As we celebrate
In healthcare facilities across the nation, nurses stand as pillars of strength, compassion, and expertise. They have critical roles in patient care. Nurses will likely triage you when you arrive in the emergency room, and they’re likely to be the first face you see when you’re waking up from surgery.
Nurses bring a unique blend of technical skills, experience-based knowledge, and exceptional empathy to patient care. Their hands-on approach to patient care creates an environment that allows patients to feel understood, supported, and cared for.
Nurses are the first line of defense in patient care
Nurses truly work on the frontline of patient care. They spend the most time interacting with patients directly, with one study reporting that nurses spend almost double the amount of their time with patients compared to physicians.
They’ll interact with the patient first, and in many healthcare settings, they’ll also be the last ones to interact with the patient before discharge. They are often highly tuned into what their patients need, leveraging both their education and years of experience to their advantage.
They truly deliver hands-on care for each patient, and can set the tone for their entire experience.
Nurses advocate for and educate patients
Since nurses spend the most time with patients, it makes sense that they can develop a strong understanding of a patient’s needs and concerns. This allows nurses to both educate and advocate for their patients.
A nurse in an assisted living community, for example, may have an established relationship with a resident. A new pain medication is prescribed, and though the dosage is within normal limits, the nurse realizes that the patient has some increased confusion or drowsiness— even if the resident doesn’t notice themselves.
They can talk to the doctor to recommend a lower dosage or another medication. They can also explain why they’re concerned to the patient, and recommend precautions they should take in the meantime to keep them safe. This can help both the patient, and the doctor make an informed, educated decision.
Many nurses take this part of their jobs seriously, working hard to help each patient achieve the best outcome possible. It’s no surprise, therefore, that nurses are frequently ranked as one of the most trusted professions across the board.
Nurses improve patient outcomes
Nurses capture essential patient information, take vitals, and are often the first to notice when something isn’t quite right— whether there’s a concerning symptom that needs urgent attention or even a medical error that could negatively impact a patient’s safety.
A nurse’s initial education is essential, but the experience they gain working directly with patients can be invaluable. Many nurses in acute care settings will have strong intuition about their patients’ conditions, even before vitals may indicate something is wrong. As a result, some healthcare organizations have developed systems to account for nurses’ concern for their patients.
It’s also important to note that medical errors are responsible for over an estimated 200,000 deaths annually. This may include prescriptions of the wrong type of dosage of medication, or overlooked critical symptoms that could influence a diagnosis.
Unsurprisingly, physicians often take nurse input seriously when it comes to patient care. It’s also not surprising that nurses are often involved when organizations are developing safety protocols or practices.
Since nurses are so essential to patient safety and care, it’s no surprise that well-staffed hospitals experience lower mortality rates and shorter patient lengths of stay.
Thanks to all nurses
Their unwavering commitment, clinical expertise, and compassionate care transform healthcare experiences for countless patients every day. We know that the job isn’t always easy—requiring long hours, ongoing education, and both physical and emotional work— but that it is always meaningful.
To every nurse reading this: Thank you for your dedication, resilience, and the profound difference you make in the lives of your patients. Your work matters immeasurably, and we’re all grateful!
