डॉ. शेरोन वासुथेवन लाइफ़ हेल्थकेयर ग्रुप में एक शिक्षा कार्यकारी हैं। नर्सिंग में पीएचडी और पंजीकृत नर्स होने के नाते, उन्होंने विश्वभर में विभिन्न सम्मेलनों में शोध-पत्र प्रस्तुत किए हैं और नर्सिंग पत्रिकाओं में प्रकाशित किया है। वे नेल्सन मंडेला विश्वविद्यालय में शोध सहयोगी के रूप में मास्टर और डॉक्टरेट उम्मीदवारों का मार्गदर्शन करती हैं। डॉ. वासुथेवन ने कई नर्सिंग संगठनों में नेतृत्वकारी भूमिकाएँ निभाई हैं और वे नर्स नेतृत्व, शिक्षा, गुणवत्ता और स्वास्थ्य सूचना प्रणालियों में विशेषज्ञता रखती हैं। उन्होंने नर्सिंग कार्यों के स्वचालन से जुड़े प्रोजेक्ट्स का नेतृत्व किया है और नर्सिंग शिक्षा में ई-लर्निंग को प्राथमिकता दी है।

इस वर्ष इंटरनेशनल काउंसिल फॉर नर्सेस ने अंतर्राष्ट्रीय नर्स दिवस के लिए एक महत्वपूर्ण विषय चुना है – “हमारी नर्सें, हमारा भविष्य”। यह नर्सिंग पेशे के लिए आत्मचिंतन का एक अहम समय है। इसी सोच ने मुझे इस संपादकीय का शीर्षक देने को प्रेरित किया।

नर्सिंग : कल

हमसे पहले की नर्सिंग नेतृत्व की महिलाएँ साहस, सशक्तिकरण और स्त्रियों एवं नर्सों की स्थिति को ऊँचा उठाने पर केंद्रित थीं। हालांकि, यह पूरी तरह समावेशी नहीं था। उस समय नर्सिंग एक अधीनस्थ पेशा था – नर्सें डॉक्टरों के निर्देशों का पालन करती थीं और उनके पास बहुत कम स्वायत्तता थी।

फिर भी, नैदानिक कार्य उत्कृष्ट था। भले ही यह साक्ष्य-आधारित न हो, नर्सें अपनी परिस्थितियों में अपनी पूरी क्षमता के साथ रोगियों की देखभाल करती थीं। मैट्रन बहुत ही शक्तिशाली और कई स्तरों पर अधिनायकवादी होती थीं। अनुशासन नर्सिंग पेशे में बने रहने की मूल शर्त था।

• वर्दी सफेद और कड़क इस्त्री की हुई होती थी।
• नर्सिंग कैप बालों को संभालने के लिए पहनी जाती थी, जो बाद में मात्र सजावटी और छोटी हो गई।
• काम के घंटे लंबे थे। वरिष्ठ नर्सें बताती थीं कि उन्हें 12 दिन लगातार काम करने के बाद ही एक सप्ताहांत की छुट्टी मिलती थी।
• प्रशिक्षण बेहद सख्त था। कई स्तरों पर दंड दिए जाते थे।
• केवल 3 महीने की ट्रेनिंग के बाद प्रारंभिक परीक्षा होती थी। असफल होने वालों को तुरंत निकाल दिया जाता था। यह “खराब सेबों” को जल्दी पहचानने का तरीका था।

यह सब भले ही आज पुराना या सख्त लगे, लेकिन इसने नर्सिंग पेशे की मजबूत नींव रखी। नर्सें अपनी देखभाल और करुणा के लिए जानी जाती थीं। यही वजह है कि उन्हें “लेडीज़ विद द लैम्प” कहा गया।

नर्सिंग : आज

आज महिलाएँ स्वतंत्र हैं, वरिष्ठ भूमिकाओं में हैं और नेतृत्व कर रही हैं। लेकिन समाज में क्या उन्हें पूरी तरह स्वीकार किया गया है? क्या हमें वास्तव में लैंगिक समानता मिली है?

आज का परिदृश्य बदल चुका है:

• लोग और समुदाय मूल्य और गुणवत्ता की अपेक्षा करते हैं और असंतोष सार्वजनिक रूप से व्यक्त करते हैं।
• नर्सिंग गंभीर चुनौतियों का सामना कर रही है।
• नर्सिंग नेतृत्व अब नवाचार, वैश्वीकरण, शोध और परिवर्तन पर आधारित है।
• नर्सें अब विश्वविद्यालयों में डीन, डिप्टी वाइस चांसलर और वाइस चांसलर जैसे उच्च पदों तक पहुँची हैं।

