By: Gia Solanki
Edited by:Maya Adam
Oftentimes, people underestimate the job of a nurse. The job of a doctor is just to diagnose and treat illnesses and injuries while a nurse is responsible for the before and after care of a patient which is crucial in the healing process of a human. We instill in ourselves the idea that doctors are gurus and while that is not wrong, the one who takes care of us before and after the nature of an illness or injury is the true guru. The Covid pandemic further accentuates their ability to show perseverance despite tough times and highlights their diligence and tenacity. The Covid pandemic is one of the reasons why nurses are considered “angels.” Many nurses during the Covid pandemic, risked their lives to put their patients first. Some of these nurses had families and kids, yet they risked their health to help the millions of dying patients survive. It was the nurses who were gurus during such a tough time in our country. Not the doctors, who were often seen isolated in the comfort of their own homes, happy with their families and away from the monstrous enemy outside that had been killing an army of people. “Nurses serve on the front lines of care. While physicians and other care team members also check on patients, nurses monitor their condition day in and day out” (Mercer University). The job of a nurse is not only to care for a patient but also to identify crucial symptoms the patient may be experiencing that will help in the diagnosing process. They help translate medical jargon into simpler terms so patients understand their conditions. Nurses also create a comforting atmosphere for the patient in an appalling place and help patients and families overcome the emotional and physical toll of illnesses.
Nurses have advanced the profession with their organizational skills, academic proficiency, and efficiency in attuning to the needs of patients. Nurses find solitary interest in making our community and the lives of other people better. They fight against all odds to provide us with care. This is just one of the many reasons nurses are in the spotlight of healthcare.
Access to quality healthcare starts with nurses. “The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) defines quality health care “as doing the right thing for the right patient, at the right time, in the right way to achieve the best possible results” (Sofaer and Hibbard, 2010). Nurses deliver high-quality care by providing care that is safe, effective, person-centered, timely, efficient, and equitable (IOM, 2001)” (NIH). Nurses use their expertise to provide individuals and communities with high-quality healthcare and wellness. Their role in healthcare also helps them build strong relationships and connections with their patients which is indispensable for effective treatment and correlates to better patient outcomes. Nurses also provide advocacy in helping patients articulate their struggles and understand their treatment plans so they can make informed decisions about their health. “Not to mention, nurses are also key intermediaries between patients and other medical professionals, serving as advocates and educators for patients in need. These factors make nursing one of the most vital and respected professions” (Goodwin University).
All in all, nurses are the backbone of healthcare. They provide everything from an overview of treatment plans to a nurturing environment for patients who might be under emotional stress. They are everything to a patient, risking their lives every day for the general welfare of us humans. We should applaud them for their hard work and dedication because they are truly a ray of hope and light for our society and for us.
Works Cited
Flaubert, Jennifer. The Role of Nurses in Improving Health Care Access and Quality. Www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov, National Academies Press (US), 2021,
Mercer University. “Why the Role of Nurses Is Important in Healthcare .” Mercer University ABSN, 8 Nov. 2021,
absn.mercer.edu/blog/why-the-role-of-nurses-is-important-in-healthcare/. University, Goodwin. “What Is the Importance of Nursing Today?” Goodwin University, 27 Nov. 2023, www.goodwin.edu/enews/importance-of-nursing/.
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