Throughout modern history, the medical sector has played an essential part in society. Ever since modern medicine began to advance, nurses have played an irreplaceable role in patient care. Whether we talk about the primary treatment options available from the 1800s or the modern expertise of war nurses, they have been on the frontlines, taking care of those who needed it most.
As the medical sector grew, the expertise of the caregivers grew as well. Doctors and nurses adapted themselves to the ever-growing industry and made their place in people’s hearts. The society holds a medical practitioner in high esteem. It wouldn’t be far-fetched to say that these brave people form society’s backbone through medical care, which we fall back on. These medical agents give us security, knowing that there is an easy solution to our recovery if we are ever sick or injured. A trip down to the nearest hospital or clinic is all it takes professionals to nurse us back to health (no pun intended).
In this article, we will solely focus on the roles nurses play in the health care sector. Especially the part in improving patient care. Here are a few functions they play.
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Experts in medical know-how
One should not underestimate a nurse in their field. Indeed, doctors might have more experience and a greater depth of knowledge, but nurses also have medical knowledge. Moreover, nurses are pursuing their education and taking up doctorates. With the ease that online DNP programs have created, nurses everywhere are jumping at the chance to pursue their higher education in the medical field. Plus, the modern online courses have enabled nurses to quickly obtain their PALS certifications and stay on top of their game.
A Doctor in Nursing Practice is a degree that puts you head and shoulders above other nurses on the floor. It gives nurses all the possible information they need to tackle every case. With advanced medical knowledge and expertise in the field, they ensure that they provide only the best treatment to the patients who enter the hospital.
Practicing empathy
Sometimes nurses are better equipped to deal with the emotional side of the medical patients than doctors are. Doctors may often detach themselves from the situation when conveying bad news to a patient. Moreover, they rarely take out the time to hear what the patient is feeling and the emotions which they wish to report. There is no doubt that a medical admission can bring its fair share of stresses.
Because nurses walk the floor for longer and more often than doctors, they give individual patients more focused attention. They might sit with patients and listen to what they have to say. Though it may seem unlikely, cathartic relief can put the patient in a better state when dealing with an illness. Once they feel psychologically better, evidence shows that they may recover faster and better than when stressed.
Faster response than doctors
Medical emergencies occur in the ER or the ward all the time. One of the most important factors when dealing with an emergency is responding on time. Nurses are often the first ones to answer. Because they are ready and alert at the nursing station, they can manage situations that otherwise would have gotten out of hand and might have resulted in death.
Expecting doctors to come running every time is unrealistic. They might not be on the floor at the time or maybe busy with other issues at hand. Nurses and their response time is what saves lives that could have been lost. Quick response to medical emergencies is a significant factor when it comes to patient care.
Accessible medical treatment
With the senior population, it is essential to have some medical care on hand at all times. It is doubtful that doctors will take time out from their duties and spend time with patients outside of the hospital. Other than geriatrics, several other patients need medical care from remote locations. A person who has cancer might not be able to give themselves the necessary IVs sometimes. Having a home health travel nursing positions opened can be good for the institution and even for those looking for great opportunities.
In this case, nurses play a vital role in patient care. With their mobility and diversity in practice, they can take care of anyone who needs their help. It is prevalent for nurses to drop by elderly homes after their shifts to give their people time. Hence the reason there are considerably more accessible and mobile when you need them.
Conclusion
Nursing needs the respect it deserves in the medical profession. There is a commonly recurring misconception that doctors are more important than nurses in the medical field. It could not be further from the truth. Not only are nurses imperative in the field of medicine, but they outnumber doctors several times over. Doctors would not perform their jobs efficiently if they didn’t have nurses working alongside them. Therefore, they have a mutually beneficial relationship. One cannot exist without the other.
Moreover, in instances where mass treatment options are required for a large population, nurses come to the rescue before doctors do, as demonstrated by the pandemic. Furthermore, in wartime situations, army nurses play crucial roles in the rehabilitation of fallen soldiers. Perhaps the most common example we have in popular culture is Florence Nightingale in the Crimean war at Constantinople. A figure that will never be forgotten and perfectly encompasses the role nurses play in improving patient care. Perhaps reading up and educating oneself on the history of nursing and the roles they play in society would lead to an increase in the respect that the nurses all around us deserve.