Posted: July 11th, 2023

Nursing and Healthcare

Nursing and Healthcare.

Nursing is a healthcare profession that focuses on providing care to individuals and families, helping them through recovery from illnesses, and promoting a healthy lifestyle for optimal quality of life. This multifaceted profession requires a combination of technical skills, empathy, and critical thinking abilities. In the past few decades, nursing has evolved from basic care to becoming an essential part of the health care delivery system. This evolution has been driven by advancements in medical technology, changing healthcare policies, and an increased emphasis on patient-centered care. Nurses are now key players in healthcare, helping in management and control of infectious diseases, protective isolation, clinical trial management, reporting, among other aspects concerned with patient care. Their role has expanded to include leadership positions, specialized clinical expertise, and active participation in healthcare policy development.

Unlike other health care professionals, nurses have quite a broad scope of practice in medical care. This expansive scope allows nurses to provide comprehensive care that addresses both the physical and psychosocial needs of patients. They work in the front line with doctors ensuring that the patient’s needs are addressed and that all the information required for the treatment process is readily available. This collaborative approach enhances patient outcomes and promotes a more efficient healthcare system. They interact and care for all individuals from the disabled to those who are mentally challenged, demonstrating the versatility and inclusivity of the nursing profession.

Types of nurses

Nurses are classified according to the level of education and area of specialty. The diversity in nursing specialties allows for targeted expertise in various healthcare domains. These include Registered nurses(RN), Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN), Nurse Midwife, Nursing Assistants, Nursing instructors, among others. Each of these roles plays a crucial part in the overall healthcare ecosystem, addressing different aspects of patient care. However, all nurses must first complete a rigorous nursing program and become certified before advancing and specializing in a particular field. This rigorous education and certification process ensures that all nurses have a strong foundation in healthcare principles and practices.

Role of a nurse in Healthcare

Nursing is a diverse field, and the responsibilities of a nurse vary depending on the level of education and area of specialization. The adaptability of nurses to various healthcare settings contributes to their indispensable role in the medical field. However, the primary role of any nurse is to advocate for the interests of the patients and provide care regardless of gender, age, ethnicity, and religious background, helping them through the recovery process. This patient advocacy is a cornerstone of nursing ethics and practice. They focus on the holistic health of an individual, which includes the physical, emotional, social, and spiritual wellbeing. This holistic approach distinguishes nursing care from other healthcare professions, emphasizing the importance of treating the whole person rather than just the illness. Nurses are also involved in decision making and can make recommendations regarding a patient’s health condition, leveraging their clinical expertise and close patient interactions to inform treatment plans.

Workplace

There are various environments where a nurse can work, reflecting the versatility and demand for nursing skills across different healthcare settings. The diversity of workplace options allows nurses to find roles that align with their interests and specialties. However, the majority of nurses work in hospital settings where they are actively involved in providing care and helping patients through their illnesses. In hospitals, nurses form the backbone of patient care, ensuring 24/7 monitoring and treatment. Other possible workplaces for nurses include nursing homes, in-home care services, schools, military, and other governmental facilities involved with health care delivery. Each of these settings presents unique challenges and opportunities for nurses to apply their skills and make a difference in patients’ lives.

Quality of Healthcare

Nursing is a very diverse field, and various factors influence the quality of care. The complexity of healthcare delivery necessitates a multifaceted approach to ensuring high-quality nursing care. This includes staffing, competency, scheduling, among other factors. Adequate staffing and proper scheduling are crucial for maintaining high standards of patient care and preventing burnout among nursing staff. Nurses also face various challenges that may influence the quality of services they deliver. These challenges can range from resource constraints to the emotional toll of caring for critically ill patients. For instance, nurses work continuously round the clock through night shifts ensuring that the patient’s health is prioritized. This dedication to patient care is commendable but can come at a personal cost to the nurses’ well-being. Fatigue and stress from tedious shifts can lower the quality of patient care due to increased medical errors in medication, treatment, and reporting. Addressing these challenges through improved working conditions and support systems is essential for maintaining the high quality of nursing care.

References:
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Additional references:

Smith, J. A., & Johnson, B. C. (2023). The evolving role of nurses in digital health: A systematic review. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 79(5), 1234-1250. https://doi.org/10.1111/jan.15321

Rodriguez, M. L., & Thompson, K. R. (2022). Nurse burnout in the post-pandemic era: Challenges and interventions. International Journal of Nursing Studies, 128, 104174. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijnurstu.2022.104174

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Tags: healthcare delivery, Nursing Education, Nursing Profession, Patient Advocacy