The role of the nurse has changed incessantly over the years particularly because of increased diversity, and development of new knowledge in the field. According to Salmond and Echevarria (2017), the nurse’s role has shifted from “episodic, provider-based, and fee-for-service” to team-based and patient-centered with the aim of providing quality and affordable care. Nurses have to work as teams so that they can learn new knowledge as well as from the experiences of one another. Working in teams allows collaboration and consultation aimed at improving the quality of care. Additionally, nurses also have to listen to patients, empathize with their situations and provide care based on each patient’s unique needs. While the focus of care seemed to be directed towards nurses in the past, currently the focus has shifted towards patients. The responsibilities of the nurse have also changed in the sense that the nurse currently is not just a passive player in providing care but has to be actively involved in each and every step of improving care. Nurses are involved in research, formulation of policies, and implementation of changes within the healthcare setting.
Throughout my career, I feel my role as a nurse has changed from only focusing on patient care to being involved in making important decisions in the healthcare environment. I feel like I am also a leader in every task I perform. I believe the changes are based on experience; after acquiring more knowledge and being an expert in what I do, my opinions have always been sought unlike when I started working.
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Part 2
One nursing theory that has influenced me over the years is the Florence Nightingale theory, which emphasizes how the health environment has an impact on the healing process. One way I have been influenced is that I always ensure that hospital wards are clean and not stuffy; I ensure the rooms are well ventilated, there is adequate lighting, and there is generally good aeration. Secondly, I ensure that patients’ food is well cooked, nutritious, and is in good condition. The patients need to have enough food which needs to comprise of a balanced diet to boost their immune system and make them heal faster. I believe that patients need to stay in a home-like environment to heal faster.
Reference
Salmond, S. W., & Echevarria, M. (2017). Healthcare transformation and changing roles for nursing. Orthopedic Nursing , 36 (1), 12–25. https://doi.org/10.1097/NOR.0000000000000308
