Fitness nurses or sports nurses are relatively new and developing fields in the nursing career. However, even though it’s new, the field is gaining more attention, especially for nurses who love exciting jobs. 

Although there isn't yet an academic fitness or professional nursing specialty, nursing practitioners have begun to pursue acute care nursing programs that allow them to combine their knowledge of exercise alongside their medical skills. 

What role does fitness nursing play?

Fitness nursing helps integrate disease prevention, wellness, and physical training, which assists in building muscles through exercise. These put nurses in a great position to help patients.

Besides that, it assists them to avoid any possibility of injuries by being physically fit and living a healthy lifestyle. Fitness nurses can also develop nutrition plans and better exercise routines for their patients. 

Where can fitness nurses work?

Fitness nurses can work with athletes, club members, companies and their employees, or cardiac patients and sports medicine

In sports medicine, nursing practitioners have several kinds of employment opportunities such as:

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Rehabilitation nursing: This kind of nurse has several kinds of patients. Patients can regain their range of strength and motion under the guidance of nurses and physical therapists.

Pediatric sports medicine: These kinds of nurses administer care to patients who seek medical assistance because of injuries or disease

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy nursing: This kind of nurse offers special services to professional athletes. They work will older or retired athletes with severe injuries. As a nurse, if you wish to work in this field, you have to be in good physical shape. 

Also, as a nurse is good to have an exercise routine, this will help you stay physically and mentally fit. Nursing is a high-demand job, and you have to be in top shape if you want to succeed in this nursing field.

Cardiac Rehabilitation

This kind of nurse deals with patients that have suffered a heart attack. While they monitor their patient's vitals, they also teach patients how they can exercise safely. They also educate their patients about healthy diets and stress reduction. 

Nurses in this field also partner with physical therapists and nutritionists to improve their patients' quality of life. For nurses who want to work in a cardiac rehab program, a Certification in Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) is required. 

The reason why physical fitness is important to our health

Physical fitness helps in burning calories. This assists in sustaining weight loss and also prevents weight gain.

When you are active, it helps in lowering unhealthy triglycerides and also helps in increasing the level of high-density lipoprotein (HDL). With this high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease will reduce.

Other benefits of being active include prevention of stroke, metabolic syndrome, arthritis, type 2 diabetes, some cancers, and depression.

After exercising, the brain releases chemicals that produce a feeling of relaxation and happiness. Also, your self-esteem will be boosted and you will gain confidence when you are physically fit. 

Conclusion

The fitness nursing field is not just to benefit patients only. With the present demand of nurses, you know physical fitness will assist you to be in the best shape to meet the physical requirements needed for your career choice. 

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