Hospitals and other healthcare facilities have been changing rapidly. Nursing faculty members and graduate students are beginning to evolve as professionals. As a result, the roles of nurses are evolving at an alarming pace.
New and emerging nursing professionals are highly trained individuals who have completed their nursing degrees or training. They have spent many years accumulating valuable knowledge about nursing and its role in healthcare delivery. These nursing professionals serve as clinical leaders or advisors for other healthcare practitioners with whom they discuss new ideas. They also help to develop care strategies while building a solid foundation for future careers in healthcare administration or nursing education.
It’s only some rainbows and sunshine for these healthcare professionals, though, as some struggle to find employment and is prepared to accept small pay or increased duties despite their difficulties. Hospitals must discover new solutions to accommodate workers while maintaining a high level of professionalism.
Changing global dynamics
It is now the perfect moment to start a new career in nursing because the acute nursing shortage is expected to worsen until 2030. To become a nurse, those who already hold a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field can enrol in an Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) or Master of Science in Nursing (MSN). It is up to you to decide which is the best for you, ABSN vs MSN, as per your ambitions and career outlook. Hospitals are beginning to understand the need for more nurses in an increasingly demanding nursing sector. Nurses’ roles are evolving, and their challenges are greater than ever.
There is an increasing need for nurses with bachelor’s degrees or higher for high-level leadership positions. These degrees of education give nurses the clinical training and knowledge they need to cope with problems in the healthcare sector, such as reducing the demand for and filling the physician shortage.
The transition of nursing roles
It used to be that nurses were just attendants. Even though they had a critical role, the culture at that time did not allow them to be more than they were. That changed in the early 1900s with the rise of modern medicine and healthcare delivery methods. Today, nurses have various roles – from clinical staff to administrative staff – and these roles have become more complex over time. As healthcare quality improves, these roles become more specialised and varied. The roles of nurses have also evolved to accommodate changing needs and demands. Today, nurse specialists can provide quality care at a lower cost than generalist nurses who operate under similar circumstances.
Current roles of nurses
The roles of nurses are evolving. In the past, nurses were solely responsible for caring for patients. However, with the rise of technology and a growing number of healthcare professionals, nurses are now working in various roles.
One of the most important roles nurses play is that of a family physician. This role requires much more training than other roles because it involves caring for people with health problems. Another important role is that of an emergency room nurse. This role involves caring for patients experiencing medical emergencies such as an attack or illness. Then, there is the role of a healthcare assistant. This role involves helping patients with simple tasks such as picking up their bags or carrying them to their bedsides.
The jobs market in the online world
The job market for nurses in the digital age is very promising. The number of job opportunities has increased exponentially in the last few years, and tens of thousands of opportunities are now available.
Modern types of nurses
The following are some of the more popular types of nursing jobs:
- Partner health nanny. This is a hybrid position, where the nanny is also a partner in a household that includes other healthcare providers. The partner health nanny can help with child care, household management, and medical monitoring. In some states, the nanny must be the child’s primary caretaker.
- Health operations manager. This is a hybrid position where the health manager is also a partner in the household. The health operations manager is responsible for managing the health and well-being of the household while managing expenses related to health insurance, medical coverage, and child care.
- Mid-career senior care nanny. This is a senior care position, which means the nanny is expected to work for a large insurance company. While some jobs require a health management degree, many do not.
- Leadership roles. Nurses can oversee and supervise medical practices, write prescriptions, and sit on hospital executive committees. A noteworthy instance of nurses leading as they have never led before to overcome great hurdles is the Covid pandemic.
Expanding roles after Covid
In the community, nurses have always been extremely important. However, after the Covid pandemic, the value of nurses to the community has increased many-fold. Nurses took on duties they probably never would have imagined as infection rates spiked and health systems worldwide threatened to break down under the strain of Covid. Nurses have developed creative solutions and taken on new duties and responsibilities with their medical partners and other care colleagues throughout the pandemic.
The demand for nursing professionals and future outlook
While there is a demand for more nursing jobs online, the more difficult and specialised the job, the greater the demand. An example of this can be found in physical and occupational therapy and speech pathology, where there is insufficient demand for these positions in the current market. The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC – UK) recently approved adopting a strategic workforce plan to address this imbalance. This plan is designed to increase the number of available jobs while maintaining the quality of service in health care delivery.
Takeaway
Nursing is challenging, and many challenges come with being a nurse. The challenges range from the mundane to the more difficult. As healthcare professionals evolve, they must adapt to new situations and work methods. It is the only way they can continue providing quality patient care.
Simona LeVey did her degree in psychology at Tel Aviv University. She is interested in mental health, wellness, and lifestyle.
