Making a Difference : Stories From the Point of Care

Making a Difference: Stories from the Point Of Care (2000) reminds nurses why they chose their profession... and makes health care consumers glad they did! Gripping the heart, it is a compelling collection of personal experiences told by nurses around the world. The stories are woven together by the insightful observations of Dr. Sharon Hudacek, RN, and paint a true picture of how nurses impact the lives of patients; from the moment life begins to the moment it ends.

The art of nursing reaches back to when human society began. Nurses have always cared for people.No community has existed without nursing care. Nurses are everywhere: In the emergency departments awaiting casualties, in helicopters transferring critically ill trauma patients, and in hospitals where timing the respirations of 2- pound babies in neonatal units is essential. Their work is vast and comprehensive.Years and years of assessments define their knowledge base. They are the frontline caregivers and the glue to any organization, making swift decisions based on expert analysis. It doesn’t matter where a trauma occurs; a nurse is always there. In the home, in the school, in psychiatric units, and in seemingly unusual places like restaurants and grocery stores.Armed with the ability to prioritize, analyze, and implement good care, nurses make the world a better place.Wherever they are working, regardless of their roles, nurses aim to help people preserve and enhance their health, wellbeing, and quality of life. When called upon for service, the nurse responds in the most giving of ways to make a difference.