How can nurses make a difference in the health of their patients?

Nursing is a profession that is viewed by the public as one of the most ethical and honest professions. Individuals that choose nursing as a profession have the unique opportunity to make a difference on an everyday basis. Nurses have the opportunity to have an impact on the health and well-being of patients and families from the bedside to the boardroom. A difference can be made regardless of the career path a nurse may choose.  At the bedside the nurse has the opportunity to utilize his/her knowledge and translate that in to compassionate quality care. At the boardroom the nurse can utilize his/her knowledge to have an impact on allocating resources that enhance the quality and provision of care. Regardless of the location a Nurse can make a difference in the lives and well-being of patients, families and communities. Either on a small scale or a larger scale a nurse demonstrates knowledge, compassion, ethics and honesty in the provision of care and within the profession.

Nurses have many roles in the care of patients. Hospital nurses are often the ones who are with patients during 8-12 hour shifts. Through constant assessment they understand even small changes that can affect a patient's outcome. They also are responsible for education of patients and/or families to ensure a return home be a safe one. They are important members of a patient's treatment team and as advocates for every patient they ensure the patient's voices be heard. And, as importantly, they are the practitioners that sit and listen to patients, who do not judge, who show caring in every patient encounter.

Through the changes that health care reform has proposed more nurses will be in the front of patient care. Advanced practice nurses may see patients in primary care. There will be more emphasis on staying healthy and preventing some common diseases, such as diabetes. This will be accomplished with the partnership of nursing, patients, and other healthcare disciplines, such as physicians.

All nurses, no matter how they practice, are there to ensure safe, effective, and empathetic patient care. They place the patients in the the center of care and work with other healthcare professionals to ensure the outcomes of care are the best possible for every patient seen.

How can Nurses make a difference in the health of their patients? Nurses can make a huge difference in the health of their patients by many methods. Nurses can teach their patients education regarding the disease process that make be affecting the patient at that time. Nurses give patients resources to improve their lives and disease outcomes. Nurses pass medications and teach procedures to patients to help them achieve compliance with their health related needs. Nurses can improve a patient’s health by teaching them emotional coping skills to handle stressful situations. The opportunities are endless for the role that a nurse may play in a patient's health.