“Equity” is a broad term. It frequently co-relates to equality. We often find it to be a valid consideration in voting rights, equal access to work and school opportunities, the right to express ourselves without restrictions, and whatnot. But what about everyone having the same access to healthcare regardless of their socioeconomic situation?

In that regard, nurses play a pivotal role. They not only provide patients and their loved ones with excellent care and support but also fight for patient welfare. Day in and out, they strive to provide patients with the best care possible. They’re dedicated to raising the level of service in the current and future, regardless of the population. It isn’t an understatement to say that nurses are the backbone of healthcare and are often instrumental in enhancing access to care.

Furthermore, there are many ways in which nurses can bridge the gap between health disparities and improve the health conditions of patients from all walks of life. Here’s how:

• Personalized care 

Suppose you’ve taken a stroll down the hall of any nursing unit. In that case, you will notice that instead of calling a patient by their name, they will use a title that instantly reflects their patient’s condition.

Here’s an example: “CHF patient in Room 13.” That replaces the element of disparity with a human touch.

Side-Note: If you, as a nurse, require a program that empowers you to do more in terms of providing quality healthcare on all levels, we have some news. You can enroll in an accredited RN to BSN online program and gain more comprehensive knowledge of your field and the ethical standards surrounding it. Moreover, the curriculum focuses on practical, action-based, in-depth clinical skills that you’ll need to enhance good access to care. As a bonus, you won’t have to take time off from your current job because you’ll study online under feasible lecture options.

Back to our sub-heading, by providing care specifically suited to the patient’s needs, nurses may meet them where they are in their quest for improved health. In addition, nurses spend a lot of time getting to know their patients, their support networks, and the obstacles they encounter in achieving their health goals. This practice helps nurses create an individualized care plan for their patients. It also gives the impression that a nurse will always openly welcome them, no matter where a patient is from, thus, improving health equity.

• Promoting overall health 

On any patient’s path to optimal health, nurses are there to help every step of the way. That goes beyond giving medication, asking a doctor’s questions, and taking a patient’s vitals. 

Nurses are willing to assist whether the patient needs a support network to handle their condition, an aide to turn to, or just a quiet time alone as they express their concerns. They will be there. As a result of this meticulousness and dedication, patients receive equal and quality care, all the while gaining advice on how to be spiritually and physically healthy.

• Leveraging experience

The core of healthcare delivery is nurses. They have great expertise in providing medical care and following hospital standards. They are intimately familiar with their patients and can observe how care enhances their health. Nurses use their healthcare team’s expertise and voice to advocate for patients and ensure they receive the necessary treatment. Additionally, nurses play a significant part in developing hospital-wide policies for strategies that support patients’ families.

More importantly, nowadays, nurses work outside of hospitals. They support legislation to improve the delivery and standard of healthcare offered locally and internationally while assisting patients. Nurses are dedicated to providing care and fighting for the rights of every patient. Whether that patient is someone they assist daily in an inpatient unit or someone they’ve never seen in another country.

• Support for all

In terms of boosting health equity, a nurse’s care and support extend well beyond their patient, as anybody who has witnessed a loved one endure a chronic disease or a hospital stay can attest. They support the friends and loved ones of the patient during such challenging times.

Families are seen and heard by nurses. No matter the status, nurses will ensure care and support for their patients’ families, whether it’s guiding on financial matters or emotional support. They are compassionate and available for families to address their concerns and support them in their role as caregivers. Why? Because they know how challenging it is to watch a beloved one go through a trying period.

• Connecting and collaborating with organizations

Lastly, nurses help healthcare organizations by regularly conducting research and studying other organizations, locally and nationally, if they truly wish to boost equity. They study and analyze the literature, attend conferences, and search for organizations that are leaders in boosting health equity. Most organizations are delighted to share their expertise and advice to better the lives of all patients.

Nurses also help administrators locate healthcare groups they can collaborate with to boost health equity and make adjustments at their healthcare facility. 

Today’s patients have fewer geographical restrictions and often gain from expanding their alternatives for important treatments. Nurses are ideally positioned to connect patients to extra services, preemptively follow up on treatment plans, and close the communication gap with other organizations. That is true even for the day-to-day care and routine in-house procedures that they typically handle. In other words, nurses are the most equipped to handle each patient’s needs within and outside the clinic.

• Emphasizing effective communication 

Many patients today want to take an active role in their healthcare. As a result, they expect specific information regarding diseases, treatments, and results. To promote quality care for all patients, nurses exude the proper attitude, behavior, and composure. They establish rapport with patients and communicate effectively to achieve the patients’ expectations – regardless of any disparity. With a positive outlook, this can frequently be done more easily. In other words, a nurse’s responsiveness and friendliness are critical in boosting health equity and the overall experience.

Conclusion

Nurses are trained and qualified to increase healthcare access in any situation where they engage with clients or patients. They are well aware of the meaning of equity and work daily to make a difference in people’s lives. 

They are committed to finding ways, both large and small, to make patients feel better because they are the drivers of change. Moreover, the information in this article can prove helpful if you’re an entry-level nurse looking for ways to improve health equity in your healthcare facility.