Roles of Nurses in the Camps - Research Paper Example

 Roles of Nurses in the CampsIntroductionHomelessness affects many people around the world. The causes of homelessness include; fleeing from wars, high levels of poverty, unemployment, and women escaping domestic violence. Homeless individuals have low self-esteem, mistrust, and trauma. For those who flee from war, it is traumatizing witnessing the family members being killed. These individuals look for shelter and help in refugee camps. Nurses in the camps counsel the affected individuals and take care of them.

The four year armed conflict in Syria, began with opposition protests before growing into a complete civil war. Over 10 million Syrians have flee from their homes as presidents Bashar al-Assad’s military fight with those against his rule as well as the jihadist military from the Islamic state. Violence increased and the country went into civil war, hence forcing Syrians to flee to refugee camps for example Za’ari refugee camp.DiscussionRoles of nurses in refugee campsNurses in the refugee camp counsel the traumatized patients.

Many of the displaced people witnessed the death of their family members. (Choo, Hutchinson, & Bucknall, 2010). However, it is the role of a nurse to make them feel safe and help them adapt to the new environment. Provision of health education to the vulnerable displaced people, for example, the hepatitis A outbreak in the Za’atari camp due to unhygienic conditions. The nurses visited schools explaining the importance of washing hands after visiting the toilet and before handling food. The nurses do vaccination of measles on people under the age of 30 before getting in the camp, in addition to undertaking prenatal care and delivery of babies in the camp.

They also taught the women the importance of family planning ask for better working equipment in the refugee camp to increase saving lives. One of the nursing values is promoting the health of a patient and their well-being. Sometimes nurses have to make autonomous decisions, for example breaking shocking news that an individual is tested positive to HIV/AIDS (Choo, Hutchinson, & Bucknall, 2010). Empowered nurses are allowed to admit/discharge patients. Support of patients living with HIV/AIDS is a role of a nurse.

Patients who are supported feel accepted and loved. The researchers in the Za’ari camp heath care center look for ways to improve the health care services. The research nurses uncover ways to improve the lives of patients living with chronic diseases such as: cancer (Wintersgill & Wheeler, 2012). Nurse practitioners perform focused and comprehensive physical examinations: diagnosing and treating common acute illnesses. They also order for tests such as x-rays and laboratory tests (Wintersgill & Wheeler, 2012).

Conclusion Nurses play a major role in the improvement and facilitation of health care services to vulnerable population of displaced individuals. Nurses have the responsibilities of delivering a safe environment for the patients’ recovery: ensuring the sanitation and waste management is conducive for patients’ recovery ('Nurses choose between assistant roles or redundancy', 2012). Nurse’s opinions should be considered in the heath care centers in decision-making. The Za’ari camp health care center should ensure conducive working environment to retain and attract nurses.

ReferencesChoo, J., Hutchinson, A., & Bucknall, T. (2010). Nurses' role in medication safety. Journal Of Nursing Management, 18(7), 853-861. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2834.2010.01164.xNurses choose between assistant roles or redundancy. (2012). Nursing Standard, 26(25), 6-6. doi:10.7748/ns2012.02.26.25.6.p7607Wintersgill, W., & Wheeler, E. (2012). Engaging Nurses in Research Utilization. Journal For Nurses In Staff Development, 28(5), E1-E5. doi:10.1097/nnd.0b013e31826a008c