There is no one-size-fits-all definition of nursing. It’s a profession in the field of healthcare that focuses on the care of individuals, families, groups, and communities, both sick and well, to promote optimal health and quality of life. Nursing are an integral part of the healthcare system, and its role falls on a spectrum from general to specialized care. Nurses work in various settings, but their ultimate role is to take care of patients. If you’ve had a nurse positively impact your life, we invite you to celebrate National Nurses Month.
Nursing Snapshot
- There are over 4 million registered nurses in the United States today.
- That means that one in every 100 people is a registered nurse.
- Nurses are in every community – large and small – providing expert care from birth to the end of life.
- According to the January 2012 “United States Registered Nurse Workforce Report Card and Shortage Forecast” in the American Journal of Medical Quality, a shortage of registered nurses is projected to spread across the country between 2009 and 2030. In this state-by-state analysis, the authors forecast the RN shortage to be most intense in the South and the West
- Nurses' roles range from direct patient care and case management to establishing nursing practice standards, developing quality assurance procedures, and directing complex nursing care systems.
What Do Nurses Do?
Much of the work performed by nurses is behind-the-scenes. Nursing is at the center of every patient’s hospital stay or doctor visit. From checking in and triage to examinations and caring for the elderly, registered nurses assist doctors with their daily patient responsibilities. Some of these duties and responsibilities include:
- Administering direct and emergency care to patients
- Creating and enacting patient care plans
- Educating patients on medical conditions and diagnosis
- Providing clean, sanitary care areas
- Performing medical tests
- Assisting doctors with medical procedures
- Checking vitals and recording the results
- Coordinating care and resources for patients
- Administering medications
- Performing physical exams
There are many different types of nurses and nursing specialties that are both high-paying and in high-demand. With the right credentials, it can be a lucrative and opportunity-rich career.
Questions to Ask If You’re Considering a Nursing Career
Nursing isn’t for everyone, but if you’re interested in nursing as a career path, there are some questions to ask yourself to see if it might be a good fit:
- Why am I attracted to the field of nursing?
- Do I really understand what the job entails?
- Can I work with a wide variety of people groups?
- Do I like to be a member of a team?
- Can I commit to the academics required?
These are just a few questions to get you started as you continue the process of considering nursing as a career.
How You Can Celebrate National Nurses Month
If you’d like to get involved and celebrate National Nurses Month, here are some ways you can recognize a nurse:
Self-Care
Join the Healthy Nurse, Healthy Nation™ Grand Challenge to improve your health in physical activity, nutrition, rest, quality of life, safety, and mental health.
Recognition
Advocate for nurses by voicing your concerns about the nursing profession to Congress and staying up to date on the latest news and legislation.
Professional Development
If you’re currently a nurse, volunteer as a professional mentor by sharing your nursing experience through videos or social media.
Community Engagement
Write a letter to a nurse that positively impacted your life and encourage your friends and family to do the same.
Nurses have a steadfast commitment to their patients, communities and health care systems. They truly do make a difference and have an exceptional impact on individual lives and in health care.
Our mission at Orchard Hospital is to provide our community with superior health care. We strive to ensure that your experience at Orchard Hospital is as pleasant and comfortable as possible. Our priority is to provide you with the care you need when you need it, with skill, compassion, and respect.
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