Trust and the Medical Field

Hey Steemers!
I'd like to share with you an essay I wrote whilst applying to nursing school. The prompt stated that nurses are "the most trusted professionals in the public eye" and asked us to describe how we will maintain this trust in our own practice. I hope this piece shines a light on how fantastic medical practitioners can be!

Nursing is regarded as the most trusted profession because those involved are allies of the patients. As nurses, we invest in those we care for. We learn patient needs, fears, and idiosyncrasies, and offer personalized care based on these details. We ensure that the correct professionals address the patients’ concerns. When such measures are taken, those being treated are allowed to heal. They place trust in their nurses because we have listened empathetically and intervened proactively on their behalf.

Nurses should be accessible to patients. We should be the least intimidating medical personnel in the room, and communicate compassion along with knowledge. This requires us to monitor how patients are receiving the information provided to them. Their reactions should guide how we proceed- whether to slow down, repeat a sentence, or offer a hug. In doing so, we are taking care of the patient holistically. Medical conditions involve more than their physical symptoms, and it is paramount that we acknowledge this. This is how nurses establish and maintain the trust of their patients; this is how patients heal best.