Nursing reflections on health promotion and behavior change

Background: Behavior change and health promotion are important focal points in today's health care. Nurses can impact individual and population health with each encounter by understanding the behavior change process, theories, goal setting strategies, and Motivational Interviewing. A three credit course including this information noted shifts in RN confidence to effectively facilitate behavior change and increased understanding of the nursing role within this process. This qualitative study explores the perceptions and understanding of RNBS students as they discover how to use these strategies in their nursing practice. Methods: This retrospective study analyzed online discussion forums and a reflective journal assignment in courses conducted over six years. Students are post-licensure nurses returning for their baccalaureate degree. Results: Qualitative themes reflect preferred “tools” and strategies promoting the health of patients within varied settings, appreciation for the RN role in individual behavior change, and awareness of the change process. For example: “Change is difficult. We want patients to get better and succeed in their health journey but sometimes it will take time. A little nudge vs. a big push sometimes can make a big difference.” “I was glad to learn that in the nursing profession there is a whole field of health promotion. I have been so focused on helping patients after the fact, I guess I forgot how important prevention really is.” Conclusions: Nurses engage individuals and populations at important points for facilitating healthy behavioral choices. Understanding of theory and tools may increase the impact nurses have in each encounter.