Author: Joseph Gerard

How Nursing Professionals Can Lower the Global Chronic Disease Burden

Posted on by Joseph Gerard

Portrait of young nurse with badge crossing arms and smiling at camera

Written by Deboshree Bhattacharjee,

Health problems can be frustrating enough, but they somehow feel worse when we realize we could have prevented them. We could have taken steps to avoid falling prey to ailments that now require long-term management.

The world’s chronic disease burden can be distressing. The Peterson KFF tracker reports that chronic diseases are a leading cause of death. Whether it is hypertension, kidney disease, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), they continue to affect people despite advancements in medical treatment.

In the US, these conditions comprise 80% of the primary causes of death. While not all conditions are preventable, several connect directly to physical inactivity and substance abuse. 

Nursing professionals can play a significant role in transforming this state of affairs, provided they have a community and regulatory support system.

 

Recommending and Supporting Patients Through Preventive Steps

The most impactful intervention for avoiding chronic disease is to recognize the possibility of it developing from an early stage in a person’s life. Nurses, who may interact with patients across their lifespan, can deliver tailored recommendations that can improve health outcomes.

For example, a 2024 study in the European Respiratory Review explains that COPD does not always develop in adulthood due to smoking or pollution exposure. The scholars assert that this chronic disease is also connected to early respiratory infections and poor nutrition. 

“It has been proposed that COPD (and many other chronic diseases) results from different dynamic and cumulative gene–environment interactions occurring over the lifetime of the individual.” – Rosa Faner et al., Researcher, European Respiratory Review.

This makes it crucial to study early-life influences and take the necessary steps to reduce the risk of developing the illness. Even for conditions like cancer, timely interventions may lower an individual’s risk to some extent. This is especially true for obesity-related cancers. 

A British Journal of Cancer study notes that large-scale weight management may be able to prevent such cancers. GLP-1 agonists (glucagon-like-peptide) have been found to be a potent pharmacotherapy approach for managing obesity. Lifestyle-based interventions, such as dietary and exercise changes, can also be supporting agents.

Nurses can recommend data-backed preventive approaches for chronic illness and help patients follow through on them. This requires a deeper and more intimate relationship with a patient than a physician may be able to build or have the time for. A nurse’s focus on active listening and empathy is essential.

 

Steering Patient-Centric Research Based on Behavioral Cues

Another far-reaching way nursing practitioners can impact public health is through research that is genuinely patient-centered. In both inpatient and outpatient settings, nurses have the opportunity to observe patients closely. Behavioral cues can reveal a great deal about how a patient is coping with a condition and whether they are adhering to their medication.

Consistency and proactive caution are vital in preventing and managing chronic disease. In 2024, a research study in the International Journal of General Medicine found that narrative nursing decreased the negative emotions perceived by patients with digestive tract cancers. The core tenets of such nursing include understanding patients’ conditions and needs through their own narratives to deliver personalized care.

Working professionals who pursue a Doctor of Nursing Practice online can learn to apply scientific inquiry and technology to conduct further research in these areas. At the same time, they can continue to fulfill their current roles and remain connected to ground-level patient care.

According to Wilkes University, developing leadership skills to advance nursing practice is a strong step toward applying research to solve global health problems. This strategy equips you to shape the regulatory and policy framework while contributing insightfully with patient behavioral cues. 

 

Extending Patient Care Through Telehealth and Virtual Means

For nurses, maintaining continuity of care is paramount. It ensures that people with chronic illness or those at risk of developing it have support and guidance. Unfortunately, many people in remote and rural areas lack reliable access to healthcare. This increases their risk of developing chronic ailments.

Telehealth and digitally administered care can fill this gap. Regular sessions help nurses look for warning signs and recommend immediate action. 

For example, physically restricting conditions such as arthritis can often impact mental health. Individuals who feel disconnected from their peers and family members can experience isolation and loneliness. 

It does not bode well for those with a greater risk of developing depression, another chronic illness. A 2026 Gallup poll finds that more than 19% of US adults report having or receiving treatment for depression. This translates to roughly 51 million Americans. Nurses who track patients’ health over time can notice early signs of a depressive episode, such as tiredness and mood swings. 

It is heartening that alternative models of nursing care are becoming popular. It can bring substantial improvements in dealing with chronic illnesses among people who find in-person care difficult due to various reasons. Cost, travel, and social stigma are notable factors that virtual care can address.

 

FAQs

1. How can nurses help prevent chronic ailments?

Nurses can play a crucial role in preventing chronic disease by educating patients about healthy lifestyles and encouraging regular screenings. They can also monitor early warning signs and support long-term behavior changes. This personalized care and ongoing communication can help patients reduce risks associated with conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and COPD.

2. Why is telehealth important in managing chronic diseases?

Telehealth can improve access to healthcare for patients in rural and remote communities. Through virtual consultations, nurses can monitor symptoms, provide follow-up care, and encourage adherence to medication. They can identify early signs of mental health concerns. Continuity of care enhances long-term health outcomes for people with chronic illnesses.

3. What role does patient-centered research play in limiting the chronic disease burden?

Patient-centered research allows healthcare professionals to understand how individuals experience chronic illnesses and respond to treatment plans. During patient interactions, nurses can observe behavioral patterns, emotional responses, and roadblocks to medication adherence. These insights can guide more personalized interventions and improve healthcare delivery. Over time, a research-focused approach can support policies for managing chronic diseases.

 

Nursing and the Global Chronic Disease Burden

Leading Causes of Death Chronic diseases account for 80% of the top causes of death in the U.S.
COPD Risk Factors Early respiratory infections and poor nutrition may contribute to the onset of COPD later in life.
Narrative Nursing Outcomes Narrative nursing interventions were found to reduce negative emotions among patients with digestive tract cancers.
Depression in the U.S. More than 19% of US adults report having or receiving treatment for depression, representing roughly 51 million people.
Role of Telehealth Virtual care models improve healthcare access for underserved and remote populations managing chronic illnesses.

