Advanced Nursing Practice Role
Although nurses do not treat patients, but only follow the doctor’s prescriptions, their role in advanced practice is important. Nurses are expected to notice any changes in the patient’s condition. Besides, nurses can calm the patient down as well as make his/her sufferings less severe. The nurse assumes much responsibility. To be a good nurse, it is crucial to love the job and be attentive to patients. Besides, it is important to possess enough medical knowledge. The nurse whose major responsibility is to care about the patient is expected to know how to take care of people and be skillful at performing procedures, as well as be aware of the sequences which the medicine or procedure might have on the patient. If the nurse does not realize why the procedures are fulfilled, or the medicines are prescribed, it is likely to cause harm to the patient. In a hospital where there are many doctors that the nurse can address for advice to them. However, sometimes, nurses have to decide on their own (Sangster-Gormley, 2013).
Non-clinical Nursing Role
In the case of non-clinical treatment, the nurse serves the patient on her own following the doctor’s recommendations. However, the nurse is expected to be aware of the factors required for the illness to appear, the symptoms, the disease course and development of a pathological process, some changes which the illness might entrain in the body, and the most frequent complications. This is important so as not to cause any harm to the patient in the course of non-clinical treatment. Besides, the nurse is expected to teach the relatives how to take care of the patient, give a recommendation on the hygiene issues, and advice on how the patient should be treated. This work is highly important since it involves the enlightening function of the profession (Sangster-Gormley, 2013). The nurse is expected to create a hospital atmosphere for the patient. Therefore, it is necessary to incorporate the daily routine so that the patient follows the established regime. Nurses are supposed to do their best to ensure a quality non-clinical treatment for their patients to make the patient feel that he/she is under the constant surveillance of the doctor. If the nurse sees that the patient is kept in non-hygienic conditions or does not have a proper diet, he/she should instruct the relatives to improve the situation. The nurse’s advice must comply with modern nursing practice knowledge (Sangster-Gormley, 2013).
Clinical Nursing Role
As for clinical conditions, the nurse is also expected to carry out an enlightening practice. Besides, she is supposed to take care of the patient before the doctor comes. Therefore, a qualified nurse should have enough medical knowledge and skills. Apart from being aware of their responsibilities, nurses should be attentive. The nurse should be able to notice any slight changes in the patient’s condition. It is critical, especially in the case of any deterioration in the condition. What is more, nurses should be aware of the symptoms which can be revealed during the initial examination. They should be able to pay attention to them and notice them. It is difficult to teach attentiveness. It is necessary to train and develop it (Hurlock-Chorostecki, Forchuk, Orchard, Van Soeren, & Reeves, 2013). Another role which the nurse has is being next to the patient’s bed. The patient is supposed to be treated kindly since he/she tends to be stressed. The nurse is closer to the patient than the doctor because of spending much time by the patient’s bed. Communicative skills are essential, as the responsibilities involve much talking to patients in the course of procedures. It is important to remember that anxieties, threats, and suffering during the illness affect the patient’s behavior.
Therefore, the nurse should be able to console the patient. It is unacceptable to argue with or shout at the patient. If the patient is depressed, it is necessary to make him/her think more positively. Sometimes, nurses tend to talk too much, which entrains many negative consequences. Hence, the nurse is expected to be tactful. Besides, the nurse should realize that a kind word can have a healing impact. The nurse is responsible for creating a friendly atmosphere in the ward and around patients. The patient’s emotional state plays a crucial role in a successful recovery. Thus, the nurse should guarantee that the patient feels cheerful and confident in the usefulness of the undertaken treatment. The nurse should try to get the patient’s credit so as he/she considers the nurse as a friend who struggles to give a helping hand and who he/she can share his/her anxieties and threats with (Hurlock-Chorostecki et al., 2013). It is obvious that working out tactfulness, patience, attentiveness, and communicative skills take much effort and time. However, it is important for nurses who are willing to fulfill their functions properly. Only hard work can help to develop these qualities (Hertz & Santy-Thompson, 2016).
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is necessary to point out that this paper has reflected on the role which nurses play in the healthcare system. This role appears to be crucial. It has discussed clinical and non-clinical nursing roles.
References
Hertz, K. & Santy-Thompson, J. (2016). The nursing role. In S. Maggie (Ed.), Practical Issues in Geriatrics (pp. 131-144). New York, NY: Springer.
Hurlock-Chorostecki, C. Forchuk, C., Orchard, C., Van Soeren, M, & Reeves, S. (2013). Hospital-based nurse practitioner roles and interprofessional practice: A scoping review. Nursing and Health Sciences, 16(3), 403-410.
Sangster-Gormley, E. (2013). How case-study research can help to explain implementation of the nurse practitioner role. Nurse researcher, 122(15), 123-132.