What makes a nurse?

Nursing is a profession, but what makes it unique? How are nurses different from other health professionals? The definition of a nurse according to dictionary.com is “a person formally educated and trained in the care of the sick or infirm”. But what components make up a nurse and how do they make a difference?

Nurses require formal nursing education to help give them the knowledge, skill and judgment to critically think and make confident decisions. They learn how to assess patients from head to toe to identify the uniqueness of each person. They also receive education on anatomy, physiology, and theory. Being a regulated health professional means the College of Nurses requires continual education to ensure nurses are competent and able.

Nurses also coordinate services. They are the only health professional that is present and assigned to a patient at all times during the hospital stay. By being present, they learn to identify changes in the patient as it happens, contacting others and coordinating services.

However, having these characteristics alone still does not identify what makes nursing unique. The key component to nursing that I think draws people to the profession is the emotional connection to patients and their families. Nurses are at the bedside when patients and families are at their most vulnerable moments. Nurses have to tell families the truth about their loved ones’ condition and tend to their needs after. Nurses learn to be conscious of people’s emotions and nurture people in need. Nurses love to be nurses because it gives them the ability to challenge their knowledge, care for people and make a difference.

Kim Gibson, a full-time Registered Practical Nurse on the Complex Continuing Care and Family Medicine Units at Sydenham Campus is shown doing electronic charting.