 

Unburdening the World From Chronic Disease

The chronic disease burden remains a challenge for healthcare workers and policymakers all over the world. Evolving medical technologies have addressed some of the risk factors, making advanced treatment possible. However, nursing support is imperative for the smooth implementation of these changes in ways that benefit diverse patient communities.

Helping their patients through preventive steps to avoid chronic disease and actively participating in research initiatives can ease the burden. Nursing practitioners should also develop greater enthusiasm toward telehealth and digital care roles. These will be necessary to expand the ambit of care for underserved populations, who may also be more susceptible to chronic illness.

 

References:

Imani Telesford, Matthew McGough, Delaney Tevis, and Lynne Cotter   (2025). How has the burden of chronic diseases in the U.S. and peer nations changed over time? Retrieved from Peterson-KFF Health System Tracker

Rosa Faner, Michael H. Cho, and Gerard H. Koppelman (2024). Towards early detection and disease interception of COPD across the lifespan. Retrieved from European Respiratory Review

Harris, M., Brown, J. & Renehan, A.G. Preventing obesity-related cancer with the revolution in obesity management: the challenges of undertaking a clinical trial and potential solutions. British Journal of Cancer. Retrieved from BJC.

Zhng, Y. (2024). Effect of Narrative Nursing Intervention on Patients with Specific Digestive Tract Malignancies (Esophageal, Gastric, and Intestinal Cancers): A Retrospective Study. International Journal of General Medicine. Retrieved from Taylor and Francis.

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Program (2026). Wilkes University. Retrieved from the Wilkes University website.

Dan Witters (2026). U.S. Depression Rate Remains Elevated. Gallup. Retrieved from the Gallup website.

 

Author Bio:

Deboshree Bhattacharjee likes telling stories that delight and engage. Her focus areas include lifestyle, parenting, health & wellness, and technology. Besides writing, she also edits and strategizes content. Every morning, she wakes up with the northern lights in her eyes and chalks out travel plans.

 

 

 

Please also review AIHCP’s Case Management Certification program and our CE courses as well, to see if they meet your academic and professional goals.  These programs are online and independent study and open to qualified professionals seeking a four year certification

Could Predictive Healthcare Change Case Management Forever?

Posted on by Joseph Gerard

A nurse working with a patient

Written by Deepika

With the advent of Industry 4.0 technologies, everything has gone big. Clinical medicine is no exception, especially since big data has taken over. 

In 2025, the healthcare analytics market was estimated at $65.6 billion. It is expected to become $198.8 billion by 2033. What else can explain these numbers other than the gargantuan volumes of data the healthcare industry generates from electronic health records (EHRs), wearable devices, and more?

Moreover, many healthcare systems have redirected their attention towards a preventive approach, where health risks are identified and addressed before they become serious. In late 2024, the National Health Service (NHS) announced a world-first trial of an AI tool designed to predict a patient’s risk of developing Type II diabetes. 

Researchers found that the tool showed roughly 70% accuracy during testing. As for the claim? It is to be refined until those at risk can be identified up to 13 years before the condition develops. This concentrated focus on predictive healthcare directly connects to case management. 

Predictive tools do show promise in helping case managers monitor vulnerable patients and maintain continuity of care between providers. This article dives deep into the ways in which predictive healthcare could redefine modern case management. Will it change it forever, and if so, then how? Let’s explore in detail. 

 

The Revolutionary Role of Predictive Analytics in Preventive Healthcare 

Preventive healthcare has been a blessing in disguise, as it holds the potential to improve life expectancy and reduce hospitalization rates. Healthcare providers need not wait for symptoms to fully develop before an accurate diagnosis can be made. By this time, many conditions often get out of control.  

Data patterns, patient histories, and digital tools are supporting earlier decision-making. So, the goal has shifted from treatment to the timely detection and prevention of a disease. In practical terms, predictive analytics makes it possible to apply preventive strategies across clinical settings through the recognition of health patterns. 

Behavioral healthcare is an area where the power of this technology is especially evident. Now, mental health conditions often develop gradually, with early symptoms not often clear during regular checkups. 

As per a 2024 study, mental health professionals increasingly acknowledge the potential of AI tools in improving the areas of screening and patient management. The study also noted that clinicians are moving with caution, expressing concerns regarding privacy, accuracy, and ethical use. This means the role of human discretion and therapeutic relationships will remain constant. 

Within such an evolving landscape, even healthcare education is adjusting to these changes. For instance, the growing demand for mental health professionals and the disruption of digital tools have contributed to interest in flexible training routes like online psych nurse practitioner programs. Since the coursework is online, nurses can advance in their roles while continuing clinical practice, something which benefits a system facing workforce shortages. 

Cleveland State University notes that a strong emphasis is placed on communication and organized health assessments related to the connection between physical and psychiatric conditions. These competencies matter because predictive healthcare is not solely about generating risk scores. It equally depends on the way clinicians interpret those scores during assessments. 

Essentially, predictive healthcare is being explored in the following areas:

  • Identifying early warning signs of chronic diseases, including diabetes and cardiovascular conditions 
  • Detecting patients who are at higher risk of hospital readmission or treatment non–adherence 
  • Supporting early behavioral health screening 
  • Tracking patient health patterns through EHRs 
  • Helping care teams prioritize preventive interventions before the condition gets worse 

 

What Predictive Healthcare Could Mean for Case Managers 

As of now, case management revolves around understanding patient needs early and preventing serious complications. With the evolution of predictive tools, the future only gets brighter for case managers. Let’s see why:

Earlier Identification of Vulnerable Patients 

Before their conditions get severe, vulnerable patients can be detected. Healthcare used to be dependent on perceivable symptoms, but not anymore. Predictive tools are helping healthcare providers recognize warning signs sooner. 

