The role of the surgical nurse as a health promoter.

Abstract

This study investigated the role of the hospital nurse as a health promoter, with special reference to surgery. It was hoped to determine whether registered nurses in surgical settings perceived health promotion as part of their role. The findings rejected the null hypothesis and accepted that a role in promoting health exists in surgical settings. After establishing that promoting health is part of every nurse's role and, in particular, that of surgical nurses, the study further investigated whether the role of promoting health was carried out effectively and efficiently while caring for surgical patients. The findings were both positive and encouraging. Although problems and barriers to health promotion exist, the positive attitudes of registered nurses in this survey appear hopeful for the future. The study considers the wider professional context and examines the possibility and feasibility of surgical nurses expanding their role in order to promote health. There is a growing awareness that patients should play a more active role in their treatment and after care. The growing trend towards day surgery usually allows patients to return home within 24 hours. However, in reality, many are kept in hospital for either the morning or the afternoon which means considerably reduced contact time with hospital nurses.