शिक्षा और प्रैक्टिस में बदलाव

• पहले की तरह “क्योंकि मैंने कहा है” वाला दृष्टिकोण अब काम नहीं करता।
• आज की नर्सें प्रोटोकॉल और डॉक्टरों के आदेशों पर सवाल उठाती हैं।
• वे बहु-विषयक टीम का हिस्सा बनकर योगदान देना चाहती हैं।
• हालाँकि, प्रतिकूल घटनाओं की संख्या भी बढ़ी है। शायद इसका कारण बेहतर निगरानी और रिकॉर्डिंग है।
• फिर भी, नैदानिक दक्षता पर सवाल उठते हैं और हमें यह सुनिश्चित करना होगा कि सुरक्षित रोगी देखभाल दी जाए।

शिक्षा प्रणाली

• नर्सिंग कॉलेजों के जरिए शिक्षा लंबे समय से चल रही है।
• लेकिन यह शिक्षा अक्सर अन्य विषयों से अलग-थलग हो जाती है, जिससे अंतर-पेशेवर शिक्षा पर असर पड़ता है।
• फिर भी, आज नर्सें मास्टर्स और डॉक्टरेट डिग्री प्राप्त कर रही हैं।

आज का नर्सिंग नेतृत्व सामूहिकता, योग्यता और बेहतर परिणामों पर केंद्रित है।

नर्सिंग : कल (भविष्य)

भविष्य की नर्सिंग कई नए बदलावों से प्रभावित होगी:

• राजनीतिक परिदृश्य और बेहतर जागरूक समुदाय, जो बदलाव की माँग करेंगे।
• महिलाएँ और ऊँचे पदों पर जाएँगी, लेकिन प्रश्न रहेगा – क्या महिलाएँ कार्यस्थल पर एक-दूसरे का समर्थन करेंगी?
• आने वाली पीढ़ी कार्य-जीवन संतुलन और लचीली कार्य परिस्थितियाँ माँगेगी।
• वर्चुअल ऑफिस और डिजिटल प्रणालियाँ सामान्य होंगी।
• नर्सिंग नेतृत्व की शैली और अपेक्षाएँ बदलेंगी। युवा नर्सें अधिक मुखर होंगी और परिवर्तन की गति तेज चाहेंगी।

टेक्नोलॉजी और स्वास्थ्य सेवाएँ

• टेक्नोलॉजी बड़ा परिवर्तनकारी कारक होगी।
• ऑनलाइन चेक-इन अस्पतालों और क्लीनिकों तक पहुँचेगा।
• इलेक्ट्रॉनिक हेल्थ रिकॉर्ड्स रोगियों को अपनी पूरी मेडिकल हिस्ट्री तक पहुँच देंगे।
• अस्पतालों और क्लीनिकों को अपने क्लीनिकल और क्वालिटी परिणाम सार्वजनिक करने होंगे, ताकि मरीज चुन सकें।
• स्वास्थ्य सेवाएँ अधिक प्रतिस्पर्धी बनेंगी और मरीज क्वालिटी व कीमत देखकर प्रदाता चुनेंगे।

नर्सिंग शिक्षा का भविष्य

• छात्रों को नवीनतम उपकरण और डिजिटल सामग्री मिलेगी। किताबें और भारी बैग अतीत बन जाएँगे।
• नर्सें बेहतर शिक्षित होंगी और उच्च वेतन की माँग करेंगी।
• बढ़ते विधिक मामलों के चलते नैदानिक दक्षता अहम होगी।
• रोगी-नर्स संबंध बदलेंगे, रोगी अधिक जानकारी और फॉलो-अप की माँग करेंगे।
• परिवार देखभाल में अधिक शामिल होंगे।
• संस्थागत देखभाल केवल तीव्र देखभाल तक सीमित होगी, और मरीजों की रुकने की अवधि घटेगी।
• होम केयर की माँग बढ़ेगी।

निष्कर्ष

हर युग अपने साथ उपलब्धियाँ और चुनौतियाँ लाता है।

• कल : साहस, महिलाओं का सशक्तिकरण और नर्सिंग शिक्षा का उत्थान।
• आज : नवाचार, करियर प्रगति, अंतर्राष्ट्रीयकरण, साक्ष्य-आधारित प्रैक्टिस और शोध।
• कल (भविष्य) : प्रौद्योगिकी, कार्य-जीवन संतुलन, बदलती स्वास्थ्य सेवाएँ और सशक्त मरीज एवं समुदाय।

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The service and sacrifices of the global nursing community is the bedrock on which the edifice of modern healthcare rests and despite all that the nursing community does, their efforts are often left unrecognized and their role under-appreciated. 

As a generation we expect instant results, and our results are largely measured in economic value. This trend has resulted in formulating a perception that nursing is a cost-centre rather than a profit-centre. While, there is a considerable importance accorded to patient-centric care, somehow, ironically those that are closest to the patients – the nurses – seem to be increasingly forgotten altogether in the process.

