Purpose: This study describes the health behaviors and risks of female neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) nurses.
Design and Methods: Using questions from the Behavior Risk Factor Surveillance
System, data were collected from a convenience sample of 61 nurses from two Midwestern NICUs and were compared to findings from the general population.
Results: The nurses were of similar weight, but exercised fewer days per week, had fewer days without mental distress, and had lower perceptions of emotional support than the general population.
Practice Implications: More research is needed to understand how to best promote a healthy NICU work environment
