Introduction and Problem of Practice
Nurses have experienced numerous challenges in the profession for a long time that one would imagine. An example of these problems includes matters about their job safety and hazards. Nurses are at risk at their workplaces not just inform of sharps but also slippery floors. Besides, they suffer from burnout after doing a lot of work in patient management. Other forms of hazards arise from the behavior patients, members of the care team and even administrators who may think that the nurse is not doing enough in performing their tasks (Lowe, Plummer, O’Brien & Boyd, 2012). There have been reports all over the media of nurses being getting infections all in the name of taking care of patients.
It is worrying to note that nurses in the 21st century still have to go through the same problems that Florence Nightingale addressed. Despite nursing being a profession just like any other, with a recognized organization and strictly adheres to the principles of ethics. There is a broad range of documented literature on reasons why nurses are overlooked in health care; despite making significant milestones in as far as nursing education is concerned. The advancements have seen nurses study up to the highest level, something that would never have been imagined in the past (Yoder-Wise, 2014).
Within the healthcare system, nurses spend more time than any other practitioners, yet they are viewed as minors. Their problems stem from the fact that they have been made to follow instructions from medical doctors. In a hospital setup, the doctor should be consulted on every aspect of patient care. The problem is made worse in developing countries where nurses have made themselves inferior to doctors. Perhaps the society has made them believe that they cannot single-handedly make decisions on best practices. Patients too highly revere doctors than nurses despite the fact that spend more time with them (Burkhardt & Nathaniel, 2013). The result is a demoralized nurse who can never contemplate a change in her practice.
Initially, one did not have to attend school to nurse a patient. Nursing was viewed as an art that one could just acquire by watching someone else perform. The experience was more valued in nursing practice than anything else. Nurses in first world countries have a different story when compared to those in other regions. Their practice is quite advanced concerning professionalism and societal perceptions (Parahoo, 2014). The kind of health risks exposed by nurses here is fewer as compared to those working in other countries. In fact, health facilities have come up with policies that protect their nurses. The artistry compensation plan has made them protect them at all costs. Whoever is found risking their lives in managing a patient may be suspended or terminated from work.
The above-outlined factors have significantly crippled the practice of a nurse. Everyone is more interested in how a patient is progressing, and not the risks that the nurse puts themselves into to ensure good patient outcomes. Those who advocate for patient rights are more than willing to sue the nurse for malpractice, forgetting the harsh conditions nurses go through (Grove, Burns & Gray, 2012). Unless the proper policy is initiated, nurses are going to suffer for their entire lives. The terrible conditions only work to the detriment of a whole country since young people will not be interested in putting their lives at stake. They would rather study a different course at college that pursue a nursing career which means harm to them.
References
Burkhardt, M. A., & Nathaniel, A. (2013). Ethics and issues in contemporary nursing. Cengage Learning.
Grove, S. K., Burns, N., & Gray, J. (2012). The practice of nursing research: Appraisal, synthesis, and generation of evidence. Elsevier Health Sciences.
Lowe, G., Plummer, V., O’Brien, A. P., & Boyd, L. (2012). Time to clarify–the value of advanced practice nursing roles in health care. Journal of advanced nursing, 68(3), 677-685.
Parahoo, K. (2014). Nursing research: principles, process and issues. Palgrave Macmillan.
Yoder-Wise, P. S. (2014). Leading and managing in nursing. Elsevier Health Sciences.