For case managers, this could become especially valuable while working with patients who have chronic illnesses, mental health concerns, or high hospitalization rates. In a 2025 study, 10,000+ inpatient visits were analyzed to examine the efficacy of AI-based predictive monitoring systems. 

It was found that patients with high predictive risk scores stayed twice as long in the hospital compared to low-risk patients. So, isn’t there potential here for case management?

Undisturbed Continuity Between Care Providers 

Case management is not limited to scheduling appointments or managing discharge plans. Many cases also require such managers to connect physicians, nurses, specialists, counselors, and family caregivers for uninterrupted patient support. This continuity is not easy to maintain, which is why it is good news that predictive healthcare can help. 

If the tools are able to identify patients who are more likely to experience complications, case managers get more time to coordinate interventions. Essentially, they need not bind themselves to informing only after a patient’s condition deteriorates. Earlier action, in turn, improves prognosis. 

As per a healthcare implementation analysis conducted in 2025, predictive alerts helped healthcare teams to prioritize high-risk patients. Not only that, but this created more opportunities for follow-up care across departments. 

A Less Burdened Healthcare System 

It would be an understatement to share that healthcare systems worldwide are under intense pressure. This pressure is building due to high patient volumes, staffing shortages, and growing demands for long-term care. It affects both operational efficiency and the well-being of healthcare professionals. 

In 2025, Bobby Mukkamala, the President of the American Medical Association (AMA), noted that physician burnout is influenced by changes in “Workload, administrative burden, clinical environment, staffing support, and the day-to-day realities of practice.” 

It is a relief to know that predictive systems can help take some of the pressure off. Hospitals using such tools can predict patient flow and discharge needs. This can help the facility allocate staff and resources efficiently. 

 

The Human Side of Data-Driven Decisions 

Even the best of technology is just technology at its best. This is to say that no matter how advanced predictive systems become, healthcare itself will always stay deeply human. 

Technology can only go so far in understanding a patient’s health status. What about their emotional state, personal fears, or real-life circumstances? Is there a way to quantify these? Although systems have their place in supporting healthcare teams to recognize patterns, they cannot substitute for compassionate communication and human judgment. 

Such a balance is particularly important in case management, where professionals must support patients through periods involving chronic illness, grief, or mental health struggles. The role of predictive tools would be to identify which patients require closer attention. 

Beyond this, case managers, nurses, and physicians are still responsible for treating the patient as a whole person rather than another clinical prediction. The responses of over 2,000 clinicians practicing across 109 countries were gathered for a 2025 survey. While many acknowledged AI’s potential benefits in patient care, they had concerns surrounding trust, governance, and proper training. 

Ultimately, most clinicians thought that human intervention would always be needed, regardless of how advanced the technology becomes. On that front, here’s a closer glimpse of the concerns healthcare professionals have consistently raised:

  • Algorithmic bias, as healthcare systems may miss out on crucial information, such as underrepresented populations or thin medical records of those who cannot access care 
  • Patient uncertainty fueled by healthcare decisions being dependent on automated systems 
  • Privacy concerns related to confidentiality and responsible data use 
  • Emotional complexity, since healthcare decisions are often influenced by fear, grief, trauma, and family dynamics 

The Takeaway 

As far as predictive technology goes, truly, not even the sky is the limit. This means healthcare will see more of these tools in case management to improve preventive care and reduce complications. 

However, that does not give a complete picture of the future. This technology, though anticipatory in nature, will not replace human decision-making anytime soon. What it will end up being is a valuable support system for delivering better care outcomes. 

 

FAQs 

How is predictive healthcare changing the role of case managers?

Predictive healthcare, propelled by advanced analytics tools, is enabling case managers to focus on preventive care. Patients at higher risk of complications can be identified, which allows case managers to prioritize support before the condition further deteriorates. This improves continuity of care across providers and streamlines communication between physicians, nurses, and mental health professionals. 

Can predictive analytics improve early detection in both physical and behavioral healthcare?

Yes, predictive analytics can support early detection in both physical and behavioral healthcare. In the former, it can help identify the early warning signs of chronic conditions such as diabetes or cardiovascular disease. As for behavioral health, predictive tools are being studied for their ability to track symptoms and detect risks for mental health conditions that often develop gradually. 

Will predictive healthcare replace human decision-making in clinical practice?

No, predictive healthcare is not expected to replace human decision-making anytime soon. Instead, it is designed to play a supporting role for healthcare professionals by providing additional data-driven insights. Ultimately, healthcare remains a human-centered field, and predictive tools are most effective when used alongside ethical human judgment and empathy. 

 

Recent Data on Predictive Healthcare 

Healthcare analytics market value and projection  $65.5 billion in 2025, $198.8 billion by 2033 
2024 NHS trial of an AI tool designed to predict patient risk of developing Type II diabetes  70% accuracy, with claims of detecting those at risk 13 years before the condition develops 
2025 analysis of 10,000+ in-patient visits to examine the efficacy of AI-based predictive monitoring systems  Patients with high predictive risk scores stayed twice as long in the hospital compared to low-risk patients 
Results of a 2025 healthcare implementation analysis  Predictive alerts helped healthcare teams to prioritize high-risk patients and created more opportunities for follow-up care 
2024 study on the potential of AI tools Healthcare professionals acknowledged the technology’s role in improving screening and patient management, but also expressed concerns regarding privacy, accuracy, and ethical use 
2025 survey of 2,000+ clinicians across 109 countries on the potential benefits of AI in patient care  Many recognized the advantages of the technology, provided concerns regarding trust, governance, and proper training are addressed 

 

The good news, for both patients and healthcare providers, is that predictive healthcare is not a future possibility. While the technology may continue to advance further still, it is very much a part of mainstream clinical practice even today. 

