The bulk of America’s healthcare industry is made up of nurses. Nurses are skilled caregivers and patient advocates, which makes them vital in meeting the healthcare needs of a growing population.
Today’s 3 million nurses are the backbone of America’s healthcare industry. They are also the most prominent single profession in the field. There is still a nursing shortage to be addressed, despite the fact that there is an ever-growing number of patients who are in dire need of care. Nurses are the most trusted profession every year.
Since the beginning, nurses have provided high-quality care to the public. However, professional respect was earned through years of organizing and lobbying. Nurses 70 years ago were seen as less important members of a clinical team, despite their many responsibilities.
Today, nurses are more respected and autonomous and enjoy a more collaborative relationship with doctors and other healthcare professionals through social media and other recruiting processes.
We need to understand why nurses are so vital in today’s healthcare system by looking at what registered nurses do — from their relationships with patients to how they interact with other professionals.
Patients Spend More Time With Nurses
Recall a recent appointment with your doctor. Chances are, a nurse was the first person that you saw after you checked in at the front desk. He or she made small talk, asking questions about your health and checking your vitals. However, this small talk was not meant to make you feel comfortable or keep you from stuttering.
Skilled nurses understand that it is important to take the time to get to know patients in order to uncover vital health information. According to New Jersey nurse Sujata Prasad, educating patients is a crucial aspect of nursing that cannot be overlooked. This information might not be available to patients otherwise. The nurse will likely return to your room to review any prescriptions and ask any questions you might have before you go.
Even more, time is spent by nurses in hospitals with patients. A recent study found that 86% of intensive care patients spent time with at least one doctor, while only 13% spent time with doctors. Even more, time was spent with nurses during overnight hospital stays.
If your colleague, friend, or family member is making an impact in their career, industry, or community, we want to hear about it.