When you think of nurse practitioners, the first thing that probably comes to mind is a clean-shaven guy in a white coat. Or maybe it’s a combination of the two. Well, that’s because they play such an important role in today’s healthcare system. Nurse practitioners are qualified registered nurses that have completed additional training to become certified nurse practitioners (CNP). In other words, they’re advanced practice nurses who have received additional education and training to provide more complex patient care than Nurse Practitioners could ever hope to achieve. Not only are NP’s very important in the healthcare industry; many work at hospitals as nurse centers directors where they oversee a team of nurses and coordinate patient care between departments. But where do you start? What type of impact can you make as an effective Charge Nurse? Let’s see what we can learn from some inspiring examples!
Contents
Get to Know Your Patients
As a charge nurse, you will likely work in a wide range of clinical settings. Whether it’s a hospital, doctor’s office, or a home, you will likely see a wide variety of patients. From being a first responder, a nurse practitioner can learn a lot about your patients by simply seeing them. There are a few questions you should be asking, whether your patients are patients of friends or patients you’re working with in your charge nursing role. Are they being seen on an as needed basis? What are their presenting symptoms and how does their health fit into the overall patient experience?
Make Patient Care a Priority
It’s easy to get bogged down in trying to balance the books, make ends meet, and take care of your family when you’re dealing with a serious illness. But what if you had the opportunity to help your patients and make their lives easier as well? If you’ve been trained as a nurse practitioner, you’ll recognize the importance of making patient care a priority. You’ll be expected to focus on the overall health of your patients, including managing their emotional and psychological wellbeing. You’ll have the opportunity to work with a wide variety of patients, including those who are chronically ill. As a CNP, you’ll have the opportunity to practice in a variety of settings, including homes and nursing homes.
Learn About the Health System
As a certified nurse practitioner, you have a wealth of knowledge and experience to draw upon when working in a healthcare setting. You’re likely familiar with the basics of healthcare. You may even have gone to the doctor a few times in your life. But did you know that advanced practice nurses also have a special interest in the health system? NP’s often work in medical specialties such as internal Medicine, Obstetrics, and Pediatrics. As a CNP, you’ll have the opportunity to work in areas like diabetes, cardiology, and an assortment of other medical specialties. You’re also likely to work with a variety of clients including the elderly, people with disabilities, and athletes.
Train and Develop Your Team
As a certified nurse practitioner, you’ll be expected to maintain current medical and nursing practice standards. You’ll be required to take continuing education courses to stay up-to-date in order to stay current in your field. You may be called upon to provide patient care as a part of your role as a CNP in a hospital or other healthcare setting. You’ll be expected to work as part of a team and to train your team members. You may also be required to take a leadership role, both within the healthcare setting and in your local community.
Conclusion
Becoming an effective charge nurse is a rewarding journey. You may be faced with challenging situations each day, but you can make a difference in the lives of your patients and the people who care for them. Being a charge nurse is a demanding job, but it can also be incredibly rewarding. You’ll have the opportunity to help people in a variety of settings, including nursing homes and hospitals, and you’ll learn a lot about yourself in the process.