Case managers will receive the support they need for more accurate risk identification, but the tools will not replace the interpretive and relational aspects of healthcare practice. Again, the future stage is not set by substituting human care with data. Balance has been the answer all along, where technology strengthens insights while preserving empathy, just like it should, right? 

References:

  1. Grand View Research. 2024. Healthcare analytics market size, share & trends analysis report, et al. 

https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/healthcare-analytics-market

  1. Gregory Andrew. 2024. NHS to begin world-first trial of AI tool to identify type 2 diabetes risk. The Guardian.

https://www.theguardian.com/society/2024/dec/23/nhs-to-begin-world-first-trial-of-ai-tool-to-identify-type-2-diabetes-risk

  1. Cross Shane. Bell Imogen, et al. 2024. Use of AI in mental health care: community and mental health professionals survey. JMIR Publications. Volume 11. 

https://mental.jmir.org/2024/1/e60589

  1. Keim-Malpass Jessica, J. Ratcliffe Sarah, et al. 2025. A pragmatic randomized controlled trial of artificial intelligence (AI)-based predictive analytics monitoring for early detection of clinical deterioration. MedRxiv. 

https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.01.20.25320838v1

  1. Nguyen Dinh, Lee Sinjin, et al. 2025. Digital transformation with clinical alerts and personalized care systems in an integrated value based model. Npj digital medicine. 415. 

https://www.nature.com/articles/s41746-025-01838-1

  1. American Medical Association. 2026. AMA: physician burnout rates are falling, specialty gaps remain. 

https://www.ama-assn.org/press-center/ama-press-releases/ama-physician-burnout-rates-are-falling-specialty-gaps-remain

  1. Elsevier. 2025. Elsevier’s clinician of the future 2025 survey: clinicians’ AI usage and optimism grows despite concerns around trust and reliability. 

https://www.elsevier.com/en-xs/about/press-releases/elseviers-clinician-of-the-future-2025-survey-clinicians-ai-usage-and

Author Bio

Deepika has over six years of experience as a writer and editor. Passionate about words and learning, she takes an interest in a variety of niches. Her knack for turning complex ideas into relatable narratives allows her to resonate with the reader. 

When her pen falls silent, you can find her engrossed in a novel or getting her hands messy with fine arts. By these, Deepika is committed to keeping her curiosity and creativity alive. 

 

 

Please also review AIHCP’s Case Management Certification program and our CE courses as well, to see if they meet your academic and professional goals.  These programs are online and independent study and open to qualified professionals seeking a four year certification

The Clinical Side of ‘Loneliness’ That Needs to Be Discussed 

Posted on by Joseph Gerard

A person alone in the dark.

Written by Deepika

Someone is sitting alone in a room with no companions in sight. Another individual is a part of a crowded room, but emotionally disconnected due to a difficult phase in their life. Both these scenarios may or may not describe a person dealing with the issue of loneliness. 

Such a problem is often treated as a personal or an emotional one. Mostly, nobody stops to even consider the health implications of loneliness. The World Health Organization (WHO) has shared that one in six people worldwide suffers from loneliness. It also states that social connections can improve health and reduce the chances of an early death. 

As social beings, humans cannot afford to neglect loneliness; even one lonely person is one too many. As for healthcare, patients with this problem may enter a facility with complaints of chronic pain, fatigue, or sleeplessness. 

Now is the time to put aside the stigma and discomfort surrounding complex emotional needs. This article presents the case for exploring the clinical side of loneliness. We will see how emotional isolation manifests itself through physical and behavioral symptoms, and what healthcare can do to respond in a holistic way. 

 

The Unmistakable Imprint of Loneliness on Physical and Behavioral Health 

Healthcare professionals seldom find someone entering the gates of their facility exclusively with the problem of loneliness. This is especially true in the case of those whose primary complaints are physical, like aches and discomfort. 

This makes it difficult to identify the root cause, although loneliness is becoming an increasingly important factor. Arthur C. Evans, the CEO of the American Psychological Association (APA), noted that “Research tells us that a sense of isolation and social fragmentation can have real consequences for our ability to manage stress and stay healthy.” 

So, does loneliness and its side effects show up in one’s physical and behavioral health? Absolutely, but the appearance is so indirect that it is easy to miss the symptoms. As a result, patients are stuck in a vicious cycle of repeated consultations, diagnostic ambiguity, and fragmented care. 

Unless the emotional component is identified and given its due diligence, the issue can be temporarily stalled, but not eradicated. The following are some common physical and behavioral indicators associated with loneliness:

  • Constant complaints of fatigue or low energy without a clear medical cause 
  • Sleep disturbances, including irregular sleep cycles or insomnia 
  • Headaches, body pain, or other somatic issues 
  • High levels of anxiety, irritability, and emotional instability 
  • Reduced motivation for self-care or poor adherence to treatment 
  • Minimal engagement during consultations 
  • Frequent healthcare visits for recurring or unexplained symptoms 

From a clinical perspective, such presentations confirm the importance of interpreting patient symptoms with a framework that extends beyond visible complaints. Such an approach is a part of modern nursing education, including the Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing or ABSN. This model is designed to prepare students without a prior nursing degree for professional nursing practice. 

On that note, programs such as the Elmhurst University ABSN program place emphasis on principles for adult populations experiencing common health problems within different care settings. So, the focus is not only on clinical competencies, but also on holistic patient assessment and psychosocial factors that influence health outcomes. 

It is the need of the hour to approach adult patient care through an emotional and social lens. That is exactly how holistic and accurate patient care becomes possible. 

