Nurses are some of the most compassionate professionals around. They are trained to recognize and provide care for patients, anticipate patient needs and provide comfort to anyone in need. They offer emotional, physical, educational, and social support while demonstrating great skill and knowledge regarding general health maintenance.

The importance of them bring to healthcare cannot be understated. From providing leadership to enhancing public health measures and advancing medical technologies, there isn’t anything they can’t do.

The current pandemic has made it abundantly clear how vital nurses are to providing quality healthcare in the US. Texas, for instance, has seen a 9% increase in vacancies for nursing positions since 2019 alone. It’s no wonder why access to proper care is becoming more and more difficult by the day, and we need these skilled professionals now more than ever.

So, let’s take a look at why nurses are so essential in healthcare today ;

1. Education as a Critical Function:

They are knowledgeable in various subjects, from basic anatomy and physiology to complex disease processes. They can educate patients regarding their diagnosis, treatment options, and lifestyle modifications.

But before they can educate others, They need to be educated themselves. Nursing education is rigorous as it emphasizes developing strong clinical reasoning skills and includes an advanced physical assessment section. Start by understanding “how is the NCLEX scored“.

Plus, nurses must stay current on the latest research findings to educate their patients accordingly. This type of knowledge is invaluable to ensuring optimal care is given.

Suppose you’re interested in becoming a nurse and getting the education you need. In that case, BSN online programs in Texas are widely available to those looking to make a difference in the healthcare industry.

2. Educating Patients and Families:

Nurses are also responsible for educating their patients and families on properly caring for themselves at home. Nurses must competently assess the home setting, ensure that every family member understands their role in the patient’s care, and make plans for follow-up visits to ensure that the patient’s health is maintained. They also provide education about disease prevention, healthy habits, and other topics to help keep patients and their families healthy.

Additionally, as part of their role as educators, They must be willing to answer any questions and explain processes in a way that is easy for the patient and family to understand. It helps ensure that everyone involved is comfortable with the care being provided.

3. Monitoring Patient Condition:

Nurses are experts in monitoring a patient’s condition, especially ICU nurses where there are critical patients,  which is why they are an integral part of any healthcare team. They regularly assess a patient’s status, identify potential problems and take the appropriate steps to ensure that quality of care is maintained.

In addition to monitoring the patient’s condition, They also keep track of changes in the patient’s health. It includes charting vital signs, recording food and fluid intake, documenting mental status changes, and reporting abnormal findings. By doing this, nurses can provide an accurate picture of the patient’s overall health, which can be used to diagnose and plan treatment accordingly.

4. Medication and Treatment:

Another important responsibility that nurses have is to administer medications and treatments. Nurses must be knowledgeable about the medications they are administering and any side effects or complications that may arise. They must also be able to identify any allergies the patient may have and consult with a doctor if needed. Additionally, They must be able to explain the importance of taking medications as prescribed and provide education about potential side effects.

However, They also play a role in the prevention of medication errors. By double-checking medications and reviewing orders, nurses are able to reduce the chances of any errors occurring.

5. Emotional Support:

One of the most important roles They play is providing emotional support to their patients, families, and other healthcare providers. Nurses often form strong relationships with their patients and help them understand the treatment options available to them. As a result, nurses are often the ones who can provide comfort and reassurance when a patient is scared or uncertain.

However, patient care isn’t the only area where They provide emotional support. Nurses must also be able to provide comfort and understanding to other healthcare professionals who may be feeling overwhelmed or stressed. This kind of emotional support is invaluable and necessary to ensure the best quality care for everyone involved.

6. Participates in Rehabilitation:

If a patient requires rehabilitation, nurses are often involved in this process. Nurses are responsible for helping patients understand their rehabilitation plan and maintaining continuity of care throughout the process. Nurses must be able to provide effective education regarding the patient’s diagnosis, rehabilitation goals, and expectations.

They must also be able to support the patient and their family by providing emotional support and encouragement throughout the rehabilitation process. Finally, They must also be able to assess a patient’s progress and make necessary modifications to the rehabilitation plan as needed.

7. Case Management:

Nurses are also responsible for case management. It includes ensuring that patients receive the care and services they need timely, coordinating with other healthcare professionals, and developing care plans.

Case managers must quickly and accurately assess patients’ needs to provide the best care. They must also be familiar with the most current guidelines and standards of care to ensure that they meet their patients’ needs.

However, case management isn’t just about providing care to the patient; it’s also about helping them navigate the complex healthcare system. Nurses are uniquely positioned to help patients understand their options and ensure they receive the best care possible.

8. Recording Medical Information:

Finally, They are responsible for accurately recording medical information. It includes documenting patient history, medications, treatments, and any changes in mental status or physical condition.

Accurate medical records are essential for providing quality and continuity of care. By keeping accurate records, nurses can quickly identify and address any changes in a patient’s condition. In addition, accurate medical records can help to protect a patient’s privacy and ensure that their medical information is not shared without their knowledge or consent.

Conclusion:

Nurses play an essential role in the healthcare system. They provide vital patient care and promote health and wellness. Nurses also advocate for their patients, providing them emotional support and guidance. Without Them, the healthcare system would not be able to function properly. If you are considering a career in nursing, know that you will be making a difference in the lives of others every day.