Indispensable Role of Nurses in Healthcare - Essay Example

Introduction The nurse has indispensable role to play in health care setting alone and along with the other health care professionals. The field of nursing deals with the caring of people of all ages, families, groups and communities, sick or well and in all settings. Nurses provide a continuity of care throughout the life span of an individual in need. They deliver physical, psychological, intellectual, spiritual and social well being to the sick and the needy. The term ‘nurse’ is derived from a Latin word “Nutricius” which signifies the nature of the nursing profession that nourishes, fosters and protects (ERINA, 2006). Nursing profession contributes in promotion of well being of a person by prevention of illness, helping doctors in treatment procedures, and taking patients care of ill, disabled and dying people. According to International College of Nursing (ICN), nursing also aids in various other aspects of health care setting including promotion of a safe environment, research and development, participation in shaping health policy and in patient and health systems management, and preparation of educational materials. This profession is regarded as the backbone of our healthcare system. As the global environment is changing at fast pace, the types of disorders, and the paths of disease transmission are also varying and therefore, offering more diverse challenges. The nurses ensure promising future to all the people who are victims of bad health. Cohesive efforts and collaborative knowledge of nurse and physician brings clinical success in terms of patient’s positive outcome. The nursing profession has undergone many transformations over human history with different stages of development. Nursing in ancient times was restricted to mother caring for their off springs and relatives. It was believed that sickness and disorders arise due to evil spirits and only magical treatments were given. Nursing activities were taken care of by females in the early Christian era in the Churches and homes without formal education. Over the time these nurses learnt the skills with the use of herbal medicines and drugs. Some nurses even got treatment like physicians. However, this was followed by dark period of nursing where illiterate and ignorant women were delivering crude and unsatisfactory nursing services to sick and needy people. In this period, St. Vincent de Paul, religious leader motivated ladies for nurse training without actual clinical education. Then the developmental era in nursing began from 1846 with Florence Nightingale. She took formal nursing training in Germany which empowered her to start St. Thomass Hospital in London to train nurses. This was followed by opening of many nursing schools in USA to train nurses to furnish optimal health care to patients (ERINA, 2006). Then, nursing profession got a respectable position which is reflected from increase in demand for the nurses due to many reasons like increased workloads, diverse career options inspite of increased enrollments in nursing degree programs etc. Nurses play vital role in establishment of positive communication and relationships between patients and themselves as well as with the doctors. Nursing profession gives golden opportunity to explore and unfold the art and craft of human health. Basic nursing course comprises of various subjects like biology, microbiology, nutrition, sociology, human anatomy, chemistry, statistics, clinical rotations, nursing care of children to elderly, mental health nursing etc. (World Wide Learn, 2009).This "high-tech" career offers on job training in computers, heart monitors, respirators and other specialized equipment, modern techniques of treatment and rehabilitation etc. The nurses are privileged to thrive at a professional level in intellectually stimulating environment. The challenge of researching, analyzing and caring an unknown subject is the most enjoyable part of nursing occupation. The hardwork that is recognized and paid is the most rewarding part of the nursing line. The person who wants to get satisfaction by positively influencing the lives of thousands of people with skillful use of mind and body should pursue nursing career. This largest health care profession has innumerable opening after college nursing education, and, exciting and rewarding career. Being the part of one of the primary health care providers, an extraordinary caring yet adventurous attitude of nurses to help people would able to provide better quality services to society. This "high-tech" and "high-touch" career is attracting many youths. Discussion The foundation of nursing profession is based on scientific as well as artistic knowledge. The science acquires knowledge through systematic study of observation, experimentation of an event or a phenomenon of interest. The experimental results are analyzed and explained in a systematized manner. Artistic nature of nursing profession is exhibited through nurse’s skilled techniques while providing optimal care for the patients. The nurses are committed to helping at the most critical times in an individual’s life right from happy moments like birth to sad incidences like demise. The nurses assist the patients to cope with illness, emergencies and chronic disorders. Nurse should be sensitive and have basic understanding about the handling of varied personalities having different temperaments, cultures, values, beliefs, religions, and behaviors. Nurses should be equipped with the all the needed information to complete all the tasks to work with the patients, families and colleagues in a safe, efficient manner. Along with this, human compassion, interest in and commitment to nursing are the major factors for continual education and training in nursing. Nursing profession encompasses desired skills, behaviors and characteristics like teamwork, conflict management, communication, flexibility, right attitude that are critical to have a trusting, positive impact on patients and doctors. To deal effectively with the issues of patients nurse should have multiple skills. The attitude of the nurse affects their daily judgments, decisions, and effectivity. It is necessary to synthesize the required attitude, patient-focused systematic approach and purposeful clinical learning to deliver the needed result. The respectful, understanding, trusting positive social attitude has positive outcome on patients. A high degree of involvement and interaction between nurses and doctors is essential to address the challenges and critical incidents in high stress work areas such as hospital emergency departments. . The emergency delivery care is characterized by the associated standards of care, understanding the importance of communication, and work to ensure the safety of the patient. Anesthesia is important part prior to any surgery. The nurse should able to assist the anaesthetist to give local or general anaesthetia by giving the