 

Why Modern Healthcare Cannot Treat Loneliness as a Secondary Concern 

Is it not sad to think that despite many patients suffering from physical concerns that have emotional roots, healthcare doesn’t seem to get it? Perhaps the challenge has to do with how loneliness doesn’t display itself in obvious ways. Let’s understand closely why it’s time to pull down the walls and treat loneliness as a primary concern. 

More Than Emotional Well-Being Is at Stake 

Some of the main problems associated with loneliness are feelings of sadness and disconnection with one’s surroundings. It’s only a matter of time before the symptoms show up in the form of headaches, sleep disturbances, or digestive problems. 

In a 2024 study involving 66 young adults (18-35 years), it was found that loneliness was a risk factor for cardiovascular disease development. Since the issue will become physical at one point or another, why not tackle it at its root from the beginning?

Patients Are Often Oblivious to Their Loneliness Issue 

As hinted before, many patients with chronic loneliness enter the clinic gates with concerns like sleep disorders or unexplained tiredness. For some, loneliness develops gradually through grief, retirement, or social withdrawal. Since such experiences either seem trivial or normalized, they never come to the surface. 

Matters only get worse due to fast-paced lifestyles facilitated by digital communications and work expectations. As revealed in a 2025 study involving individuals with chronic disease and loneliness, the stigma surrounding the latter often discourages people from acknowledging the isolation despite health effects. Perhaps healthcare providers need to bridge this gap, right?

The Irony of Modernism Only Makes Things Worse 

Technology came with the promise of connecting the world like never before. We may be a global village now, but we are more disconnected from genuine human connections than ever. When life gets fast-tracked, and connections become virtual, there is hardly any room for deeper interpersonal relationships. 

A 2024 poll discovered that 30% of adults reported feeling lonely at least once every week. This issue was higher among younger adults despite being the most digitally connected population. That explains why healthcare finds loneliness to be most pressing among those with an ‘apparently’ active social life. 

 

What Healthcare Must Do as Loneliness Becomes a Clinical Reality 

Acknowledging the problem of loneliness is just one half of the equation. Healthcare must now recognize emotional isolation in terms of long-term health outcomes. Here’s what can be done in light of the growing clinical reality of loneliness. 

Being Aware of the Less Obvious Signs of Loneliness 

Since loneliness likes to be sneaky, healthcare providers need to know what that implies. From vague physical complaints to subtle changes in behavior, nothing should be ruled out. Certain probing questions regarding the patient’s social life will provide the rest of the answer. 

A 2024 study was conducted precisely to examine whether loneliness was related to increased healthcare utilization among older adults. After analyzing 932 medical records, it was found that patients experiencing loneliness were more likely to use healthcare resources than their peers. Is it still safe to believe that healthcare can afford to neglect even the less obvious signs of loneliness?

Making Therapeutic Communication a Part of Patient Care 

A part of the challenge involved in treating patients with loneliness-induced physical issues is that they might resist the idea initially. Unless therapeutic communication drives the doctor-patient interactions, the latter is less likely to discuss their struggles or story. 

This type of communication includes listening patiently, responding empathetically, and providing emotional validation. Studies have shown that the sensitivity of doctors towards patients’ communication signals can go a long way in improving patient satisfaction. So, this step cannot be an optional one. 

Integrating Emotional Well-being Into Holistic Healthcare 

Now, this one may seem shocking since emotional well-being is already a part of holistic healthcare, right? Yes, in theory at least. As for clinical screening, it is often left unaddressed due to time constraints or documented as less severe. Some healthcare institutions keep emotional well-being separate from medical treatments. 

Continuity of care is only possible when emotional well-being is integrated, along with interdisciplinary care. In a 2025 cohort study, 7,484 adults with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease were examined. Those with loneliness had a 33% higher risk of mortality compared to those with a healthy social life. Even hospitalization rates were higher among the lonely folks, so why keep emotional well-being separate? 

 

FAQs 

Can loneliness affect physical health, or is it just an emotional issue?

Yes, loneliness is more than an emotional experience. It can contribute to physical health problems such as fatigue, sleep disturbances, and a weakened immune system. From a clinical perspective, loneliness often has a say in how symptoms appear and the way patients respond to treatment.

Why are so many patients with loneliness oblivious to it?

Many patients fail to identify loneliness as the root cause of their physical ailments because it develops gradually and has an indirect effect. Additionally, social withdrawal and emotional disconnection tend to get normalized over time. As a result, individuals may seek medical support for physical symptoms without realizing that the factor driving the problem is loneliness. 

How can healthcare professionals identify and manage loneliness in clinical settings?

To identify loneliness, it is important to observe subtle physical and behavioral signs, including unexplained symptoms, low engagement during consultations, and frequent healthcare visits. As for the management, it involves regular screenings, strong therapeutic communication, and interdisciplinary care. 

 

Recent Data on Loneliness and Its Impact 

Number of people who suffer from loneliness worldwide, as per the World Health Organization  One in six people 
2024 study on 66 young adults aged 18 to 35 years Loneliness was found to be a risk factor for cardiovascular disease 
2025 study involving individuals with chronic disease and loneliness  The stigma surrounding the latter made it difficult to acknowledge emotional isolation despite the health effects 
Adults who reported feeling lonely at least once every week in a 2024 APA poll  30% of those surveyed 
2024 analysis of 932 medical records on the relation between loneliness and increased healthcare utilization  Directly proportional 
Studies on physician sensitivity to patients’ communication signals and patient satisfaction  Direct correlation 
2025 cohort study involving 7,484 adults with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease  Those with loneliness had a 33% higher risk of mortality 

Loneliness is in no way new because it has impacted people across all generations. Earlier, there weren’t many ways to measure or record this problem. However, it stands true that loneliness is more pronounced now, especially since community living is scarce. 

Moreover, everyone seems to be too busy with their own lives, right? The human heart craves meaningful connections, or else it does not care. From a healthcare viewpoint, this means that addressing only visible complaints does not suffice. 

