The Medical Profession Presents An Exciting Yet Challenging

The medical profession presents an exciting yet challenging experience for clinicians, nurses, and physicians due to complex emerging diseases that require comprehensive redress

The medical profession offers both excitement and challenge for healthcare providers such as clinicians, nurses, and physicians. The complexity of emerging diseases demands continuous adaptation and innovative approaches to patient care. Staying abreast of new insights and evidence-based practices is crucial to enhance the quality and safety of care. Nurses, in particular, are called to develop and implement inventive strategies that address both traditional and novel health challenges while contributing to systemic improvements. According to LoBiondo-Wood and Haber (2018), integrating evidence-based research and understanding environmental, behavioral, and biological factors into patient care can significantly improve outcomes.

Research plays a vital role in advancing the nursing profession by providing informed recommendations for clinical practice. For instance, the global COVID-19 pandemic profoundly disrupted healthcare delivery in 2020, revealing systemic vulnerabilities and social disparities. Kennedy (2021) highlights that over 275,000 Americans succumbed to COVID-19, most of whom could have been saved with proper planning. The pandemic underscored the persistent inequities, notably racial disparities such as higher maternal mortality among women of color and disproportionate death rates in minority communities. These realities demand a critical response from healthcare professionals, especially nurses, to advocate for social justice and equitable care.

Nurses have an ethical responsibility to confront racism and discrimination within healthcare settings. As a nurse working in a Medical-Surgical unit, I believe adopting recommended strategies, such as those proposed by Kennedy (2021), is essential to promote hospital initiatives aimed at equitable treatment for all patients. Recognizing health as a fundamental human right, nurses should ensure that their care delivery is unbiased and inclusive, regardless of race, ethnicity, or background. The COVID-19 crisis prompted healthcare systems to develop unique measures to contain the virus, such as the 'warm zone model' implemented at an academic medical center in Atlanta, which conserved PPE, enhanced team coordination, and minimized infection risks (Omess et al., 2021).

Involving patients in decision-making about their treatment enhances the quality of care. Kelly et al. (2021) discuss the importance of clear communication regarding Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) orders, which often carry misunderstandings affecting patient care and decision-making. The American Nurses Association (ANA) emphasizes the need for nurses to honor and accurately interpret DNR directives, particularly for vulnerable populations like the elderly. As a practicing nurse, I plan to adopt a multidisciplinary approach that respects patient and family wishes, emphasizes transparency, and clarifies treatment goals. Implementing such practices can improve patient satisfaction and safety while reducing errors.

Research in nursing is crucial for developing practical solutions tailored to emerging healthcare challenges. It provides evidence to support interventions such as COVID-19 protocols, mental health support, and spiritual care. For example, Galehdar et al. (2020) identify the mental health needs of COVID-19 patients, noting that social isolation often leads to depression and non-compliance with treatment. To address this, nurses can facilitate virtual communication with families via devices like IPADs, especially important for geriatric patients who may lack technological proficiency. Additionally, I intend to promote spiritual support options, such as chaplain visits, and distribute information about support groups to aid patients' emotional recovery and mitigate stigma associated with COVID-19 (CHEN et al., 2020).

Understanding the values that underpin nursing practice is essential for ethical, culturally competent care. Personal and professional values influence how nurses react to ethical dilemmas and patient interactions. As Chitty (2018) describes, culture, education, and experience shape these values, which are fundamental in guiding moral decision-making. Nurses must reflect on their beliefs and ensure alignment with professional standards, fostering a humanistic approach centered on compassion and respect. Ethical values not only shape individual clinician behavior but also influence organizational culture and promote better healthcare outcomes.

Maintaining a clear boundary between personal and professional ethics is critical. A significant concern is that personal beliefs may inadvertently influence clinical judgment, potentially compromising patient care. According to Robert (2020), nearly 60% of nurses are impacted by professional ethics, which serve as a safeguard against personal bias. Trade unions and professional organizations, such as the American Nurses Association (ANA), provide platforms for nurses to engage in policy advocacy and ethical discourse. Participation in workshops and seminars helps nurses develop a broader understanding of their rights and responsibilities, empowering them to advocate for policies that enhance patient safety and uphold ethical standards (Catallo et al., 2014).

Social media has become a prominent arena for professional engagement; however, it also presents ethical challenges. Many young practitioners share research and clinical insights online, risking breach of confidentiality and unverified information spread. Nurses need to navigate these platforms responsibly, adhering to professional codes of conduct while leveraging social media to advocate for health policy changes and public health education (Wolbring et al., 2012). Active involvement in professional bodies aids nurses in clarifying their role as advocates and policy influencers, ensuring that their contributions align with ethical guidelines and promote systemic improvements (Dickens, 2019).

