For nearly every indicator, the health of America’s nurses is worse than that of the average American. Nurses are more likely to be overweight, have higher levels of stress and get less than the recommended hours of sleep. Because health care delivery requires 24/7 support, the demands of shift work exacerbate the health of nurses. In addition, hazards such as workplace violence and musculoskeletal injuries are contributing factors to poorer health. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, registered nurses have the fourth highest rate of injuries and illnesses that result in days away from work when compared to all other occupations.

Read the executive summary from ANA’s Health Risk Appraisal.