Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Why Having a Nurse on Your Team Can Save Your Life

Nurses have forever been the unsung heroes of the medical world. They work tirelessly to provide consistent and compassionate care during our time of need. Unless you spend time in a hospital your contact with a nurse may be minimal, but having a nurse in your corner can make a huge difference on your journey to wellness.

What we know from experience and research is that doctors and nurses speak differently to patients. Doctor's have been trained to ask questions, give results and prepare treatment plans. Nurses have been trained to be health educators. They are exceptional at translating the medical information into language that you, the patient, can understand. When you understand the information you are more inclined to feel included as a participant in your healthcare and more likely to be compliant with treatment.

Managed care has changed how we interact with doctors. The days of long appointments are over. Doctors are often mandated to see a certain number of patients per day leaving each of us with about eight minutes of their time, a bit longer for specialists. However, the nurse, although very busy, has more time to answer questions and is a true ally. The role of the nurse is constantly transforming and they are becoming much more proactive in their interactions with patients instilling confidence that you, the patient, can get through the health challenge.

One of the roles most nurses have assumed is that of educator. The nurse will provide information on medications, correct usage of medical treatments such as self-injection or use of blood sugar meters. Their goal is to make sure that you understand not only the operational aspects of your treatments, but the implications for adhering to the treatment protocol. The nurse will emphasize in a nonjudgmental, supportive manner, the importance of treatment compliance. They will share with you the complications that can happen when you don't adhere to the treatment regimen. Their goal isn't to scare you, but to emphasize that continuity of care is crucial to your level of wellness.

One of the other important roles of the nurse as your ally is their access to the doctor. As with any relationship, when you're a known entity the nurse can direct your questions and concerns to the best possible provider. They have the doctor's ear and that's worth a lot. It provides another safety net in your treatment plan. Their goal is to serve as a catalyst for care. Their triage skills impact your care, that's why it's important that they know you. Don't be anonymous at the doctor's office or in the hospital.

Creating relationships with nurses can be beneficial to your wellness. They are plugged in to all aspects of your care and can access the resources you need to adhere to treatment plans or to signal an alert to the medical provider if there is a crisis. Often the skills or the role the nurse plays is understated or misunderstood and yet they are the bridge to all your medical care. It's the nurse who can expedite orders, interact with durable medical equipment companies or provide a reassuring voice on the phone when you have concerns. The next time you go to the doctor, make it a point to introduce yourself to the nurse and follow it up with a note. You want to always be in their consciousness, that's how relationships develop.

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