Our Role As Nurses
Nurses: Restoring Balance and Supporting Patient Independence
Every human being is amazing. If everyone were to take a moment to reflect on how the body system’s symbiotic relationship works, they would say it is quite miraculous. The body is inherently homeostatic, continually adjusting to maintain internal stability and striving to support a level of health essential for survival. Compensatory mechanisms, such as the respiratory and metabolic processes that regulate pH, along with the kidneys' role in filtering waste products and managing blood pressure, represent just a small fraction of the body’s remarkable homeostatic capabilities. There are instances, however, where these processes are interrupted, changed, or damaged, creating an imbalance that now requires the assistance of healthcare.
This health imbalance places the individual in a vulnerable state, requiring them to take on the role of a patient for an indefinite period. They may find themselves unable to continue fulfilling their roles as family providers, employees, or parents. A nurse's knowledge of physiology, disease processes, pharmacology, and proficiency in holistic care is vital in guiding patients back to their natural state of health and well-being. The nurse’s role is to assist the individual in returning to a level of functioning that enables them to resume their previous roles and responsibilities.
Everyone’s circumstances are unique, and individuals may not have the resources or capacity to sustain their health. A nurse can help them with this. Nurses deliver both direct and indirect care, encompassing a wide range of responsibilities. They assess and monitor patients' conditions, administer medications, therapies, and treatments, educate and advocate for patients, facilitate informed consent, assist in accessing necessary resources, and provide comfort and emotional support—going above and beyond in countless ways. Their knowledge of social and biological health determinants allows them to guide treatments, connect patients with essential resources, and empower individuals to take control of their own health. Through this empowerment, nurses help guide patients toward a self-determined path, while alleviating suffering and fostering their ability to reach their full potential.
Health, however, is a deeply personal concept, often defined differently by each person. For instance, my two grandmothers had very distinct perceptions of health. At 86, one grandmother, who had led an active life, considered climbing a ladder to dust the top of her cabinet the pinnacle of health. In contrast, my other grandmother, at 62 and living with COPD, measured health success by her ability to go grocery shopping without needing to sit down. Similarly, each patient defines their own optimal level of health and determines how it aligns with their concept of quality of life.
When assessing a patient, the nurse considers all aspects of the patient's environment that may impact their well-being. This includes factors such as family support systems, financial stability, cultural influences, geographical location, workplace conditions, and access to essential healthcare resources along their health journey. Recognizing that these factors significantly impact a patient’s recovery, a nurse’s role often extends beyond the individual to include their family, community, and broader social network. By educating and integrating this support system, nurses not only enhance the care provided to the patient but also positively influence the larger population affected by the individual’s illness.
Being aware of verbal and non-verbal cues provides the nurse with essential insights to support the patient and serve as a foundation for developing a rapport and eventually an effective plan of care. For example, a mastectomy patient might prefer connecting with other survivors before discussing the surgery with her family. Respecting her wishes, the nurse could arrange a “survivor visit” and suggest she share her feelings with her family when she’s ready. While the nurse might personally believe that addressing the issue sooner could support the grieving process, the patient’s wishes must always take priority. Non-verbal behaviors, like the desire to have the room darkened, staying under blankets despite warmth, or avoiding contact, can be as crucial as verbal cues in understanding their needs, or level of security. Each patient is unique, and the care provided should align with the patient’s expressed wishes rather than the nurse’s personal perspective.
Our professionalism as nurses is reliant on these factors:
Applying knowledge gleaned from academic learning, clinical experience, and life’s lessons
Maintaining our physical and mental health to ensure patient care is never compromised
Set aside personal biases to deliver impartial, patient-centered care
Remain current on advancements in healthcare to enhance the quality of care provided
Uphold nursing ethics and maintain personal integrity with every interaction
Respect patient autonomy, act as their advocate, and ensure their dignity is preserved
Are we as nurses helping to create an environment where our patients are comfortable asking questions and taking charge of their health? Are we helping to foster their autonomy? Are we guiding our patients through the complicated and advancing health care environment that can be overwhelming to them? Are we helping to restore them to a state of well-being and a level of independence they are comfortable with? These are the vital questions we, as nurses, reflect on daily throughout our careers. From my observation, the answer is a resounding yes—we are rising to the challenge.