The choice to become a nurse has often been described as a “calling.”  The feeling of being called to the role of a nurse is accurate as this profession transcends mere job responsibilities; it embodies a deep commitment to care for others. The impact of this profession is profound and multifaceted. Nurses have the ability to influence the lives of those they care for and work with.

Being a nurse isn’t just about bedside patient care. Nursing extends far beyond the walls of hospitals, clinics, or nursing homes. Nurses play an important role in all aspects of the healthcare system. They are the backbone of healthcare with the unique privilege to provide physical, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual support making tangible differences in all facets of healthcare.

Below are some of the ways nurses make an impactful contribution to wellness programs as well as the different decision-makers involved in the patient’s care:

1. The patients 
   Nurses play a crucial role in patient advocacy. They have the ability to connect with their patients on a deeply human level. The bond between caregiver and patient lasts forever. Through these bonds nurses offer an opportunity for patients to be seen beyond their medical record as a person with hopes, fears, and dreams.
2. The families
   The family members of patients often feel helpless as they look to healthcare staff to care for their loved ones. It is often the nurses who provide emotional support and assistance as they navigate a confusing and sometimes overwhelming medical system. It is the nurse who provides appropriate education regarding treatment plans, diagnoses, and care techniques all while easing their concerns, as the nurse, provides compassionate care to their loved ones.
3. Other members of the healthcare team
   Collaboration with physicians, specialists, and other healthcare staff requires strong communication skills and adaptability with a teamwork mentality. Nurses facilitate the collaboration of different disciplines in an effort to improve their patient’s outcomes. The unique qualities of a nurse make them an invaluable member of the team in the advocacy of the patients they serve.
4. The communities
   Nurses are often involved in promoting health and wellness while contributing to the broader community. They play a pivotal role in public health initiatives and health equity while advocating for disease prevention. By working with communities, nurses help foster healthier populations.

While the demands of the profession can be overwhelming, the joy of being a nurse is profound and multifaceted, rooted in the meaningful connections forged, the impacts made, and the personal growth experienced.

“People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
-Maya Angelou