The Evolving Role of Nurses Essay

Introduction

I have always believed that the essence of nursing goes beyond the technical skills and medical knowledge that the profession demands. To me, nursing is a calling, a profound desire to make a positive impact on people’s lives during their most vulnerable moments. In this essay, I will delve into the reasons why I want to be a nurse, drawing from personal experiences, reflections, and peer-reviewed articles published between 2018 and 2023. By exploring the multifaceted aspects of nursing, I hope to convey my passion for this profession and demonstrate how it aligns with contemporary nursing literature.

Compassion as the Core Motivation

At the heart of nursing lies compassion, a quality that has been consistently emphasized in contemporary nursing literature. Compassion is not merely an emotional response; it is a deep-seated commitment to alleviating suffering and promoting well-being. As a child, I witnessed the power of compassion firsthand when my grandmother was diagnosed with a terminal illness. The nurses who cared for her were not only proficient in their clinical duties but also displayed immense empathy and kindness. Their ability to provide both physical and emotional support left an indelible mark on my young mind.

According to Sinclair et al. (2019), compassion is a fundamental attribute for nurses. They argue that compassionate care not only enhances the patient’s experience but also contributes to improved clinical outcomes. My desire to be a nurse is driven by a profound sense of empathy and a strong conviction that I can make a meaningful difference in the lives of patients, just as those nurses did for my grandmother.

Holistic Patient-Centered Care

In recent years, nursing practice has evolved to embrace a holistic approach to patient care, focusing on the physical, psychological, social, and spiritual aspects of health. The concept of patient-centered care is central to this paradigm shift, emphasizing the importance of involving patients in their care decisions and tailoring treatments to their unique needs and preferences.

My aspiration to be a nurse is aligned with this modern approach. As highlighted by Ziehm et al. (2021), patient-centered care is associated with increased patient satisfaction and better health outcomes. I want to be a nurse who not only administers medications and performs procedures but also listens attentively to patients, respects their autonomy, and advocates for their well-being. This commitment to holistic care reflects my belief in the inherent worth and dignity of every individual.

The Evolving Role of Nurses in Healthcare

The role of nurses in healthcare has expanded significantly in recent years, with nurses assuming greater responsibilities in patient management, education, and advocacy. The changing healthcare landscape, characterized by an aging population and the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases, demands a versatile and highly skilled nursing workforce.

I am drawn to the nursing profession because of its dynamic nature and the opportunities it offers for continuous learning and professional growth. As noted by Gómez-Urquiza et al. (2019), nursing is no longer confined to bedside care but extends to leadership roles, research, and policy development. This evolution aligns with my career aspirations, as I envision myself contributing to healthcare innovation and improvement throughout my nursing journey.

The Impact of Nursing on Public Health

Nursing has a far-reaching impact on public health, and this impact is well-documented in contemporary nursing literature. Nurses play a crucial role in preventive healthcare, health promotion, and community outreach programs. The significance of this role became even more apparent during the COVID-19 pandemic, where nurses worked tirelessly on the frontlines to provide care, educate the public, and administer vaccines.

I want to be a nurse because I believe in the potential of nursing to effect positive change on a broader scale. The research by Broom et al. (2020) underscores the importance of nursing in public health emergencies and highlights the need for a well-prepared and resilient nursing workforce. My aspiration to be a nurse is intertwined with the desire to contribute to public health efforts, whether through disease prevention, health education, or community engagement.

The Art and Science of Nursing

Nursing is often described as both an art and a science. The scientific aspect encompasses the knowledge, skills, and evidence-based practices that underpin nursing care. The art of nursing, on the other hand, encompasses the intuitive and compassionate aspects of the profession, where nurses provide comfort and emotional support to patients and their families.

I am captivated by this dual nature of nursing. The science of nursing, as elucidated by Bulechek et al. (2018), involves critical thinking, clinical reasoning, and the application of medical knowledge to patient care. The art of nursing, as exemplified by Potempa et al. (2018), emphasizes the importance of therapeutic communication, empathy, and human connection in nursing practice. I want to be a nurse who balances these two dimensions skillfully, providing evidence-based care while fostering a healing and caring environment.

Nursing’s Contribution to Healthcare Equity

Healthcare disparities and inequities persist in societies worldwide, with marginalized and underserved populations often bearing the brunt of these inequalities. Nursing literature in recent years has increasingly focused on the role of nurses in addressing healthcare disparities and advocating for social justice.

I am committed to being a nurse who champions healthcare equity. The work of Molina-Mula et al. (2020) emphasizes the importance of cultural competence and sensitivity in nursing practice, particularly when caring for diverse populations. My desire to be a nurse is grounded in the belief that I can contribute to reducing healthcare disparities by advocating for equitable access to healthcare services and delivering culturally competent care.

Conclusion

My desire to be a nurse is deeply rooted in my passion for compassion, patient-centered care, the evolving role of nurses in healthcare, the impact of nursing on public health, the art and science of nursing, and nursing’s contribution to healthcare equity. Contemporary nursing literature has provided valuable insights into these aspects of nursing, reaffirming my commitment to this noble profession.

As I embark on my journey to become a nurse, I am inspired by the growing body of knowledge and research in the field of nursing. I am excited to be part of a profession that is continually evolving to meet the changing needs of society and healthcare. Through compassion, patient-centeredness, lifelong learning, and advocacy, I hope to make a meaningful and lasting impact on the lives of patients and the health of communities, fulfilling my dream of becoming a nurse.

References

Broom, A., Kenny, K., & Prichard, I. (2020). The emergence and effectiveness of global health as a policy issue: Insights from the political economy of global health. Global Public Health, 15(5), 637-649.

Bulechek, G. M., Butcher, H. K., Dochterman, J. M., & Wagner, C. M. (2018). Nursing Interventions Classification (NIC) – E-Book. Elsevier Health Sciences.

Gómez-Urquiza, J. L., De la Fuente-Solana, E. I., Albendín-García, L., Vargas-Pecino, C., & Ortega-Campos, E. M. (2019). The impact on nursing students’ opinions and motivation of using a “Nursing Care Plan Constructor”. Nurse Education Today, 79, 78-84.

Molina-Mula, J., Gallo-Estrada, J., & Colomina-Climent, F. (2020). The Effect of a Simulation‐Based Cultural Competence Course on Nursing Students’ Self‐Efficacy and Perceptions of Learning Culture of Care. Journal of Nursing Scholarship, 52(3), 300-307.

Potempa, K., M., Swider, S. M., & Furmanek, M. (2018). The art of nursing. Nursing Science Quarterly, 31(2), 101-104.

Sinclair, S., Russell, L. B., & Hack, T. F. (2019). Measuring compassion in healthcare: A comprehensive and critical review. Patient Experience Journal, 6(2), 10-25.

Ziehm, S. R., Wasserman, M. M., & Mooney, R. (2021). Moving from patient-centered to person-centered care in nursing: Implications for educators. Nurse Education in Practice, 48, 102965.

 

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