Practical Nursing

Although many factors affect an individual’s health status, self-care is paramount. Further investigation of factors that influence self-care practices is key to enhancing illness and injury prevention and health promotion. The purpose of this study was threefold: to explore the self-care practices of undergraduate university students, to identify variables that influence such practices, and to compare the self-care practices of students in health-related programs to students in mainstream programs. A descriptive correlational survey design was used. The sample consisted of 254 students in health and mainstream programs. The study was informed by Pender’s Health Promotion Model and Orem’s Self-Care Deficit Theory of Nursing. A self-report questionnaire based on Orem’s Universal Self-Care Requisites was used to obtain information regarding students’ self-care practices related to: food, alcohol use, activity and rest, and normalcy. The scores for the total self-care index did not achieve statistical significance, reinforcing the multidimensional nature of the concept. Students in health programs had statistically higher mean scores in food, but lower mean scores in normalcy. Regression analysis indicates that socioeconomic status, gender and self-efficacy were major factors influencing student self-care practices. Recommendations for future research are discussed. [From Author]

From Fraser Valley Health Authority

Whether you are navigating a mental illness or substance use problem, interested in taking steps to improve your mental health, or simply want to learn more, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed or confused by all of the information out there. Find information you can trust on staying well, improving your mental health and well-being, mental illnesses and recovery, safer substance use, and recovery from substance use problems. These resources can help you take charge of your mental health, make informed decisions, and use different strategies to make meaningful change. [From Website]

Promoting positive mental health in everyday life is beneficial for everyone. Learn about positive mental health and how you can help promote it. From the Government of Canada. [From Website]

"Promotes the mental health of all and supports the resilience and recovery of people experiencing mental illness ... through advocacy, education, research and service."

CARS = Credibility, Accuracy, Reasonableness, and Support

CRAAP = Currency, Relevance, Authority, Accuracy, and Purpose

Questions to ask, and where to find the answers when evaluating sources

In case the embedded video isn't working for you.

Dr. Cynthia Brown, an associate professor at the University of West Georgia, discusses the four key points of self care: how each person defines self care, its value and importance, nursing theory related to self care, and how to begin a self-care plan. [From Publisher]

Jessica Cho, RN, BSN, CCRN, SCRN, TCRN, discusses what it means to be an intensive care nurse and its many opportunities and rewards. [From Publisher]