Over the last ten years, seismic changes have been sweeping the
healthcare industry. From the rise of HMOs to advancements in
drugs, genetics, and medical technology, these factors—for better
or for worse—have significantly changed patient care in many
ways. One of the most prominent changes has been in the venue of
care.
The Continuum of Care
One of the major shifts in the philosophy of patient care has
been the move to the concept of The Continuum of Care. The
Continuum of Care is a framework for the delivery of healthcare
services in a primary-care environment, with a focus on health as
well as illness and injury. This represents a paradigm shift from
the problem-oriented medical model of diagnosis and cure to the
perspective of holism and prevention, with an emphasis on
self-care.
The Resulting Revolution in the
Nursing Profession
Prior to this revolution, the hospital was the focal point of
patient care, as well as employment for nurses. In fact,
according to the Future Needs Project of the American Nursing
Association, the hospital setting is decreasing as a place of
employment for nurses, from 67% in 1992 to 60 percent in 1996
with further declines expected.
On the bright side, employment for nurses has broadened to a
diverse variety of venues. With the shift to the Continuum of
Care idea, patient care, and consequently the place of care, is
looked at along a timeline of the patient's lifespan—from birth
to death. As a result, opportunities for nursing positions have
emerged in such non-hospital settings as birthing centers,
rehabilitation and therapy facilities, schools, retirement
communities, nursing homes, and in-home healthcare.
What does this mean for
you?
In general, this revolution equates to nurses having more choices
as to the places they work and the types of patients they work
with. So, will you work in a hospital during your career?
Probably. And you probably should. The hospital is still the
primary place where you can acquire the broadest range of skills
and experiences. This broader professional experience at the
outset will enhance your career down the line, allowing you the
flexibility to work in the places that match your particular
interests be they pediatrics or geriatrics. In the end, the
revolution in healthcare will allow you to take control of your
nursing career and develop it in ways that best suit your
goals.
This article was adapted from:
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Careers in
Nursing
$16.00
Take control of your nursing career and effectively manage it
in today's ever-changing healthcare industry.
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