Role Reflection In Nursing

The nursing role is rapidly evolving as nurses are tasked with an even wider range of health care responsibilities. In hospitals, clinics, and care centers around the US, nurses are rising to meet these challenges. Today's nurses are not just caring for the sick; they are changing our very notion of modern medicine and health care delivery. A nurse’s role is about being a more effective member of the health care team and navigating clinical systems. No matter the work environment, all nurses are members of the profession which implies accountability for one’s professional image (Essentials of Baccalaureate Education, 2008, p.9). In my career as a nurse, my role has changed many times and began as a provider of direct patient care.
My first job after graduation I worked as a bedside nurse on an Orthopaedic and Rehabilitation floor in the hospital setting. As a rehabilitation staff nurse, I provided direct care and education on self-care including safe medication administration, sleep, nutrition, safety, bowel and bladder care. I helped perform activities that served to maintain and restore function and prevent complications. I feel lucky to have had this opportunity as my first nursing role because of the team-based care coordination and the value based on each member of the interdisciplinary team. As I transitioned from a novice nurse to a more competent nurse, I gained perspective from planning my own actions based on critical thinking and organization. It was during this time that I began to think of long-term goals pertaining to my nursing career.
After two years, I was approached to train to cover the Care Coordinator role for the department of Orthopaedics during her times of vacation and medical leave. This quickly turned into a full time position for me and took me away from direct bedside nursing. My main responsibilities were to assist the patient with transitions between healthcare settings, identify skills and expectations of patients and families in