The role of advanced practice nursing has grown in recent years due to the demand for healthcare professionals. Advanced Practice Nurses are able to see patients and provide treatment without a physician’s approval which saves time, money, and lives when dealing with urgent situations.
You can be a nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, and even nurse anesthetist. No matter what path you choose, you will play a pivotal role in healthcare. It is because the healthcare system is brimming with cases. Despite having all hands on deck, there is always room for more expertise.
APRNs are primary care providers and the first respondents when it comes to preventive care services. When it comes to serving the public, APRNs provide more than just primary healthcare. They also advise the public on health issues which include both education and management of chronic illnesses. If you’re an APRN or considering becoming one, there is so much you can do for the healthcare system. Here’s how these medical providers change the picture of nursing in healthcare:
In This Article
1. They Leverage Physicians By Stepping In
While APRNs are not physicians, they can pick up on primary care. It means when chronically ill and older adults show up for treatment, they can get checked right away. Physicians generally have an immense pile of workload on them. Routine checkup patients are more accessible to tackle than patients with other illnesses. So, training more nurses elevates the healthcare system as physicians can now focus on other tasks. The ultimate goal of any hospital is to care for every patient without patients waiting longer than necessary.
2. They Can Help The Public
Healthcare doesn’t happen in hospitals exclusively. It also happens outside of the walls in public. One of the concerns public health officials have is about public health crises and diseases. APRNs are also involved in public health nursing, where they work on treating and educating the community. These nurses, along with public health officials, can care for patients who can’t access hospitals. They can also teach them disease management and connect them to the nearest clinic if they need extensive treatment. Not only does this help the healthcare system, but it also ensures that people get timely help.
3. They Give Hospitals A Good Reputation
APRNs are as good as their MD counterparts. Their medical staff knows hospitals and the healthcare system. Whether a nurse steps in for a doctor or takes over other duties, patients care about outcomes. That means when they step in to work with patients, they have both knowledge and talent as their guiding force. Not only are they providing quality care, but they are also uplifting a hospital’s reputation. In the healthcare system, reviews are essential. With more APRNs on board, they can revolutionize the entire picture of the healthcare system.
4. They Keep Costs Under Control
One of the leading concerns patients have is the cost of healthcare. Getting checked by a physician can get extremely costly. However, getting treatment from a nurse practitioner is not only cost-effective but delivers the same quality. It encourages people to turn to hospitals for help when necessary. It also encourages more patients to apply to insurance companies. When more patients opt for healthcare, it reflects on the healthcare industry. Neglecting health due to fear of expensive medical treatments is one of the leading causes of burden in the sector. It also helps hospitals budget better since they understand what the cost of keeping an APRN nurse is.
5. Allow Retail Clinics
Retail clinics are small-time clinics that provide care on the same day, unlike typical healthcare services where the patient has to wait for an appointment. These clinics operate through walk-in services. Though they can’t administer invasive care, They also have collaborating doctors they work with so you can get well rounded healthcare. These include checking the blood pressure and giving vaccines. These clinics can operate inside grocery stores, and you may find them in places such as Walmart. Some patients go for this service to get a quick idea and approval of their health. The major operators of such small-time clinics are traveling nurses. These nurses offer their services beyond hospitals for the welfare of the community.
6. They Are Known For Their Incredible Bedside Manner
Bedside manner refers to the way a healthcare provider works with a patient. Some patients need a gentle hand, while others are okay with a faster way of diagnosing. Nurse practitioners are known for their high regard for patients. Not only do these professionals know how to carry a conversation, but they also make patients comfortable.
In some cases, an APRN is the leading medical care provider to the patient. Such as guiding pregnant women through their delivery. It is essential because patients are already highly vulnerable when they come in for treatment. Some conditions may embarrass them, such as any skin condition. Embarrassment may prevent them from disclosing the full extent of their condition. Therefore, it is necessary that they feel comfortable talking more freely.
7. They Can Prevent Emergency Visits
In some states, APRN needs to work with a physician and not independently of them. It makes sense because some patients are used to a level of care which they can’t comprise. However, in case a physician happens to be busy, an APRN can step in for inspection. APRN understands primary health care. It means if the case seems complicated, they can help the patient through apparent signs and symptoms. It prevents manageable symptoms from escalating and warranting an ER trip. Even though ER’s are in place to help patients, they can get highly crowded fast. In addition, ER’s are also one of the hospital’s busiest departments, so it is best to avoid sending more patients there.
8. They Are Important In Team-Based Care
Many medical cases get solved through team-based care. It is because there are many components to caring for a patient. There are different vital signs, administering medication, and keeping a check on the patient overnight. APRNs are part of such teams. They may lead them, guide them and even dictate the course of treatment. APRNs also use team-based settings to mentor and teach other medical providers. So, not only are patients getting quality care, it becomes a learning experience for the medical providers. Teams are not complete without APRNs on board, even if there are physicians and lab technicians. Therefore, hospitals are interested in more APRNs to get more health outcomes and better treatment results.
Wrap Up
APRNs are a crucial part of the healthcare system. If we compare the business of every sector, the healthcare industries are by far the busiest. Therefore, the sector is always on the hunt to find the most talented healthcare providers. APRNs fulfill all these prerequisites. These professionals have skills and knowledge which allow them to stand shoulder by shoulder with physicians. It helps care for more patients in a small time frame. APRNs can also collaborate with the public health sector to advise and educate the public. They are the reason why there are more retail clinics. One of the biggest tasks APRNs perform is to keep medical costs under control.
It encourages patients to get checked, go for an insurance plan, and even prevents overwhelming the ER. Finally, many cases get circulated in a team-based setting. APRNs are crucial to such teams. They help mentor and lead groups to help medical providers get positive health outcomes that benefit the sector.
