Nurses are a significant part of the healthcare system. Most people know doctors to be the heroes of the healthcare system. But nurses are the unacknowledged heroes. They put themselves at risk to ensure that they serve their patients effectively.
Besides, the healthcare industry is constantly changing. The role of nurses has evolved with the changes occurring in the healthcare system. These changes have increased the need for more versatile nurses. Also, nurses are no longer relegated to bedside duties. They have evolved to take on more roles with higher responsibilities.
However, the path to becoming a nurse is not easy. If you want to start a career in nursing, you have to be willing to put in the work. You have to earn a degree in nursing and obtain several certifications. The good news is that there are plenty of nursing programs online. You’ll also have to gain a lot of experience.
Furthermore, the duties that nurses undertake vary based on the position they occupy. The diversity of patients that nurses attend to requires them to be forward-thinking. You need to understand the various roles nurses perform if you’re looking to become a nurse. Here, we’ll be discussing some of the roles nurses play in the healthcare system.
Roles of Nurses in Healthcare
They Act As Researchers
Nurse researchers are investigators and scientists who study the different aspects of healthcare. They perform systematic investigations and collect and analyze data to find solutions to problems in the healthcare system. They also search for ways to improve the quality of health care outcomes and systems.
They Act As Decision Makers
Nurses apply different skills when it comes to patient care. Critical thinking is the essential skill nurses use in patient care. Most times, nurses use quick thinking to decide what’s best for their patients.
Besides, the planning process for patient treatment involves nurses. Thus, they must be able to think when identifying potential problems. This critical thinking will help them take the appropriate actions.
They Act As Caregivers
Nurses acting as caregivers is the primary role of nurses in healthcare. As a caregiver, they are in charge of attending to all the needs of their patients. They provide direct care to patients in different settings.
Some people assume that nurses only perform duties directly overseen by the doctor. But this is not true. Nurses are liable for the complete care of patients. They give medications, care for wounds, and assess various body systems. They also help to perform diagnostic tests and analyze results.
Furthermore, the role of a nurse as a caregiver goes beyond administering medication. Nurses are responsible for the spiritual, cultural, emotional, and psychological needs of patients. Also, the care shown by nurses can impact the outcome of a patient’s health.
They Manage Patient Medical Records
The medical records of a patient are a vital part of patient care. Clear medical records allow the nurses and doctors to provide quality patient care. Nurses have to record every task they perform during a patient’s care. Because of technological advancements, patients’ medical records are stored digitally.
Furthermore, nurses need some technical training to maintain medical records effectively. Nurses are also in charge of recording patient histories. A patient’s past medical history can be the key to solving their present medical issue.
They Act As Patient Advocates
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Nurses work more closely with patients than any other healthcare worker. They are familiar with the patient’s cultural practices, beliefs, and values. Nurses are usually the first and last point for patients during their stay in the hospital. As patient advocates, nurses represent their patients and fight for their best interests.
Furthermore, nurses act as advocates to ensure that their patients receive the best available care. This means going out of their way to seek the best possible health outcome for their patients. Nurses provide the necessary information needed by patients to make the best decisions about their health.
They Act As Managers
Nursing managers are responsible for ensuring patient and staff satisfaction. They are in charge of managing financial and human resources. Nurse managers are responsible for staff recruitment and development.
Similarly, they are also responsible for supervising the nursing staff working under them in the hospital. They also use administrative methods to fulfill the goals of the healthcare institution.
They Provide Emotional Support For The Patient
Patients receive good news and bad news anytime they go to the hospital. If they suffer severe injuries and illness, it can be a bleak day. Nurses act as an emotional support system for the patients in the hospital. Nurses are the ones who help patients come to terms with the grim diagnosis given by the doctor.
Furthermore, nurses help patients through painful medical procedures. They help to calm the fear of patients who are resistant to care. To this end, nurses need to be determined to provide emotional aid to patients.
They Act As Teachers
Nurses act as teachers in the healthcare system every day. Patient care doesn’t end once the patient has left the hospital. Nurses educate their patients about how to take care of themselves after treatment.
The nurse’s job is to ensure that patients know everything they need for recovery. Nurses also educate patients and their families about diagnosis in the hospital.
Furthermore, healthcare education helps patients understand what is going on with their health. Nurses are responsible for teaching patients and their families about complex procedures. They devote a lot of their energy and time to educating their patients.
They Act As Communicators
Nurses are perfect agents of communication. Nurses collaborate with different departments in the hospital to provide better patient care. Communication and collaboration are very vital in the nursing field. Nurses need to be able to communicate with their patients to address their needs.
Nursing in Summary
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Nursing is a fast-growing industry. Statistics show that jobs in the nursing field will grow in the years to come. Nursing is a job that allows you to use your experience and unique talents for the good of humanity.
Unlike other jobs, nurses assume different roles to serve their patients better. They closely oversee their patient’s medical journey. Nurses also serve as the patient’s confidants.