Abstract

background

The American Nurses Association’s Code of Ethics indicates that nurses have a duty to self. However, little is known about the self-care practices of registered nurse to bachelor’s degree of science in nursing (RN-to-BSN) students.

objectives

This study aimed to explore the self-care practices of RN-to-BSN students during the COVID-19 pandemic.

methods

A descriptive cross-sectional survey design was used. Students were surveyed during Fall 2020 semester. Their reports related to diet, exercise, rest, family and personal relationships, leisure and recreational activities, and attending to spiritual or religious needs were measured using the Self-Care Behavioral Inventory.

results

Most students reported that they did not spend enough time on self-care. Students reported the least amount of self-care activities in the area of spirituality (M=2.85, SD=.87). Of the individual practices measured, those scoring the least included taking time off when needed (M=2.51, SD=.92), exercising (M=2.73, SD=.90), seeking out rewarding projects (M=2.93, SD=1.00), spending time with nature (M=2.96, SD=.96), and making quiet time to complete tasks (M=2.97, SD=.86). All self-care activities averaged less than four on a scale of one to five, with five indicating the highest self-care level.

conclusion

The findings support the need for student interventions addressing self-care.