The next time your team conducts its routine assessments, let every member be trained and aware of the clinical side of loneliness. No matter how advanced healthcare becomes, if the elephant in the room stays hidden in plain sight, then is that true progress? 

 

References:

  1. World Health Organization. 2025. Social connection linked to improved health and reduced risk of early death. 

https://www.who.int/news/item/30-06-2025-social-connection-linked-to-improved-heath-and-reduced-risk-of-early-death

  1. American Psychological Association. 2025. APA poll reveals a nation suffering from stress of societal division, loneliness. 

https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/2025/11/nation-suffering-division-loneliness

  1. Vasan Shraddha, Lambert Elisabeth, et al. Investing the relationship between early cardiovascular disease markers and loneliness in young adults. 2024. Scientific Reports. 14221.

https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-024-65039-8

  1. Fan Zhiguang, Wen Hongjuan, et al. The Chinese version of the stigma of loneliness scale in people with chronic diseases: an assessment of psychometric characteristics. 2026. Springer Nature Link. Volume 25, 1619. 

https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12889-025-22743-y/metrics

  1. American Psychiatric Association. 2024. New APA poll: one in three AmericansAmericans feels lonely every week. 

https://www.psychiatry.org/news-room/news-releases/new-apa-poll-one-in-three-americans-feels-lonely-e

  1. J.J. Mira, D. Torres, et al. Loneliness impact on healthcare utilization in primary care: a retrospective study. 2024. Journal of Healthcare Quality Research. Volume 39, Issue 4. 

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2603647924000277

  1. Confort Frederico Carlos. Physicians’ attention to patients’ communication cues can improve patient satisfaction with care and perception of physicians’ empathy. 2024. PubMed. 

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38703716/

  1. Galper Kathleen, et al. Routine loneliness screening in adults with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease in a large national health plan: a retrospective cohort study. 2025. PubMed. 

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41043827/

 

Author Bio

Deepika has over six years of experience as a writer and editor. Passionate about words and learning, she takes an interest in a variety of niches. Her knack for turning complex ideas into relatable narratives allows her to resonate with the reader. 

When her pen falls silent, you can find her engrossed in a novel or getting her hands messy with fine arts. By these, Deepika is committed to keeping her curiosity and creativity alive. 

 

 

Please also review AIHCP’s Grief Counselor Certification program and CE courses see if it meets your academic and professional goals.  These programs are online and independent study and open to qualified professionals seeking a four year certification

Is a BSN to MSN Worth It? Real Talk for Nurses in 2026

Posted on by Joseph Gerard

doctor holding stethoscopeWritten by Agwalogu Bob,

Healthcare is evolving. Facilities are adopting new tools, patient-centered care is becoming important, and technologies like data analytics and AI are increasingly becoming a normal part of clinical workflows. Because of this, and many other changes happening across the industry, the demand for nurses with advanced qualifications has never been greater.

If you’re a registered nurse who already holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), this could be your opportunity to step into leadership. But it also means going back to school for your master’s degree.

As of 2024, more than 17% of nurses in the U.S. held a master’s degree, meaning you’d be joining a growing group of highly qualified professionals. But the real question isn’t how many nurses are doing it. It’s whether you should.

Read on to find out whether investing in an MSN is worth it for nurses who already have BSNs in today’s landscape.

What Is a BSN to MSN Program?

A BSN to MSN program is one of the most direct ways to earn a Master of Science in Nursing as a registered nurse. Since you already have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, you can progress into graduate-level nursing education and advanced practice preparation without starting from scratch.

Most of these MSN programs run about 1.5 to 3 years, and many of them are offered entirely online. This is a big deal for working nurses who can’t just quit their jobs and sit in a classroom.

When you do a BSN to MSN program, you don’t just get to earn a generic master’s degree. You choose a specific track that aligns with your career goals.

Common MSN specializations include:

  • Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner
  • Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL)
  • Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
  • Nurse Educator
  • Nursing Administration and Leadership
  • Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)

This mix of online flexibility and specialization means that you can tailor your education toward specific advanced practice or leadership roles.

What are the Benefits of Getting an MSN?

No one goes back to school simply because they enjoy doing assignments. So, what are the upsides if you decide to go for an MSN after your BSN? Here are the top ones.

Higher Salary Potential

The financial ROI is possibly the biggest driving force. While the salary of registered nurses is pretty decent, an MSN unlocks a whole new level of earning power.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), who are typically MSN holders, earn significantly more than traditional registered nurses. In fact, 2024 U.S. BLS data show that most of these professionals earn more than $132,000 per year.

More Career Opportunities

If you’re tired of 12-hour floor shifts or want to move beyond bedside nursing, an MSN degree is your ticket.

Once you earn your MSN degree, you’re one step closer to nursing leadership and administration roles where you oversee entire departments. You could also transition into teaching through an MSN nurse education online program if that’s where your passion lies.

According to Walsh University, this program expands your understanding of clinical procedures, nursing skills, and clinical reasoning, allowing you to positively impact the future of nurse teaching.

Greater Autonomy and Responsibility

As a regular nurse, you know the reality of always having to wait on a physician or someone more senior for every minor order change. 

Earn an MSN, and you can have greater autonomy and clinical responsibility. In many states, as an advanced practice nurse, you can evaluate patients, diagnose illnesses, order tests, and prescribe medications completely on your own.

Strong Job Demand

Demand is another big reason to consider a BSN to MSN program. With a Master’s in Nursing, you are open to a wide range of nursing specializations, including options in education. It’s just a matter of picking an in-demand specialization that matches your passion.

Additionally, the U.S. BLS predicts that nurse practitioner roles will be one of the fastest-growing in the country, with 40% more employment than other occupations. This strong outlook means that with your MSN, your career is essentially future-proof.

