by Olivia Bredbenner

Created on: March 03, 2009

Professional nurses have been involved on the ground level of health care. They have worked in the trenches of modern medicine. Most nurses quickly adjust to change and understand the complexity in the field of health care. Ever advancing technology has been at their heels. Requiring nurses to quickly master new skills and to be ready for their application within the health care environment.

Nurses who are writers for Helium have yet another challenge to meet. The opportunity to share with readers who want to know and learn from a nurse's perspective . The time has come, an opportunity for nurses to "kick it up a notch " to give nursing some "bam". There are many ways to nurse, it's time to take nursing out of the box.

Within the hospital environment the nurse has most often been consider the most trustworthy person, in the patient's eyes. And in surveys of the general public. To continue this long standing relationship with the public, nurses now have the opportunity to use this role with ever expanding possibilities.

There are many articles that might be of interest to the public . Certainly we should only write about what we know. Or what we have carefully researched. Nurses can even refer readers to other articles or sites that have been well written on a subject that is of interest to them. There are in place professional health care sites that many people now follow.

Consider writing for Helium , an article in the area of your specialty. We have in our early days of nursing, learned that we should never assume anything. What to us sounds like routine and simple ,can be complex to others.

We as writers must write for the lay person who is the typical reader. We also have to be aware of the potential risks related having our words being considered "gospel". Our words as writers are never meant to replace more professional referrals regarding the health of the reader.

Obstetrical nurses:

You may want to think about the unmet needs seen in your area of care. Perhaps the staff recognizes them and because of the shorter hospital stay and the short staffed areas, they may have been unable to address them properly. Expand on the literature handed out on breast feeding, infant care. Or signs and symptoms of an ill infant.

Oncology and hematology nurses:

Many readers may be challenged by the diagnosis of cancer and their treatments . An article for readers who may be ill. Can include self care measures during treatment. Support groups that are available if needed. Or how to talk to children about the illness.

Pediatric nurses:

You may write an article about the challenges of giving care to children who are ill. The use of diversionary measures to deliver care properly. How to use play to help prepare a child for a visit to the hospital.Or an article that refers parents to the books appropriate for each stage of development.

mental health nurses:

You may want to write articles on living with a mental illness. Using positive examples of how successfully it is being done. Inform the public of how to reach support groups or how to handle a crisis.

Those are just a few ideas. Nurses can use their own creative impulses to educate and support the public. Or decipher changes as they take place within the health care system. Now there will be a challenge for everyone.

Who will answer that call bell ? Can it be a Helium nurse ?

http://www.nursingcenter.com/library/JournalArticle. asp?Article_ID=702020

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