required injection. After the surgery, the nurse is responsible for post operative care including checking of blood pressure, pulse rate, oxygen level in the blood etc. For children who have general anaestehtic, the nurse need to observe respiartory, pulse. In some circumstances where nurse has more knowledge about the patient, her moral responsibility is to communicate the information to physician. For example, when the patient’s condition is changing or patient is unstable, nurse is always there at the bedside. Therefore, she has more knowledge about the situation, than the physician who might be busy in the office or attending other patient. At some time, the nurse might have more education and training to handle certain conditions of patient. Sometimes, the nurse might establish good rapport with the patient and his/her family. Some patients might not be comfortable with the physician to communicate any problems. In such circumstances, the nurses have more accurate clinical suggestion based on wisdom and experience. When there is a need for immediate medical intervention in a patients condition, registered nurses should able to question physician orders in terms of patient advocacy. The dynamic situations should be handled smoothly by implementing supportive approach than supervising strategy. This helps in smooth transition in response to any altered situation, reducing adverse events and could yield better clinical outcome. In addition to this, the nurses should keep abreast themselves in order to keep pace with constant change in health care systems. The shared values and beliefs of primary care delivery providers (physicians and nurses), and the interdependence and dynamic interactions among the health care team members plays an important role in complex heath care environment. Job outlook/career opportunities Over the years the nursing field has developed in countless ways in terms of challenges and career opportunities. Nursing theory and practice, and training in clinical skills are the essential building blocks to create strong and diverse nursing workforce. Nurses are entitled to get suitable post according to their education and experience as clinical nurse specialists, managers, executives, entrepreneurs, lawyers, government officials, educators, writers etc. (chooseNursing.com, 2009). Nursing practice performs nursing activities in various areas including burn care, emergency nursing, geriatric nursing, obstetric, gynecologic & neonatal nursing, operating room nurses, psychiatric nursing, wound, ostomy & continence nursing, vascular nursing, trauma management, nursing risk management etc. (http://www.martindalecenter.com/Nursing_1_Jour.html#JO Understanding of clearly defined career objective would help youth to achieve them with proper guidance. With advanced degrees in nursing, the person gets specialized training. This leads to increase in employment opportunities with higher paying employers. It has been reported by BLS that the annual income of registered nurses was from $52,490 to $64,260 (varied with the employer) with the median annual income equivalent to $57,280 in 2006 (World Wide Learn, 2009). The specialized knowledge and training opens up infinite openings in various settings like hospitals, outpatient clinics, schools, research centers, rehabilitation centers, industrial and corporate wellness centers, nursing homes, hospices, and private homes (The University of Tennessee,  2009). The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) has illustrated about burgeoning job opportunities in the nursing occupation than in any other business line (World Wide Learn, 2009). The advancement in medical field and health services has increased treatment options and life expectancy. This has direct impact on the requirement of nurses. Nurses’s work environment is often clean, well lighted, and well- maintained. But they are often exposed to various infections, so they have to follow often preventive and hygiene measures to avoid getting any kind of infections. Healthcare sector is continuous service sector having 24 hours working per day. Healthcare facilities could not run effectively without shift work. The nurses should be prepared for daily exposure to shift work in clinical settings which imposes personal, social, domestic and professional problems. Professionals facing shift work should be physically stronger and should have better health. Some people have robust physique and constitution of body. Such individuals can cope well with shift work. Paramedics experience stress at all times in health care environment. Nurses should have ability to react quickly and take instant decision when needed. They should have capability to think laterally and work under tension. Theses qualities are needed for handling patients who are in crisis. Nurses are continuously physically and mentally challenged. They should able to handle every tough situation with focus, strength, stamina and heightened alertness. The application of these learnt skills for the treatment, evaluation, monitoring and management of patients would certainly derive immense satisfaction. Conclusion The nurse has indispensable role to play in health care setting alone and along with the other health care professionals. Human compassion, responsible, detail-oriented, interest in nursing and commitment to nursing are the fundamental parts which are utmost important for nursing profession and professional practice. Nursing profession encompasses desired skills, behaviors and characteristics like teamwork, conflict management, communication, flexibility, right attitude that are critical to have a trusting, positive impact on patients and doctors. The advancement in medical field and health services has increased treatment options and life expectancy. Understanding of clearly defined career objective would help youth to achieve them with proper guidance. Nursing profession is in a respectable position which is reflected from increase in demand for the nurses due to many reasons like increased workloads, diverse career options etc. Cohesive efforts and collaborative knowledge of nurse and physician brings clinical success in terms of patient’s positive outcome. Nurse should be able to fulfill, preserve and cherish the desire to contribute positively towards society and nurture the smile of sick and needy people. References http://www.icn.ch/definition.htm www.dundee.ac.uk/medden/dlc/Documents/Eritrea.pdf History And Trends Of Nursing In Eritrea, ERINA, July 2006. The University of Tennessee (2009). Nursing Major Guide for 2009-2010 http://www.utk.edu/academics/programs/09/nursing/nursing.html World Wide Learn. Online Directory of Education Copyright 1999 - 2009. Guide to College Majors in Nursing. http://www.worldwidelearn.com/online-education-guide/health-medical/nursing-major.htm chooseNursing.com, 2009 http://www.choosenursing.com/for_you/opportunities.html http://www.martindalecenter.com/Nursing_1_Jour.html#JO Read More