Medical University of South Carolina Launches Nutrition Pilot to Improve Nurses’ Eating Habits

The Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC Health) is launching a 60-day nutrition pilot intended to improve the eating habits of working nurses. MUSC Health nurses were hungry for healthier food options so they created a pilot program to give themselves new opportunities to increase their daily consumption of fruits and vegetables and improve their quality of life.

According to the American Nurses Association, the health of the average nurse is worse than that of the average American. A survey conducted at MUSC found that 75 percent of their nurses say they put the health, safety, and wellness of their patients before their own. Due to the demanding shifts and stress associated with nursing, nurses often put their own health and well-being last, especially their nutrition, despite their knowledge about prevention.

The pilot nutrition program offers fresh, seasonal, and locally sourced to-go food items available for quick pick-up at three locations on the MUSC campus. The pilot is supported by Sodexo Healthcare, a food services and facilities management company committed to improving quality of life. They are partnered with the Healthy Nurse, Healthy Nation Grand Challenge (HNHN), an initiative of ANA Enterprise. MUSC is also an HNHN partner and the first organization selected to participate in an HNHN quality of life program in the US.

Andrea Coyle, MUSC Health Professional Excellence and Magnet Program director and registered nurse tells NursingWorld.org, “Our nurses impact the lives of their patients, colleagues, families, and neighbors every day. We had no reservations when we were approached to spearhead the pilot because the health of our staff is a top-priority. We are honored to work alongside Sodexo and ANA to offer more quality food options on our campus and serve as a model for other organizations.”

The outcomes and results of the MUSC nutrition pilot will be presented this fall. To learn more about the university’s pilot nutrition program to improve nurses’ eating habits, visit here.