The Downsides of BSN to MSN

It will be wrong to paint the picture that doing a BSN to MSN program is without challenges. It has. Here’s what you should look out for:

  • Tuition and Financial Costs: The honest truth is that graduate nursing school is expensive. Even with employer reimbursement programs, many nurses still take on loans. And even though many MSN specialties lead to a dramatic salary increase, it doesn’t happen overnight.
  • Time Commitment: Working while studying is tough. There’s really no soft way to say it. Even if you’re doing the online approach, you still have to balance your shifts, family responsibilities, clinical rotations, exams, and more. Some nurses manage beautifully. Others struggle hard.
  • Increased Stress: MSN comes with increased autonomy and responsibilities. The problem is that some of these roles bring higher stress. You have to deal with difficult decision-making, administrative pressure, legal liabilities, and even burnout risks.

Burnout, in particular, is a really big issue among nurses. The Journal of Emergency Nursing reveals that more than 10% of registered nurses globally have experienced burnout at one time or another.

So, does that mean you shouldn’t consider advanced nursing qualifications? Definitely not. Listing out these challenges helps you prepare for them.

Factors to Consider Before Enrolling in an MSN Program

So, how do you know whether an advanced qualification in nursing is a good idea or not? While the yardstick is different for everyone, before applying, answer the following questions:

  • Do you actually want the daily duties of an MSN role?
  • Can you afford the program?
  • Does your current employer offer any form of tuition support?
  • Will a degree program fit around your current shifts?

Also, if you can, talk to other nurses who have already earned their MSN, especially alumni of the schools you’re considering.

FAQs

Is it better to have a BSN or an MSN?

It depends. If you want to do direct patient care but take on minimal leadership responsibilities, then a BSN is enough. However, if your long-term goals involve advanced specialization and practice, decision-making leadership, or nursing education, then you definitely need an MSN.  

What can you do with an MSN that you can’t do with a BSN?

There are many different things you can do as a nurse with an MSN that you can’t do with just a BSN. The most important is full practice authority. This means that you have the authority to diagnose conditions, interpret the diagnosis, and even begin treatment without waiting for a physician.

Do MSNs get paid more than BSNs?

Absolutely. While a registered nurse with a bachelor’s degree definitely earns a good salary, a nurse with an MSN earns more. The U.S. BLS puts this figure at $132,000+ per year as of 2024.

Key Figures at a Glance

Context Figures
Nurses in the U.S. holding a master’s degree 17%+ as of 2024
Median annual salary for MSN holders $132,000+
Projected job growth of nurse practitioners 40%
Nurses experiencing burnout globally 10%+
Typical MSN program length 1.5 – 3 years

So, is a BSN to MSN Worth It?

For the right nurse, with the right goals? Yes. But BSN to MSN isn’t for every nurse.

Unsure about your long-term direction? Then spend some more time as a registered nurse with a BSN. Once you’re certain of your future, you can then make your move with confidence.

 

References

Robert Rosseter. (2026). Nursing Workforce Fact Sheet. American Association of College of Nursing. Retrieved from the AACN website.

  1. S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2025). Nurse Anesthetists, Nurse Midwives, and Nurse Practitioners. Retrieved from the U.S. BLS website.

American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP). (2025). Issues at a Glance: Full Practice Authority. Retrieved from the AANP website.

  1. S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2025). Fastest Growing Occupations. Retrieved from the U.S. BLS website.

Valdez A. (2024). Journal of Emergency Nursing. Burnout or Exploitation? Resiliency is Not the Solution. Retrieved from jenonline.

 

Author Bio

Agwalogu Bob believes great content doesn’t just inform, it resonates, and then sticks. For over eight years, he’s been helping agencies across four continents craft just that kind of content: sharp, engaging cut-through-the-noise copy across SaaS, finance, tech, health, and lifestyle.

When he’s not putting pen to paper, you’ll likely find him scouring the internet for funny memes.

Connect with him on LinkedIn or Medium.

 

 

Please also review AIHCP’s Health Care Leadership Certification program and CE courses see if it meets your academic and professional goals.  These programs are online and independent study and open to qualified professionals seeking a four year certification

3 Ways NASW Ethics Are Evolving to Meet Mental Healthcare Needs 

Posted on by Joseph Gerard

Please also review AIHCP's multiple counseling certifications in Grief Counseling, Christian Counseling, Life Coaching, Anger Management, Stress Management and Crisis Intervention Counseling

Written by Deboshree Bhattacharjee,

Whether it’s persistent stress that is responsible or turbulent sociocultural environments at work, mental healthcare has become a veritable challenge. 

The WHO states that over a billion people now live with mental health concerns. But the available services are not scaled up. This scenario means poor accessibility to support for thousands of patients. 

Conditions like depression and anxiety also cost the economy roughly US$ 1 trillion annually. What’s worse, new mental health challenges keep coming up constantly, from work-induced burnout to screen addiction and trauma because of cyberbullying.

As social and healthcare workers persevere to address these challenges, they turn to the NASW (National Association of Social Workers) Code of Ethics for guidance on ethical decision-making. 

Mental health practitioners working on such cases must ensure that their approach aligns with the recommended specifications. That said, the NASW is also evolving to address changing mental healthcare needs.

 

1. Recognizing and Safeguarding Virtual Therapy

One of the most visible ways in which the NASW is evolving is its increased focus on patient care delivered through virtual media. For mental healthcare, this can be through telehealth practices and video chats with therapists.

The NASW highlights that many telehealth facilities started during the COVID-19 pandemic have elapsed and are pending review. This has limited access to mental health treatment for people facing geographical restrictions. The ongoing advocacy to make telehealth services permanent is a necessary endeavor to support diverse populations.

The American Psychological Association reports that around a third of people cannot access the mental health support they need. Around 60 percent state it is due to cost issues. Logically, in-person visits can be much more expensive for people in far-flung locations.

