Due to the rapidly increasing need among the young and old, the healthcare landscape has significantly evolved over the last few years. This growing demand has led to a shortage of specialized nurses in the industry.
This is where Advanced Practice Nurses (APNs) come in.
As a vital contributor in today’s demanding healthcare industry, APNs have been responsible for addressing the shortage problem. The dynamic role and expertise in both general and specialized care have really helped close gaps in the healthcare industry. So much so that according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics[SAL1] , this profession is expected to increase by 45% in employment.
So, what makes advanced practice nurses so important? Let’s find out.
APNs: Leading from the Front
Advanced practice nurses do much more than take care of a patient’s general well-being. From the general challenges of creating customized healthcare plans and policies to delivering successful patient care, they tackle everything.
APN nurses work closely with general physicians and other medical specialists, meaning they have a firm grasp of many things that people usually expect from a doctor.
Because of the healthcare demands in urban and rural settings, APNs have become the primary patient carers. These nurses specialize in their role, which means they can give the same treatment as general physicians and manage the condition of their patients. This means that even if there’s no doctor in your region, an experienced advanced practice nurse can step in and meet the patient’s expectations.
If your goal is to head on a nurse practitioner career path, you have a growth trajectory ahead of you with lots of leadership opportunities. Because there will be moments when you will be required to care for patients on your own without any doctor.
Dealing With Shortages in Healthcare
The world is experiencing a shortage of healthcare professionals. This may be because of a rising population density of the elderly or because various diseases have risen among children. Either way, it is a cause of serious concern. The shortage of professional practicing nurses has increased to an extent that, according to the American Health Association, there will be a severe shortage of registered nurses by 2028. For this reason, the demand for APNs has increased severalfold.
Managing Complex Patient Needs
We know that healthcare is improving and evolving. However, at the same, there is a high rate of increasing cases of chronic diseases, which include hypertension, obesity as well as diabetes. These patients are very demanding and need supervision and support to continue their treatment.
In this case, APNs assist patients who have long-term diseases. They can handle the case comfortably because of their comprehensive approach to treatment. In addition to monitoring patients, APNs explain the patient’s condition and what they can do to get better.
Cost Effective Treatment
Compared to general physicians, the treatment an APN provides is relatively cost-effective. This makes it easier for the patients to just come over for a session and get their desired healthcare service.
Besides, they can also contribute to developing tailored care plans for patients with chronic health conditions, which means less possibility of consuming unnecessary, expensive surgical treatments. To further reduce costs, most nurses use online or telephonic platforms to communicate with their patients.
Promote Preventative Care
Advanced practice nurses are firm on the concept: “Better safe than sorry.” Since it’s kind of normal for them to deal with challenging patients with advanced healthcare needs, APNs focus on educating their patients about the challenges they may face if they don’t take care of their health.
For example, obese patients are guided by APNs on good diet plans and the benefits of exercise. The patient can save himself from the tormenting side effects of obesity, like arthritis, diabetes, high blood pressure, and other cardiac problems.
APNs are helping to bring recovery and lifelong progress in their patient’s health by addressing the root cause of their concern.
Innovating the Nursing Profession
Since healthcare will continue to evolve and develop, advanced practice nurses remain at the forefront to ensure that a patient’s needs are being met. They are involved in different research programs to make healthcare easy and accessible in all corners of the world.
Innovation in technology has made the field of medicine very efficient and effective. But is that it, or do we still have a long way to go? Well, we have a long way to go in further integrating technology into nursing. Nurses learn about the latest technological innovations in the field of medicine and potential innovations that can change the nursing profession once and for all.
Educating and Mentoring Junior Resources
Advanced practice nurses are senior resources, which means they are responsible for preparing the newbies in the field. Young and aspiring APNs learn from the knowledge and experience of professionals who’ve been around for long, creating a positive learning environment.
By providing young resources with the right mentorship, it becomes much easier for them to understand their profession and overcome its challenges. Plus, they feel motivated with all the support from their seniors. APNs also guide them through general things that normally are not talked about, such as having a better work-life balance, pursuing advanced studies, and managing education during clinical experience.
Advocating Healthcare Rights
It’s a given that the medical professionals on the frontlines with patients all day know the importance of affordable and accessible healthcare. APNs call for affordable healthcare that anyone has access to.
They use different virtual and non-virtual platforms to raise their voice and advocate for better policies throughout the globe. Not only do they attend seminars and conferences where they speak about their views on global medical issues, but what can be done to improve the way of life for society as a whole?
APNs can also make an effort to make their community better by organizing seminars and workshops for parents and kids to make a progressive and healthy future for themselves.
APNs hold considerable significance in filling the current gaps in our healthcare system. They help with many medical problems and are involved with multiple departments as general caregivers for the patients. APNs have the potential to change the industry trends and maintain an all-inclusive approach towards patient welfare.
They should also mentor their junior colleagues and guide them in this rigorous and lucrative career field. It is feasible to make a difference in the industry since APNs are now speaking up for equal health care for individuals worldwide.
[SAL1]Reference: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/registered-nurses.htm
