I believe as a nurse it is our responsibility to care for every individual as though they deserve the same healthcare and respect as our family members. Ensuring patients are treated as individuals allows them to receive optimal healthcare opportunities. In turn, this creates an environment of people helping people without judgment. A world where we can see past the outward appearance/status and see inside a person would clear the path for inclusivity and encourage patient-catered care. As a nurse, I am to ensure no one’s struggle or symptoms are minimized and that they receive the best care available. Patients from all walks of life deserve healthcare free from judgment or persecution. Regardless of culture or status, regardless of physical or mental illness, everyone deserves to be seen as a whole person, not just their illness. Those with mental health issues need to be viewed as complex individuals who also deserve compassion, understanding conversation and prompt care. Those who are willing to seek help should feel comfortable doing so and not be hindered by the thought of feeling judged because they were born with or contracted a controversial disease or illness. This mindset allows for the personal growth of both nurses and their patients to work against bias and stigma. I will advocate endlessly for anyone with the courage to seek help. Nursing requires accountability because if the nurse makes an error, they have the responsibility to own that error. Not only to be honest but to ensure it does not happen again. Furthermore, accountability is what your career must be built on. Having this value allows for not only your colleagues but also your patients to be able to trust that you will provide the best care possible at all times. This behaviour extends to the safety of your patients. It follows that this will prevent harm and force the nurse to adjust their practice when necessary. When recognizing an error, it provides a moment of teaching, which can then be implemented in the best practice initiatives. Health care is a responsibility that should not be taken lightly. As a nurse, the lives of family members and loved ones are entrusted to you to make critical decisions that can alter whether a person lives or dies. It is imperative to ensure positive outcomes when possible. The integrity of a nurse should never be questioned. Her role in the community as a caregiver and a beacon of health sustainability maintains trust within the community. The community depends on knowledge and critical thinking skills whenever their health is in jeopardy. When a baby, an elderly parent or any family member is brought in seeking relief from their illness, this reveals the trust bestowed upon the health facility. The healthcare facility must maintain a staff who is capable of providing life-saving care and catching medical issues before they become detrimental. They trust us as nurses to administer the proper medications, procedures and education while visiting. If our integrity was to falter, so would our profession. The profession of nursing is built on a strong foundation of trust. To deliver quality, inclusive care while having the ability to be an advocate and be accountable requires a continuum of education throughout our careers. Education that is provided by research and awareness will only strengthen our skills all around to provide the best care possible to those seeking our help.
