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"Nurse Practitioners: The Unsung Heroes of Healthcare"-Chelsea Jackson, FNP-C

Writer's picture: Dr. Brittney ClintonDr. Brittney Clinton

By Dr. Brittney Clinton | Thursday, June 27, 2024 | 7:10 PM ET


Diversity in healthcare is hearing every voice and making every patient feel valued, not simply numbers. The scope of a committed nurse practitioner.


The culture of nurse practitioners (NPs) is characterized by a combination of professional ideals, clinical knowledge, and a focus on patient-centered care concepts. Nurse practitioners can diagnose, treat, and manage short- and long-term health conditions due to their significant nursing training. They are skilled in health exams, ordering diagnostic tests, and interpreting results to make accurate diagnoses. Nurse practitioners (NPs) prescribe medications, create treatment plans, implement them, and educate patients to improve health and prevent illness. Nurse practitioners value trusting relationships with patients and their families and showing understanding and compassion. They value cultural diversity and adapt treatment programs to their patients' cultural, religious, and linguistic needs. In clinical practice, nurse practitioners advocate beneficence, non-maleficence, autonomy, and justice. Many nurse practitioners lead clinical practice, policy, and education in healthcare institutions. Nurse practitioners are known for their dedication to clinical excellence, patient-centered care, healthcare equality, and professional development.


From the perspective of a distinguished Nurse Practitioner:


Dr. Brittney Clinton: As a nurse practitioner, what significant problem have you encountered and how has it impacted your patient care?


Chelsea Jackson, FNP-C: The entirety of the healthcare industry. The cost of pharmaceuticals, the need to attend to 20-25 patients daily, and several other factors influenced my decision to engage in value-based care.


We provide comprehensive treatment for the patient. Our team consists of case managers, social workers, registered nurses (RNs), and a mental health team who provide comprehensive treatment for the patient. Whether it be housing resources, transportation, food, or any other need. Many individuals sometimes face the dilemma of choosing between purchasing their prescription or meeting ba]ic needs such as electricity or food. Fortunately, we are able to provide assistance in such situations.


Dr. Brittney Clinton: How, particularly in your position, does diversity and cultural competence impact healthcare? In what ways may you include these factors into your work?


Chelsea Jackson, FNP-C: It has a significant and profound impact on it." Experiencing the joy of entering a room and seeing the eyes of a little black girl brighten up as she recognizes herself in me is quite heartwarming. Developing cultural competence is crucial in order to establish a sense of comfort and trust with your patients. I can discern when my patients have dropped their defenses and really comprehend and have faith in my words.



Dr. Brittney Clinton: As an African American nurse practitioner, how can you establish rapport and trust with different patients—especially those who have suffered healthcare system discrimination or mistrust?


Chelsea Jackson, FNP-C: An effective method for building rapport is to actively engage in attentive listening to the other person's thoughts and opinions. As a practitioner in value-based care, I have the opportunity to provide more time to my patients, ensuring they do not have any sense of being hurried. I refuse to allocate 10 minutes of my time in their room, with my hand on the door, only to satisfy a certain patient quota. Individuals want to have their voices acknowledged and to be assured of your attentive listening.


Dr. Brittney Clinton: In medicine, representation matters. How may your identity as an African American nurse practitioner improve patient care and support healthcare team diversity and inclusion?


Chelsea Jackson, FNP-C: Having the ability to see someone who has a resemblance to oneself holds great significance. African Americans' lack of faith in the health care system has deep historical roots and continues to persist in the present day. Upon entering some individuals' rooms, I evoke a sense of ease in some while failing to do so in others. I have seen a few situations when patients expressed a preference against being attended to by a black woman, based on their prior experiences with other healthcare facilities. However, after meeting with me, their opinion has changed.


For current and inspiring healthcare professionals who would like to connect with Chelsea Jackson, FNP-C, please contact her at clewis107@gmail.com .


 

Dr. Brittney Clinton is a content educational practitioner currently serving as an Associate Professor at Westcliff University, Dissertation Committee Member, independent published author, and compassionate leader that attract other professionals, scholars, and individuals in the community with a devoted purpose to empower, educate, and support others. Previously, Dr. Clinton served various leadership roles in Winston-Salem, NC with the following organizations: Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc and The Order of the Eastern Star PHA 30th District. Dr. Clinton currently serves as a board member for the city of Winston-Salem, NC Appearance and Commission Board. Dr. Clinton graduated from the following prestigious institutions: Winston-Salem State University, B.A. Sociology/Elementary Education 2009, Strayer University, MA Education Leadership and Management 2012, and Capella University, Ed. D Education Leadership and Management 2015. Dr. Clinton founded the motto “Continue to be a beacon of light”; which is implemented daily while effectively illuminating a successful path for others.



 


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