Many registered nurses (RNs) are not achieving the recommended daily levels of physical activity. This study collected data from 623 RNs about their personal health behaviours and their professional, physical activity-related health-promotion practices. The findings showed that 75% of the sample reported engaging in personal physical activity, 25% were at risk of hazardous drinking or active alcohol use disorders, 17% were past smokers and 11% were current smokers, 47% reported having a normal body weight-size, and 73% desired to be a normal body weight-size. Nearly half of the sample reported that they were promoting physical activity within their clinical practice. Personal physical activity behaviour, perceived health status, length of clinical practice, clinical specialty, and actual body weight-size were significantly related to the RNs' professional, physical activity-related practices. This study highlights a need for training on physical activity-related counselling, including awareness of the latest recommendations and strategies to promote physical activity. Health-care employers should also consider addressing nurses' barriers to the promotion of physical activity within their clinical practice so that all health-care contacts are able to maximise opportunities to promote active ageing.
Keywords: Body weight; Exercise; Health promotion; Physical activity; Physical fitness; Registered nurse.