The theoretical basis in the nursing profession allows a large amount of information to be gathered and structured. The principles of nursing care are based on the formation of algorithms that contribute to a speedy recovery. Theoretical courses in psychology, basics of nursing, disease-specific and age-specific course information are reinforced with practical skills. The nurse’s professional abilities become central to her work as they are supported by theoretical knowledge. This plan promotes the accumulation of professional experience, which is then implemented in the work setting.
Professional nursing is based on providing highly qualified medical care to people with a focus on medical comfort and psychological and social support to people. It is worth noting that the professional nursing profession has evolved as a necessity, first and foremost, to understand sick people and to express empathy. Empathy is one of the essential rules when providing medical care (Health Workforce UHL, 2020). The theoretical fundamentals of nursing, coupled with practical skills and abilities, must be accompanied by a conscious approach to the profession. Psychological support makes it possible to increase the chance of a complete recovery and improve the person’s condition as quickly as possible.
In professional settings, situations often arise that require problem-solving outside of algorithms or traditional settings. In such a case, the nurse assumes responsibility for solving the issues. Developing the ability to solve emergency problems allows the nurse to adapt quickly. The nurse’s research skills help conduct statistical analysis of the situation, providing data for the health care system. For example, researching case frequency, improving psychological support principles, etc.
The nurse encounters a variety of populations that may be socially disadvantaged based on any characteristics. For the nurse, there should be no division of people into groups based on any attribute. The nurse-patient relationship is one of support and understanding, so there should be no discrimination by the nurse. The nurse respects the socio-cultural characteristics of the individual and approaches them with complete information. Courtesy and supportiveness should accompany the nurse at work for complete contact with the patient.
Holistic care in a health care setting consists of five basic steps in the nursing process. It includes the assessment of the patient’s condition, their needs and impaired needs, the formulation of an action plan and its implementation, and the evaluation of the result. With this approach, the nurse provides complete care to the patient (Health Workforce UHL, 2020). Comprehensive care is based on meeting all needs. For this purpose, the nurse and physician develop algorithms and plans of care.
The nurse accompanies the patient to the hospital. She is provided with complete information about the person; hence her observations are useful for other health workers. For example, joint work with a pharmacist will allow monitoring changes in the patient when taking medications; consultation with the respiratory therapy department allows evaluating the effectiveness of baseline treatment. The interprofessional collaboration will improve the quality of care.
Situation in which coordination of the medical team is necessary: patient’s respiratory function is impaired. In this case, the nurse calls the doctor, engages additional medical staff to perform manipulations (oxygen supply). In addition, she notes all changes in health indicators. The nurse is aware of the responsibility for the staff, whose actions may have led to the loss of breathing. She also assigns herself an understanding when performing manipulation to change the situation.
Emergencies occur under a variety of circumstances. Some of them require the intervention of outside specialists: for example, the detection of an infectious transfusion disease in a patient. In this case, the nurse consults with the transfusiologist and infectious disease specialist and clarifies the specifics of the work. In addition, the nurse proposes plans and algorithms to reduce the risk of transmitting the disease to herself or her staff. She is also responsible for providing all data to outside physicians.
Reference
Health Workforce UHL. State of the World’s Nursing 2020: investing in education, jobs and leadership. Geneva: World Health Organization.