Pitfalls of Entry-Level Nursing
Changes in the healthcare profession are affecting the way nurses care for their patients. This past caused significant issues for nurses entering the healthcare provider market. The number of licensed professional nurses in hospital has declined and has been substituted with unlicensed multi skilled personnel. As a result, the role of nursing has evolved from that of primary caregivers to leaders of interdisciplinary care teams. The need for advanced nursing roles is increasing as nurses are assuming more responsibility for patient care.
Integrated Healthcare
Nurses with advanced specialized training are more in demand than ever. Many popular alternative healing options are preferred by patients. Nurses trained in traditional modern medicine must also be familiar with these various forms of alternative medical practices. Often these alternative forms of medicine include human centered care based philosophies that recognize the value of the patient’s input and honors the individual beliefs, values and desires of the patient. Because of this, an understanding of the culture existing within the community becomes an integral part of nursing care. Nurses must be aware of the diverse cultural needs of the community and put together teams that meet the cultural needs of their patients.
Issues of Racial Discrimination
In recent years, issues of discrimination in health care system have increased. As one may assume, an interdisciplinary care team seeking to meet the cultural healthcare needs of a predominantly Hispanic community would need to have a good understanding of the Hispanic culture. Naturally, Hispanic caregivers as well as healthcare providers versed in Hispanic culture would best meet the needs of these patients. The problem lies in grouping the healthcare system within the same standards regulating discrimination of other professions. Other professions understandably must maintain equality among employees. In the healthcare profession, the focus must always remain upon the patient.
Medical Malpractice Concerns
The primary issue with medical malpractice in the nursing field centers on (DNR) policies. Do not resuscitate policies in the medical field are very clear and designed to protect the caregiver as well as meet the wishes of the patient and family. However, healthcare facilities and hospitals may have policies regarding (DNR) that differ from state regulations. It remains the responsibility of the healthcare worker to know the state regulations regarding (DNR). Facilities and hospitals typically have policies that may deviate from state regulations to protect themselves from potential liability. Rarely do these policies extend to protect the healthcare worker.
As nurses advance into more specialized fields of training the pitfalls associated with entry-level nursing decrease. The role of the nurse trained in specialized fields of health care is typically well defined. Although advancements in treatment and medical care are constant, so are the policies and regulations that define the role and job description of advanced degree nurses.
