Introduction
Nurse practitioners (NPs) have various responsibilities and tasks to complete. At that, they are not working on their own as they have to collaborate with other healthcare professionals and take into account various issues and aspects associated with organizational culture (Poghosyan, Lucero, Rauch, & Berkowitz, 2012). It is important to understand these issues and facets of the profession to be an efficient NP.
Language and Behaviors
It is necessary to remember that any profession is characterized by sets of peculiar language and behaviors. For instance, nurse practitioners should be aware of various terms related to diseases, medication, symptoms, treatment, and so on. Nonetheless, it is also essential to be able to explain quite complex issues and notions in simple terms to help patients understand their health issues and ways to address them (Rosiek, Leksowski, Goch, Rosiek-Kryszewska, & Leksowski, 2015). It is also critical to show empathy, which can be made through the use of body language. Listening to patients and their caregivers carefully, nodding, taking them by the hand (if appropriate), smiling to them and other behaviors can help NPs develop proper relationships with patients and help them effectively.
Attitudes and Beliefs
As for attitudes and beliefs, NPs have a certain code of ethics that is characterized by the focus on the autonomy of patients and informed consent (Rosiek et al., 2015). Clearly, NPs should utilize the evidence-based approach, but they should also pay a lot of attention to the spiritual aspect. Nurse practitioners value science and innovation, but they should also respect patients’ ideas concerning their health. Furthermore, nursing professionals should put a great value on the patient’s confidentiality and privacy.
Values and Interest
NPs have certain values such as empathy, respect, empowerment, promotion of dignity (Rosiek et al., 2015). These values support the beliefs and attitudes mentioned above. For instance, the value of dignity makes NPs encourage patients to remain autonomous, which helps them maintain their dignity. Of course, empathy is one of the core values that guide the nurse practitioner. The nursing professional can provide the most effective care to the patient through empathizing only.
Education and Training
NPs should obtain the corresponding certification that proves their qualification. There are different types of certification as states pose quite different requirements for this process. To enter the field, it is possible to receive the certification from the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners National Certification Program. Nurses should recertify once in five years. There are no particular requirements as to the higher education for nursing professionals, but nurses having Bachelor’s or Master’s degrees are often welcome as they have more skills and knowledge to address the issues that may occur.
Tools and Equipment
NPs mainly use thermometers, stethoscope, syringes, lights, blood pressure cuffs, vacutainers, and so on. At that, the use of the equipment depends on the practice type. NPs need some training to be able to use these tools.
Interactions with Others
Effective communication and collaboration with other healthcare professionals are essential for NPs (Poghosyan et al., 2012). Nurses should actively collaborate with physicians, other nursing professionals, pharmacists. These healthcare professionals work on the development and implementation of the treatment plan. NPs also collaborate with administrators, which is associated with such issues as hiring, training, development, and so on.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is necessary to note that NPs should provide high-quality care to patients. This is possible through the adherence to such principles as the respect of patients’ autonomy, dignity, confidentiality. Empathy is the key value for the effective NP. These professionals need quite particular skills, and, hence, they should receive certain training and certification. NPs having a degree usually have extensive knowledge and skills to provide high-quality care.
Reference List
Poghosyan, L., Lucero, R., Rauch, L., & Berkowitz, B. (2012). Nurse practitioner workforce: A substantial supply of primary care providers. Nursing Economics, 30(5), 268-274.
Rosiek, A., Leksowski, K., Goch, A., Rosiek-Kryszewska, A., & Leksowski, L. (2015). Medical treatment and difficult ethical decisions in interdisciplinary hospital teams. In A. Rosiek (Ed.), Organizational culture and ethics in modern medicine (pp. 121-153). Hershey, PA: IGI Global.