Nursing
Since the days of Florence Nightingale, patients in hospitals around the world depended on the care of nurses. These trained professionals assist doctors and specialists in virtually every area of medicine. In addition, nursing allows for a special type of one-on-one contact that doctors can't provide. Nurses provide various services for patients on an hourly basis. This special, intimate contact has prompted a significant change in the field of nursing. In most modern medicinal institutions, as well as practical training programs, nurses are taught provide skillful services, as well as compassion and caring. Patients and doctors, alike, realize the value of the services nurses provide. After Florence Nightingale revolutionized the profession in the 1850's, deaths in hospitals dropped dramatically, from 420 per 1000 to 22 per 1000 (Kurzen 59). Since that time, hospitals and rehabilitation centers have depended on the skills of nurses. Practical nursing programs began to develop in the late 1800's to increase the opportunities of women (62). These institutions soon became vital to the growth and effectiveness of hospitals and health facilities. The demand for nursing services grew so dramatically, national organizations began to fl
ourish to provide supervision and planning for the growing profession (62). "Guidelines for Rehabilitative Nursing" states that the student will "observe relationships/interactions among patient, family and staff members and discuss the effect of these relationships on the patient's rehabilitation" ("Guidelines for Rehabilitative Nursing" 3). It is very important that members of the nursing staff make the last days of terminally ill patients as comfortable as possible. Charts include crucial information about the administration of "meds," and special notes from physicians (Livesay, personal interview). Patient care studies detail treatment and therapies provided by nurses for treatment of various illnesses (Livesay, Care Study). Since nurses are in continual contact with patients, they develop a bond of trust. A patient mentioned in "The Quality of Mercy," looks forward to the company of her nurse, and the familiarity of her voice (Wolkomir 41). Clearly, nursing is a highly skilled profession with huge amounts of responsibility. Vanessa Livesay stated, "I want to make a difference in someone's life, even if its just me. Nurses working with terminally ill patients take compassion to a new level. Recognizing effective modes of patient communication can also help nurses identify blocks to communication. These abilities work together to create and efficient nurse, who not only treats their patients physical well being, but also facilitates a healing of emotional aspects. "Principles of Therapy states, "If [family members] perspective on pain is sought and their participation in therapy is respected, they will be powerful allies" (par. In a pediatric care study, Livesay states that her young patient seems very attached to his mother. An oncology care study states the importance of comfort for ill patients, mentioning positioning and turning, to keep patients in their most comfortable position (Livesay, care study).
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