Introduction
Speaking of patient care, it is essential to note that this is the largest segment in the entire medical care workforce in the United States. Having such a key role in the economic and social life of the country, this profession implies a broad awareness of many aspects of medicine and other related disciplines. As it might be said, the nurse practitioner acts as an integral number of the multidisciplinary team (DeNisco, 2019). Given its huge role in the health care system, it is vital for a nurse to continually progress and advance since medicine does not standstill.
Main body
Professional nurses have a wide range of opportunities to continue their training and focus on a specific specialty, which is actively encouraged by employers in the medical field. One of these specialties in primary care. According to the recent data, the primary care practitioner to population ratio is dropping (Bauer & Bodenheimer, 2017). This fact means that the primary care sector needs qualified personnel to meet its needs. Nurses, as well-known professionals in the treatment of chronic diseases (most peculiar for family care), are suitable also because of their multiplicity in the country.
Considering the future and prospects of nursing practice, it is impossible not to mention the contribution of the exclusively scientific component of medicine, in particular evidence-based practice. It is undoubtedly important for a nurse to have solid fundamental knowledge. However, it is also necessary to apply modern and up-to-date techniques in seemingly well-studied cases. Giving historical examples, Florence Nightingale is considered to have started the concept of improving patient outcomes through sound evidence. She was using evidence that had been determined through experimentation and critical examination to positively influence patient outcomes (Mackey & Bassendowski, 2017). This is not the only example, but evidence-based practice shows great promise in improving the quality of life of patients under the care of nurses.
Each profession imposes specific requirements on a person, but perhaps only work in the medical field imposes such high and specific duties on a specialist. The image of a medical worker began to be formed in ancient times, and even then, it implied high responsibility, literacy, and dedication. Among other things, empathy is important. Misunderstandings may occur during the patient’s treatment, but empathy helps to facilitate nurse-patient communication and reduce medical conflict or disputes (Wan et al., 2019). This aspect of the nurse-patient relationship is crucial and affects the entire process as a whole.
Conclusion
Summarizing the statements written, nurses work in a variety of settings and a variety of fields, being the leading providers of medical services. Medicine is an integral part of the life of any citizen and is inextricably linked with his wellbeing. Millions of Americans turn to nurses for both primary and family care services. This determines their key role in the health care system. In this regard, the nursing profession implies the presence of certain personal qualities that allow for multidisciplinary and complex work. Where there is complexity, there is and will always be an advancement, which should undoubtedly be integrated into any medical specialty.
References
- Bauer, L., & Bodenheimer, T. (2017). Expanded roles of registered nurses in primary care delivery of the future. Nursing outlook, 65(5), 624-632.
- DeNisco, S. M. (2019). Advanced practice nursing. Jones & Bartlett Learning.
- Mackey, A., & Bassendowski, S. (2017). The history of evidence-based practice in nursing education and practice. Journal of Professional Nursing, 33(1), 51-55.
- Wan, Q., Jiang, L., Zeng, Y., & Wu, X. (2019). A big-five personality model-based study of empathy behaviors in clinical nurses. Nurse education in practice, 38, 66-71.