As medical practice focuses more on lifestyle patterns and health behaviors, it becomes more important than ever that health care providers model those behaviors.  Today's nursing students will soon become health care providers.  In view of the current issues identified in Healthy People 2010, studying the health behaviors of nursing students is of interest. 

A study was conducted regarding the health behaviors of 159 nursing students  from a Midwest nursing program.  This study was based on the following assumptions:  1.  Since health care providers are role models for their clients than nursing students should lead healthier lifestyles than the general population; 2.  Second year nursing students will exhibit a greater number of unhealthy life styles due to the increased stress of nursing school; 3.  Male nursing students will exhibit different life style choices than female nursing students.  Students completed the Health Style Self Test developed by the U.S. Public Health Service. 

Student responses were input into SPSS and analyzed by comparison of means.   For assumption 1, student responses were compared to the finding in Healthy People 2010.

Student responses were reflective of the findings in Healthy People 2010.  If students and healthcare providers are to be role models, then this finding is of concern to nursing educators.  Nurse educators need to challenge themselves to encourage and support healthy behaviors in students.

Although the comparison of the total scores in the health assessment did not determine any significant difference between males and females and between first year and second year students, there were some subcategories that did reflect significant differences that nurse educators need to consider when planning learning opportunities.   

This presentation will share the results of these findings and offer suggestions for undergraduate nursing educators and healthcare staff educators so nurses can be the health behavior leaders of tomorrow.