New Holistic Health Roles for Nurses in Health Reform

The purpose of nursing is to support people in getting and staying wellthrough educating, collaborating with and advocating for the health of thepublic.  This definition covers a variety of roles from health education,consultation and screening (community, workplace) to primary (schools,clinics), secondary (long-term, clinic) and tertiary (institutional)care.  Nearly everyone at some time in their life needs and can be servedwell by consulting a professional nurse.

Registered nurses (RNs) make up the largest health care occupation. There are about 2.6 million nursing jobs (US Dept Labor) in the US and 14.5million worldwide (WHO).

Even though ninety seven percent of the population, who can effectively usenursing expertise, is not in an institution; sixty percent of nurses work intertiary institutional nursing roles. This is why when people think of nurses,they think of hospital care.

Thirty percent of nurses work in areas at the cutting edge of the future ofhealth care.  They are in independent practice, homes, community clinics,schools, work settings, and provide information via the internet or phone.

Health reform is shifting the perspective for overall health care fromillness treatment to health promotion.  Health improvement, promotion andwellness are the primary focus of professional nursing.

The demand for nursing is growing.  Yet, I propose to you that thelargest area of growth or shortage is not in institutionalsettings. There is an increasing public demand for non-medical, holistic healthstrategies that can be appropriately and effectively filled by nurses.

The largest expanding need for nurses is not in hospitals. It is in thecommunity.

Health care trends indicate that the aging population desires more knowledgeon how to stay or become well, continue to live independently and use lessrestrictive or expensive health treatment.  Increasingly people are payingout of pocket for alternative solutions to get and stay healthy.

As the allopathic health care system becomes more diverse, specialized andcostly; people are turning to the internet for knowledgeable guidance tonavigate the myriad of options, treatment approaches and costs.  Theinternet is a poor substitute for quality nursing assessment andguidance.  Some nurses are becoming Nurse Navigators to address thisexpanding need.

The emerging trends foretell an environment that is ripe for experiencednurses, who are willing to shift their old hospital based paradigm towardcreating new caring delivery models for direct service to clients and patientsseeking improved quality of health throughout the life span.

From prenatal care to hospice care, demand for the (he)art and science ofnursing is increasing.  The door of opportunity is wide open for nurses inhealth reform.