The article discusses the health status of nurses and midwives in Poland as a major public health challenge. Although these professionals are essential for maintaining the quality and continuity of healthcare services, their own physical and mental health is often overlooked. Research shows that shift work, especially night shifts, long working hours, high responsibility, and exposure to patient suffering significantly increase the risk of chronic diseases, sleep disorders, stress, burnout, metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular diseases, and certain cancers.

Available evidence indicates substantial health concerns among Polish nurses and midwives. The average age of death in this professional group between 2016 and 2021 was slightly above 62 years, considerably lower than the average life expectancy of women in Poland. Studies have also revealed a high prevalence of unhealthy behaviors, including smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, overweight, and poor dietary habits. Furthermore, a large proportion of nurses report symptoms of occupational burnout and work-related health complaints.

The authors emphasize that nurses who engage in healthy lifestyles are more likely to promote health among patients and participate effectively in health education. Consequently, strengthening nurses’ health competencies and supporting healthy behaviors may improve preventive care and patient outcomes.

To address the abovementioned issues, the authors underline the need to assess the physical and mental health of nurses and midwives, evaluate their health competencies, identify risk factors, and develop evidence-based recommendations and intervention programs. Inspired by the American Nurses’ Health Study, the initiative seeks to create a long-term platform for monitoring and improving the health of nursing professionals in Poland.