It is imperative to realize that the nursing function is a profit-centre for every healthcare institution as well as the society. Without excellence in nursing care it is impossible to have a patient-centric, patient-focused healthcare institution or society. Nurses are at the heart of the healthcare system and more so in today’s time where patient-centric care is what is expected and implemented

As a Group Director-Nursing, I have witnessed firsthand the need for systemic changes that empower nurses, ensure salary equity, and promote professional development. 

Empowering nurses is paramount to improving healthcare delivery. Empowerment involves giving nurses the authority and confidence to make decisions that directly impact patient care. This can be achieved through several means like various leadership opportunities where the nurses should be encouraged to take on leadership roles within their organizations. This not only boosts their confidence but also ensures that their valuable insights are considered in decision-making processes.

Nurses should have the professional autonomy to make clinical decisions based on their expertise and judgment. This not only enhances patient outcomes but also increases job satisfaction among nurses.

Recognizing the contributions of nurses and treating them with respect fosters a positive work environment. This path can be transversed through regular acknowledgment of their hard work and achievements.

One of the most pressing issues in the nursing profession is salary disparity. Nurses often face significant pay gaps compared to their counterparts, particularly doctors. Addressing salary equity involves competitive salaries to ensure that nurses receive competitive salaries that reflect their education, experience, and the demanding nature of their work.

Implementing transparent pay structures that are based on clear criteria such as experience, education, and job performance. This helps eliminate biases and ensures fairness.

The healthcare landscape is constantly evolving, and it is imperative that nurses stay updated with the latest knowledge and skills. Professional development and continuing education should be prioritized through providing nurses with access to ongoing training programs that cover the latest advancements in medical science and technology.

Effective communication is crucial in healthcare settings to ensure seamless coordination and high-quality patient care. Improving communication among nurses involves encouraging collaboration between nurses and other healthcare professionals to enhance patient care and ensure that nurses’ perspectives are valued.

Fostering a collaborative work culture where nurses are treated at par with doctors and other healthcare professionals will create an ambience of a better healthcare environment. This setup will ensure recognition of their expertise, valuing their contributions, and ensuring they have a voice in decision-making processes. Achieving professional parity involves developing policies that promote inclusivity and ensure that nurses have equal opportunities for advancement and recognition.

Ensuring that nurses are represented in healthcare boards and committees, allowing them to influence policies and decisions that affect their profession and patient care.

The nursing profession is integral to the success of the healthcare system. It is time for healthcare organizations, policymakers, and society as a whole to recognize and address the challenges faced by nurses, paving the way for a stronger, more effective healthcare system.

Investing in nurses – at every level – education, empowerment, and enhancement is the urgent need of the hour. Strategic and financial investments, empowerment & encouragement, and recognition and rewards are a must if we wish to preserve and promote patient-centric care.Give them time to learn, to adapt, and grow and then watch the roses of excellence in patient care blossom not just in our hospital, our city,but across the nation and the globe. 

Author’s Biography

Ms. Bobby Ramesh is presently the group leader for Nursing in Sarvodaya Healthcare. With a long career in nursing healthcare in the field of Clinical,teaching and administrative experience showcase an enriching career. He also has an experience in NABH as Principal Assessor.

The post Insights on Nursing profession appeared first on InnoHEALTH magazine.

Captain Indira Rani’s professional trajectory is marked by diversity and impact. With notable tenures at esteemed institutions such as the Military Hospital, AFMC, Escorts Heart Institute, and Medanta Medicity, she is currently the Chief of Nursing at Jaypee Hospital. She has now embarked on a journey towards a Ph.D. in Health Economics. Her multifaceted career has been instrumental in advancing healthcare delivery and education, positioning her as a respected leader in her field.

Nursing and Gender Dynamics

Addressing the imbalance in nursing staff gender distribution, Captain Rani recalls the late ’80s debates on male nurses’ emerging roles. She highlights that while male nurses bring technical skills and administrative prowess, they often lack the empathetic, patient-centric approach traditionally seen in female nurses. This discrepancy affects patient care and influences staffing decisions in hospitals across Delhi, where male nurses are frequently directed towards administrative roles rather than clinical bedside care.

Innovations in Hospital Commissioning

Captain Rani has been instrumental in the commissioning of new hospitals, such as Medanta Medicity and Jaypee Hospital. She discusses her strategic approach in integrating nursing services into these institutions from the ground up, emphasising the importance of nurse involvement in hospital design to ensure operational efficiency and optimal patient care locations. Her role often bridges multiple disciplines, requiring collaboration with architects and technology providers to ensure that every aspect of patient care is considered.

Technological Advancements in Healthcare

A significant focus of the discussion was focussed on the impact of technological innovations in healthcare settings. Captain Rani praised the Hospital Information System (HIS) as a game changer, enhancing everything from patient admission processes to billing and inventory management. However, she notes the challenges in training and integrating technology into nursing education, suggesting that curricular revisions are essential to prepare nursing professionals for a technologically advanced healthcare environment.

