The factors influencing the trends in nursing

Nursing in India - A Global Perception.

If we are aware of current trends it will help us plan for developments in nursing education and nursing services as well as controlling the direction in which the profession moves.

A global perception will enable nurses to rise to higher levels in their knowledge, skills and improved performance both in India and around the globe.

The factors influencing the trends in nursing:

1.Changes in society

For the past five decades, five social factors have greatly

influenced present trends in nursing. These are,

            Intensive efforts of government to meet the health needs of people.

            gradual improved literacy level of the people with the growing awareness of health needs.

            Advanced scientific technology

            The changing role of women and

            the continuing growth of population.

2. Changes in other professions

Trends in the nursing profession have always been closely related to those in the medical profession. Growing specialization in medical field is resulting in a trend towards increased specialization in nursing. The development of new diagnostic procedure and equipments make specialization even more necessary.

3.  Patients Bill of Rights

After the development of the 'Patients Bill of Rights', the nurses are also accountable for patients care and have legal responsibilities for the patient.

4.  Developments in other discipline

Developments in other discipline other than medicine also influence trends in nursing profession. Nursing is moving towards more specific nursing functions as other members of health team like dieticians, social workers and physiotherapists are more available and more highly specialized.

5.  Leadership within the profession

Leadership within the profession also influences the trends in nursing. Nursing is moving towards professionalism due to the untiring efforts of nurses who have been dedicated to achieve the aim.

6.  Working and studying in abroad

Working and studying in abroad is influenced by many factors within India and in other countries. Shortage of nurses in other countries, higher salary paid in abroad is the main causes for the working of Indian nurses in abroad.

7.  Greater specialization in nursing education and practice

Greater specialization in nursing education and practice is a trend related to that in the medical profession and the growing amount of scientific knowledge available.

8.  Working conditions

Working conditions for nurses are also changing. There is a gradual change towards shorter and more convenient hours of duty, better accommodations and higher salaries.

9.  Trends in other countries

Trends in other country also influence the trends in the nursing profession in India. The rapid development of the degree programme has promoted the same emphasis and development here for professional nursing.

10 Changing roles and functions of the nurse as perceived in

the globe.

The nurses in India are also prepared and more privileged to face the changes and ready to accept the challenging roles and functions of the nurse as perceived in the globe because of the development in the education and training system. The following roles and positions perceived as in the globe are given below.

a)     Nurse educator works in schools of nursing, staff development departments. They provide the educational programme for student's nurses and nurses, teach clients about the self-care and home care.

b)    Clinical nurse specialist specializes in managing specific diseases and they function as clinicians, educators, managers, consultants and researchers.

c)     Nurse practitioners are certified to provide health care to clients in out-patient or community settings.

d)    Certified nurse-midwife are certified by the American College of Nurse-Midwives to provide independent care for women during normal pregnancy, labour and delivery.

e)     Nurse anesthetist, having advance training in anesthesiology, provides surgical anesthesia to the client under the supervision of an anesthesiologist during minor surgery with baccalaureate degrees or master's degree.

f)      Nurse administrators manage client care within the healthcare agencies in a middle level or upper level management position.

g)     Nurse researcher with Doctoral degree investigate nursing problem to improve care and to define and expand the scope of nursing practice.

Advancements in science increase health needs of the society and thereby expect changes in the role of nurses and thus increases the scope for nurses.