcomes and reduce the burden on healthcare systems.

What is the Role of a Nurse in teaching their patients about nutrition?

All nurses have a responsibility in addressing the nutritional needs of their patients. This responsibility extends beyond simply administering prescribed diets to actively educating patients about the importance of nutrition in their health journey. Luckily, there are unlimited methods that can be employed to teach patients and society in general about nutrition as it relates to their health. The diversity of these methods allows nurses to adapt their educational approach to different learning styles and contexts.

These methods range from very simple acts such as holding conversations with patients at their bedside regarding the healthy foods available in the hospital, emphasizing the benefits of maintaining proper nutrition, and following up with them after being discharged. These one-on-one interactions provide opportunities for personalized nutrition education tailored to each patient’s specific health conditions and dietary needs.

Competent nurses can prepare and conduct PowerPoint presentations in community clinics and health fairs. These presentations can cover a wide range of nutrition topics, from basic dietary guidelines to more specific information about nutrition’s role in managing chronic conditions. Nurses can also develop educative literature that offers nutrition guidelines and distribute them to members of society. This written material serves as a valuable reference for patients to consult after their interactions with healthcare providers.

School nurses can get involved by holding interactive programs where they discuss healthy nutrition and also prepare brochures that students can keep with them at all times. By targeting young people, these educational efforts can help establish healthy eating habits early in life, potentially reducing the risk of nutrition-related health problems in adulthood.

References:
Knight, Janet. “Community nutrition nurse specialist role: a service improvement.” British Journal of Community Nursing 25.2 (2020): 76-81.

Patience, Sara. “Advising patients on nutrition and healthy eating.” British Journal of Nursing 25.21 (2016): 1182-1186.

Xu, Xiaoyue, et al. “Where is the nurse in nutritional care?.” (2017): 267-270.

Bueche, Jennifer, et al. “Nutrition Care by Primary-Care Physicians: Advancing Our Understanding Through Qualitative Study.” Journal of Primary Care & Community Health 13 (2022): 21501319221074900.

Kris-Etherton, Penny M., et al. “Nutrition competencies in health professionals’ education and training: a new paradigm.” Advances in Nutrition 13.2 (2022): 526-542.

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Tags: Community Nutrition, Nutritional Nursing, Patient education, Preventive Healthcare, The Role of Nurses and Nutrition in Healthy Patients