Paper For Above instruction

The healthcare landscape, especially in recent years, has been marked by unprecedented challenges and rapid evolution. The emergence of complex diseases like COVID-19 has underscored the necessity for healthcare professionals, notably nurses and physicians, to adapt swiftly and innovate in their practices. This adaptation is vital not only for managing physical health but also for addressing psychological and social aspects, emphasizing holistic patient care. According to LoBiondo-Wood and Haber (2018), integrating evidence-based research into clinical practices enhances care quality, safety, and outcomes, especially amid emerging health crises.

The COVID-19 pandemic revealed stark health disparities, exposing systemic inequities rooted in race, socioeconomic status, and access to healthcare. Kennedy (2021) highlights that many COVID-19 deaths were preventable and that social inequalities must be confronted head-on. Nurses are strategically positioned to advocate for social justice within healthcare systems. This role involves addressing racial disparities, ensuring equitable treatment, and combating implicit biases (Abohelwa et al., 2021). Nurses can influence policy, educate communities, and implement culturally competent practices, thus advancing health equity and reducing disparities among vulnerable populations.

Implementing evidence-based strategies, such as the 'warm zone model' utilized during the pandemic, has proven effective in resource conservation and staff safety. Omess et al. (2021) describe how this model facilitated PPE sharing and workflow efficiency, setting a precedent for future crisis management. Nurses and hospital administrators should consider replicating such models to improve safety, teamwork, and resource utilization. Moreover, engaging patients in their care decisions, including end-of-life directives like DNR orders, is essential. Kelly et al. (2021) emphasize that clear communication, respect for patient autonomy, and multidisciplinary approaches can improve decision-making and care quality.

The mental health consequences of COVID-19, including anxiety, depression, and social isolation, necessitate comprehensive nursing responses. Galehdar et al. (2020) highlight the importance of addressing patients’ psychological needs, especially for those isolated from familial contact. Technologies like video conferencing can mitigate feelings of loneliness among patients, particularly the elderly who are less adept with technology. Additionally, integrating spiritual support services, such as chaplain visits, can fulfill patients' spiritual needs and promote holistic healing (CHEN et al., 2020). Providing support groups also offers survivors a platform for social interaction, coping, and reducing stigma associated with COVID-19.

Values form the foundation of ethical nursing practice. Personal, cultural, and professional values influence nurses’ responses to ethical dilemmas and patient care decisions (Chitty, 2018). Critical self-reflection enables nurses to recognize their biases and align their actions with ethical standards, fostering trust and respect in patient relationships. Upholding humanistic values such as compassion, respect, and justice is essential, particularly in diverse societies confronting health disparities. Nurses must continually improve their understanding of ethics through ongoing education and ethical training, ensuring that their practice remains patient-centered and morally sound.

Distinguishing personal ethics from professional obligations is vital to maintaining integrity and accountability in nursing. Trade unions and professional organizations offer platforms for policy advocacy, ethical discourse, and professional development. Participation in such bodies enables nurses to influence healthcare policies, advocate for better working conditions, and reinforce professional standards. For example, involvement in policy advocacy related to social media usage, research dissemination, and clinical practices ensures that nurses meet their ethical responsibilities while fulfilling personal beliefs responsibly (Wolbring et al., 2012; Dickens, 2019).

In conclusion, the nursing profession faces ongoing challenges, from emerging diseases to ethical dilemmas and systemic disparities. Embracing evidence-based practices, advocating for social justice, ensuring comprehensive patient care, and upholding ethical principles are essential for delivering high-quality healthcare. Nurses play a critical role not only at the bedside but also as policymakers and advocates, shaping the future of healthcare systems with competence, compassion, and moral integrity.

References

• Abohelwa, H., et al. (2021). Addressing health disparities during the COVID-19 pandemic. Journal of Healthcare Inequities, 7(2), 45-58.
• Chitty, K. K. (2018). Fundamentals of Nursing: Human Health and Function. Elsevier.
• Cook, D. A., et al. (2022). Evidence-based practice in nursing: Principles and implementation. Journal of Nursing Scholarship, 54(3), 245–253.
• Dickens, B. (2019). The role of professional nursing organizations in policy advocacy. Nursing Outlook, 67(1), 34-39.
• Galehdar, H., et al. (2020). Exploring nurses’ perceptions about the care needs of patients with COVID-19: A qualitative study. Journal of Clinical Nursing, 29(21-22), 3983-3990.
• Kennedy, P. (2021). The social inequities of COVID-19. The Commonwealth Fund.
• LoBiondo-Wood, G., & Haber, J. (2018). Nursing Research: Methods and Critical Appraisal for Evidence-Based Practice. Elsevier.
• Omess, L. et al. (2021). Implementing the warm zone model during COVID-19: A quality improvement effort. Journal of Healthcare Quality, 43(3), 123-130.
• Wolbring, T., et al. (2012). Social media use among health professionals: Ethical considerations. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 14(4), e80.
• Chen, L., et al. (2020). Meeting spiritual needs of COVID-19 patients. Journal of Religion and Health, 59, 1502-1510.