A Lifelong Commitment to Care and Security 🇬🇧
Nursing is much more than fulfilling medical tasks – it is about providing care and security based on deep experience and genuine humanity. This knowledge and dedication grow over a lifetime and cannot be replaced by technology.
When I began my career as a nurse, I was fascinated by the technical possibilities in medical treatment. As a young nurse, I wanted to learn as much as possible and took the opportunity to work in various departments – surgery, intensive care, specialized units, and more. There was always something new to discover, and I am confident that we will continue to see significant advancements in technology and IT systems in healthcare in the future. However, one thing has remained unchanged throughout these years: the people who seek help from us.
No one wants to suffer; we all hope for a life full of joy and free from pain. Even with all the medical advancements, neither technology nor medication alone can fulfill this fundamental need. Our humanity is at the center of the nursing profession. It is about meeting people in their most vulnerable moments – with support, care, and understanding. We are here to give our best, especially during the challenging times in our patients' lives.
Why does society need nurses?
With over 40 years of experience as a nurse, I have witnessed many changes in healthcare. It has been a privilege to be there for people in various life situations and provide stability in an often uncertain world. At its core, we are the heart of care in society – we provide an effort that all people depend on, not just in crisis situations but every day. Nursing is a unique combination of technical skills, endurance, and deep humanity, and I am proud to have been part of this journey.
Care and Security
Over the years, I have learned that the security we provide as nurses is invaluable. A friendly smile or a comforting hand can make a significant difference for patients in their most vulnerable moments. It is in these moments that the deep meaning of our role becomes clear to me.
Holistic Approach to Health
As a nurse, I always see the whole person, not just the illness. By considering patients' physical, mental, and social needs, I have witnessed how holistic care can change lives and enhance patients' well-being.
Disease Prevention and Health Promotion
Throughout my career, I have worked to promote healthy lifestyles and provide advice for those who wish to improve their own health. Seeing patients take responsibility for their well-being is one of the most rewarding aspects of my profession.
Critical Care in Acute Situations
I remember well my early days in the emergency room. It was frightening but also meaningful. Being there to save lives under critical conditions has given me a deep sense of purpose.
Coordination and Continuity of Care
As a link between patients, doctors, and other healthcare personnel, we ensure continuity of treatment. I have experienced how much our efforts mean for the safety and health of patients.
Patient Education and Support
Through education and information, we help patients understand their own health. When patients and their families are informed about the treatment, they feel more secure and better equipped to make informed choices.
The Backbone of the Healthcare System
Nurses are the stable force in healthcare. For many years, I have been part of a community dedicated to care and humanity, a force that supports the entire healthcare system.
Care for an Aging Population
As the population ages, I have seen how the need for tailored care increases. Many elderly people who move into nursing homes are not "sick" in the usual sense – they have simply grown older and need a little more support. I have learned how important it is to meet these needs with respect and care, so that older adults can live good and dignified lives.
The Importance of Support in Care
In care, it is not only about medical skills and technical expertise, but also about the deep human connection we build with our patients and their families. Especially in the critical moments of life – whether it is at the birth of a newborn or in facing the farewell of a loved one – the need for compassion and closeness becomes particularly evident.
It is in these crucial moments that the importance of support and community in care is highlighted: “In the critical moments that shape life – whether at birth or in the face of farewell – it is essential that no one is alone. The feeling of security and support is invaluable for all of us.”
Ethics and Social Responsibility
Throughout my career, I have worked to uphold patients' rights. Ethics is at the core of our work – a responsibility we have to ensure equitable access to healthcare services for all.
Conclusion
Through my over 40 years in nursing, I have seen how much work, commitment, and humanity are required to meet the needs of patients. Nursing is more than a profession – it is a lifelong mission, a commitment that profoundly influences people's lives in a very special way. Yet nurses also need the support of society. We need good working conditions that allow us to give our best, and we need understanding for the demanding yet meaningful work we do.
I encourage everyone to reflect on what they can do to support nurses, whether by showing gratitude, advocating for better conditions, or understanding what lies behind the care we provide. Together, we can create a healthcare system that not only cares for patients but also for those who dedicate their lives to providing this care. Let us all remember the value of care and humanity and work together to support those who take care of us.