The Future of Nursing and Technology

Looking forward, Captain Rani envisions a healthcare system increasingly supported by artificial intelligence and other digital tools that can reduce the administrative burden on nurses, allowing more time for patient care. Innovations like remote vital signs monitoring and automated narcotics management could revolutionise how nurses interact with patients and manage their workloads.

Advice to Aspiring Nurses

In her parting words, Captain Rani offers advice to new entrants in the nursing field: embrace the challenges, continually update your knowledge, and develop both clinical and technological skills. She stresses that nursing is a noble and secure profession that is continually evolving alongside medical advancements.

Our enlightening conversation with Captain Indira Rani not only highlights the challenges faced in healthcare but also the dynamic solutions that leadership and technology offer. Her experiences and insights are invaluable to anyone interested in the future of healthcare, especially in nursing leadership and innovation.

The post Leading with Care: Captain Indira Rani on Innovations in Healthcare appeared first on InnoHEALTH magazine.

A scenario where robots using AIs would come up and say…. Hello sir, this is robot nurse Sophy, I need to give IV antibiotic, may I inject, sir?

AI is revolutionizing the healthcare industry and driving it towards digital transformation. AI algorithms and robots are altering the nurse’s role and challenging the profession and the very true essence of nursing: The human connection. 

AI is the ability of a machine to emulate intelligent human behaviours and represents an umbrella term for machine learning (ML), computer vision, and natural language processing (NLP) technologies.AI is already changing the patient experience, how clinicians practice medicine, and how the pharmaceutical industry operates. 

In a single day or shift, nurses have to juggle a number of tasks woven with hospital accreditation standards from general patient care and monitoring to administering medications and treatments to communicating with doctors. They also have to stay on top of administrative tasks like charting patient records, interacting with insurance providers, and handling other types of paperwork. Robots and AI in healthcare facilities will augment and automate some tasks, allowing nurses more time to care for their patients. 

In future, artificial intelligence-enabled robotics may act as assistants to nurses, freeing staff to dedicate in,evidence-based care and focus on human element of nursing. Nurses will likely become more patient-centric and focused as AI absorbs more of the routine work. 

With the future practice of nursing in a technologically advanced AI health care settings, It is question how human nurses can preserve the very true essence of nursing? Nurses should be involved in deciding which aspects of their practice can be delegated to technology and oversee the introduction of automated technology and artificial intelligence ensuring they practice on holistic care while embracing the artificial intelligence to achieve predictable patient outcomes.

Since the AI in healthcare has started coming up, variety of ethical implications come along too. Healthcare decisions exclusively made by the humans in the past, and the use of smart AIs to work would raise the issues of accountability, transparency and privacy. Nurses know the difference between being “cared for” and “caring”, Cared for him not just his body but his soul too. Over the course of a nurse’s shift, conflicts may come from differing opinions, personality clashes among health care team members and general stress with patients and family.

Nurses with their level of emotional intelligence can resolve the conflict while keeping up the therapeutic relationships. So, it is fully clear that AI systems would not replace nurses and clinicians on large scales, but rather would strengthen their efforts in patient care. Over the time, health care workers effectively utilize their time, towards tasks and job designs that draw on unique human skills which include emotional elements like empathy, touch, persuasions and communication. 

Bringing the nurse leaders, nurse clinical specialists, nurse academicians and faculty, altogether is an intelligent way to keep pace with AI advancement while preserving the essence of nursing- the human element of this noble profession.

Given the potential of this technology for patient care and its impact on clinical providers, it is essential for nurses to have a basic understanding of AI concepts. Nurses at all levels and fields must update their knowledge adequately on AI technologies and involve to contribute in the developing stages of AI creation which directly involved in nursing functions. Providing opportunities for continuing education and research is mandatory to update knowledge, attitude and skill sets to incorporate AI in nursing teams. 

Moving forward Nursing education with advanced new curriculum and nursing research will change to encompass a differentiated demand for professional nursing practice with robots in healthcare. Nursing educators in clinical as well as academic setups would be the leading faculty in teaching the new complex roles and responsibilities with the modern AI. 

 It is the time for the nurse leaders   to be among the leaders and drivers of conversations around AI in health systems to preserve the true essence of Nursing profession. 

Nurse’s eyes have seen pain, hands have touched hearts, heart has felt brokenness, feet have walked a thousand miles all for patients. The trained nurse has become a blessing to the humanity, taking a place besides the physician and the priest. Nurses can use AI to enrich the nursing practice by making sound clinical judgements. I would end up saying that artificial intelligence would need to be complementary to each other and can never take away the true essence of nursing profession.

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