You will identify a person that works in a health care profession. This can be a nurse, physician, physician assistant, pharmacist, health care executive, health coach, x-ray technician, ultrasound technician, dietician, diabetes educator, mental health worker or any other health care professional that aligns with your interest. Make an appointment (15-20 minutes) with this health care professional to ask them questions about their perspectives on the social aspects of the work they do in their job. You may speak with this person in-person or virtually. Use the list of questions below to guide your conversation with this health care professional.
- What is your position in health care?
- What degrees do you hold and what other practice preparation did you have for your current position?
- What are the best and easiest parts of the work you do in health care?
- What are the challenges you face in your role and in the health care system?
- What role do you think social factors (income, education, race/ethnicity, sex) play in the health care that you provide? You may need to define the social determinants of health for the person or offer them some things that you are learning in class to provide context for this question.
Title: The Social Aspects of Healthcare: Insights from a Nurse
Introduction:
In the field of healthcare, professionals play a crucial role in providing quality care to individuals. Among these professionals, nurses occupy a unique position as they often serve as the primary point of contact for patients. In this essay, I had the opportunity to interview a nurse to gain insights into their perspective on the social aspects of their work.
Interview with a Nurse:
What is your position in healthcare?
The nurse I interviewed is a registered nurse (RN) working in a hospital's medical-surgical unit. She is responsible for providing direct patient care, administering medications, monitoring vital signs, and collaborating with other healthcare professionals.
What degrees do you hold and what other practice preparation did you have for your current position?
The nurse obtained a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree, which equipped her with the necessary knowledge and skills to provide comprehensive care. Additionally, she completed clinical rotations during her nursing education, gaining hands-on experience in various healthcare settings.
What are the best and easiest parts of the work you do in healthcare?
According to the nurse, the most rewarding aspect of her work is seeing patients recover and regain their health. She finds joy in being able to make a positive impact on their lives during vulnerable moments. Additionally, the nurse mentioned that working alongside a supportive team and witnessing the resilience of patients are some of the easiest parts of her job.
What are the challenges you face in your role and in the healthcare system?
The nurse highlighted several challenges she faces in her role. One significant challenge is the increasing workload and shortage of nursing staff, leading to high levels of stress and burnout. She also mentioned that bureaucratic red tape and administrative tasks can sometimes hinder direct patient care. In terms of the healthcare system, she expressed concerns about limited access to care for marginalized communities, lack of health insurance coverage, and health disparities based on social factors.
What role do you think social factors play in the healthcare that you provide?
The nurse acknowledged that social factors have a profound impact on the healthcare she provides. She defined social determinants of health as the conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work, and age, including factors such as income, education, race/ethnicity, and sex. She emphasized that these factors significantly influence an individual's access to healthcare services, health outcomes, and overall well-being.
The nurse explained that patients from disadvantaged backgrounds often face barriers to healthcare access due to limited financial resources or lack of health insurance. Additionally, she noted that individuals with lower levels of education might struggle with health literacy, leading to difficulties in understanding their conditions and adhering to treatment plans. The nurse also acknowledged that racial/ethnic disparities exist within healthcare and emphasized the need for cultural competence to provide equitable care.
Conclusion:
Through this interview with a nurse, it became evident that social factors play a crucial role in healthcare provision. The nurse highlighted the impact of income, education, race/ethnicity, and sex on patients' access to healthcare services and health outcomes. As we strive for a more inclusive and equitable healthcare system, addressing these social determinants of health becomes imperative. By understanding and addressing these challenges, healthcare professionals can work towards delivering care that is not only medically sound but also socially aware and responsive to patients' unique needs.