Nursing Essay Research Paper Since the days

Nursing Essay, Research Paper

Since the days of Florence Nightingale, patients in hospitals around the world depended on the care of nurses. These trained professionals assist doctors and specialists in virtually every area of medicine. In addition, nursing allows for a special type of one-on-one contact that doctors can.t provide. Nurses provide various services for patients on an hourly basis. This special, intimate contact has prompted a significant change in the field of nursing. In most modern medicinal institutions, as well as practical training programs, nurses are taught provide skillful services, as well as compassion and caring.

Patients and doctors, alike, realize the value of the services nurses provide. After Florence Nightingale revolutionized the profession in the 1850.s, deaths in hospitals dropped dramatically, from 420 per 1000 to 22 per 1000 (Kurzen 59). Since that time, hospitals and rehabilitation centers have depended on the skills of nurses. Practical nursing programs began to develop in the late 1800.s to increase the opportunities of women (62). These institutions soon became vital to the growth and effectiveness of hospitals and health facilities. The demand for nursing services grew so dramatically, national organizations began to flourish to provide supervision and planning for the growing profession (62). Within a relatively short period of time, nursing had evolved from a pink-collar employment to a respected profession.

Nurses must meet various qualifications for licensure to ensure that they are equipped to be efficient caregivers. The standard examination, NCLEX, requires that nurses retain curriculum taught throughout educational training programs (78). Such training allows nurses to develop an inventory of skills useful in daily routines. As technology continues to advance, training for nurses becomes more in depth. Nurses are fully qualified to .work under the

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supervision of doctors, [as well as] perform basic therapeutic, rehabilitative, and preventive care for anyone who needs it. (76).

For many nurses, the daily chores and duties begin long before sunrise. After receiving briefs and updates on hospital conditions, nurses must check the charts of their patients (Wolkomir 42). Charts include crucial information about the administration of .meds,. and special notes from physicians (Livesay, personal interview). Mistakes in the administration of medicine can be fatal, so it is the responsibility of nurses to give precise dosages (Wolkomir 43).

After completing orders from doctors, nurses perform more ordinary tasks. Many patients are unable to complete simple acts of daily hygiene, so nurses are responsible for these tasks. A nurse featured in the article, .The Quality of Mercy. said that she did not .mind her work- despite the high tech gear and the life-and-death responsibility- requires services as humble as Jesus. washing of his disciples. feet. (43). Patient care studies detail treatment and therapies provided by nurses for treatment of various illnesses (Livesay, Care Study). In addition, care studies outline problems and expected outcomes or goals due to a particular treatment (Livesay, Care Study).

Clearly, nursing is a highly skilled profession with huge amounts of responsibility. Nurses perform these numerous duties for not one, but an entire hall of needy patients. These daily chores appear to be enough to keep any caregiver busy, yet nurses are becoming more and more responsible for another type of wellness.

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In the past few years, the field of nursing has displayed a concern for not only the physical wellness of patients, but their emotional wellness. .Nurses practice medicine as

an art, marshaling compassion and skill in equal measure. (Wolkomir 41). While dealing with an oncology patient, Vanessa Livesay stated .comfort is the most important gift [my patient] can be given. Support must be offered, whether accepted or not. If the spirit is in distress, there is usually little comfort for the body. (Livesay, Care Study). This new approach toward nursing is in an effort to make patients feel comfortable and at home. Since nurses are in continual contact with patients, they develop a bond of trust. A patient mentioned in .The Quality of Mercy,. looks forward to the company of her nurse, and the familiarity of her voice (Wolkomir 41). Nurses are encouraged to create this situation. Practical Nursing Programs teach trainees to .create a home-like situation [and] use a gentle touch, quiet voice, and flexible approach to care-giving services (.Best Practice Interventions.). Patients should be kept in control, to combat feelings of helplessness. Modern techniques encourage patients and doctors to decide on methods of therapy together (.Principles of Therapy,. par. 3). This important decision making process lends a greater sense of control to patients.

A significant change in the medical field is an increased focus on family. Previously, hospitals would not allow children to visit patients (Livesay, personal interview). Today, however, children are allowed to visit patients during visiting hours. Visiting hours are also being increased in most hospitals. Nurses are taught that family awareness is crucial. .Principles of Therapy states, .If [family members] perspective on pain is sought and their participation in therapy is r