workforce
Stepping up
The nurse ’ s role in transforming healthcare .
By Melinda Sawyer
As the world continues to navigate through an unprecedented and ever-changing pandemic , the role of nurses remains visibly crucial to the care of patients .
After all , it is our nurses who spend , and continue to spend , enormous amounts of time providing direct care to patients who are COVID-19 positive , increasing their own personal exposure and that of their families to the virus . It is our nurses who are asked to maintain the highest level of care for these patients while facing the challenges associated with COVID-19 .
And it is our nurses who often work overtime , ensuring their patients ’ needs are always met . And this work is still not over . Even when the pandemic comes to an end , nurses will be called upon on a daily basis to provide compassionate , quality care to patients who come through the doors .
These noble qualities are nothing new for the profession . For the past 19 years , Americans have rated nurses as the # 1 most ethical and honest profession , according to a yearly Gallop poll .
In 2020 , nurses earned an 89 per cent score , an increase of 4 percentage points from 2019 . By all accounts , nurses are considered the heartbeat of the medical profession .
Given the critical role nurses play in all aspects of the health care system , why aren ’ t nurses more visible in leading the transformation of healthcare ? Nurses should be full , active partners in transforming health care in the United States and around the world . We must work to ensure nurses take leadership roles at every level .
Here are some steps we can take to realise change :
• Enrol in formal education and / or training programs in leadership . Identify what you are passionate about and seek formal leadership training and / or programs in leadership that can assist you to lead in this area . If it isn ’ t the right time for formal training , consider shorter leadership development programs . Leadership is not innate ; as nurses , we must learn and develop this knowledge and skills at every opportunity .
• Seek mentorship for leadership development . Consider mentorship by leaders in nursing , other health professions , policy and business . Mentors can help you identify your own areas of strength and opportunities , help you reach your goals , and build confidence . If you don ’ t have a mentor now , identify someone you look up to and ask them to be your mentor . Don ’ t be afraid to go outside of nursing to stretch yourself and learn from
“ We must work to ensure nurses take leadership roles at every level .
someone who has different training and experiences than you . And don ’ t ever think you are too old for a mentor . After over 20 years in nursing , I continue to value my mentors as much as or more than when I was a junior nurse .
• Get involved in health care policy making . Nurses can get involved through their professional organisations , or volunteer with policy making organisations to ensure healthcare policy decisions are taking their opinions into consideration . We need more nurses to be visible and lead in the transformation of health care . Doing so will help transform healthcare systems to provide seamless , affordable , quality care that is accessible to all , patient centred , evidence-based and leads to better health outcomes .
Our profession has earned the trust of people all over the world , and rightfully so . Now it ’ s our time to continue to build on that trust to ensure the health care system is working better for everyone . ■
Melinda Sawyer , DrPH , MSN , RN , CNS-BC is the vice president for Clinical Quality and Patient Safety of UnitedHealthcare Global .
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