Some people now access therapy online, with AI-based tools becoming more popular. Many people find them easy to use as they get a quick response and don’t feel judged. 

However, this strategy isn’t without its risks. An NPR feature underlines that AI chatbots can mimic human empathy, creating a false sense of intimacy. They may also fail to flag and escalate signs of danger, which has led to tragic outcomes in the past.

“Some of our principles are in conflict…We prioritize safety ahead of privacy and freedom for teens. This is a new and powerful technology, and we believe minors need significant protection.” – Sam Altman, CEO, OpenAI.

The NASW is working to safeguard various modes of virtual therapy and ensure they are both ethical and secure. 

 

2. Working More Closely With Teenagers and Young Adults 

Another evolving aspect of NASW is its commitment to the mental health of younger people, which has increasingly become concerning.

The WHO stresses that one in seven 10 to 19-year-old youngsters suffers from poor mental health. It accounts for 15 percent of this age group’s global burden of disease. Social media addiction is considered a prime contributor to anxiety issues, triggering body image issues and a constant FOMO (fear of missing out).

NASW is ramping up its initiatives to address these issues through training programs for social workers. For example, a recent webinar on emerging trends in youth mental health addressed the impact of technology and the protective factors that can support today’s youth. 

In fact, a well-rounded licensed clinical social worker degree often includes family and youth services in the curriculum. Practitioners learn to work in various fields of mental health, including addiction problems and substance abuse. The goal is to help practitioners develop strategies that help young people become more resilient. At the same time, they should feel comfortable seeking help.

This sharpening of clinical mental health treatment skills also proves helpful for advancing the career of social workers. Keuka College highlights that a licensed social worker makes approximately 23% more than bachelor-level professionals. They also outearn social workers without clinical licensure.

 

3. Delivering Culturally Sensitive Patient Care

The NASW Code also incorporates principles of cultural sensitivity to ensure that practitioners can support people in more powerful ways. 

More broadly, social workers are focusing on understanding people from various socioeconomic backgrounds and underserved communities. They are working to eliminate the stigma society often attributes to being “different,” whether it is through their gender affirmation or political values.

Conventionally, the NASW has propagated thoughtful practices, such as delivering treatment in a language the patient understands and providing interpreters and translation tools when required. Professionals also learn to respect sociopolitical or religious beliefs to avoid these aspects from affecting treatment progress.

More recently, however, the NASW has renewed focus on culturally competent care. It has not only recommended standards and indicators for cultural competence but also guidance on their implementation. These developments may take more concrete shape in 2026.

It brings hope that more people will now benefit from trauma-informed care. This is crucial for the most vulnerable groups, including immigrants and people from other “minorities.” They may have faced years of discrimination, which is sure to affect the progress of mental health treatment they eventually receive.

 

FAQs

Why is telehealth important in mental healthcare?

Telehealth can improve access to therapy and counseling. It is especially true for people in rural or underserved areas. They may face transportation or cost barriers, which virtual treatment can address.

How does cultural competence strengthen mental health treatment?

Culturally competent care helps practitioners understand patients’ backgrounds and beliefs. This leads to more personalized treatment outcomes. It also helps professionals support patients in overcoming stigma and other roadblocks emanating from their sociocultural experiences.

What can licensed clinical social workers do?
Licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs) can assess and diagnose mental health conditions with competence and certainty. They can also treat conditions through counseling and therapy. Licensing also helps social workers to boost their career prospects and work in more diverse healthcare settings. 

NASW Upgrades for Mental Health Support

 

Global mental health outlook More than 1 billion people live with mental health problems
Economic repercussions Depression and anxiety disorders cost the global economy roughly US$ 1 trillion annually
Access to care Around one-third of people cannot receive the mental health support they need
Cost barriers About 60% of people cite cost as the reason they cannot access mental healthcare
Youth mental health 1 in 7 adolescents aged 10–19 experience a mental disorder
Disease burden in youth Mental disorders account for 15% of the global burden of disease among people aged 10–19

 

Acknowledging as Key to Addressing

The developments in NASW Ethics reflect a keen desire to acknowledge societal problems and appreciate that they impact public mental health. Social workers recognize the possible ramifications of virtual therapy and also the drawbacks of shutting down access to it. Likewise, they understand the limitations of limited academic training in youth issues and cultural competency. 

The ways NASW is evolving resonate with the developments in mental healthcare and our response to them. Acknowledging that shortcomings exist and that they can improve with concerted effort is key to addressing them.

 

References:

WHO (2025). Over a billion people living with mental health conditions – services require urgent scale-up. Retrieved from the WHO website.

NASW Code of Ethics (2026). Retrieved from the NASW website.

Mirean Coleman (2025). Telehealth Flexibilities: Attention Clinical Social Workers Who are Private Practitioners. Retrieved from the NASW website.

Heather Stringer (2024). Mental health care is in high demand. Psychologists are leveraging tech and peers to meet the need. Retrieved from the American Psychological Association.

Windsor Johnston (2025). With therapy hard to get, people lean on AI for mental health. What are the risks? Retrieved from the NPR website.

WHO (2025). Mental health of adolescents. Retrieved from the WHO website.

Keuka College (2026). Master of Social Work Traditional Track. Retrieved from the Keuka College website.

Emerging Trends and Future Challenges in Youth Mental Health (3 CEs) Live Webinar. Retrieved from the NASW website.

Author Bio:

Deboshree Bhattacharjee likes telling stories that delight and engage. Her focus areas include lifestyle, parenting, health & wellness, and technology. Besides writing, she also edits and strategizes content. Every morning, she wakes up with the northern lights in her eyes and chalks out travel plans.

 

Please also review AIHCP’s Health Care Ethics Certification program and CE courses see if it meets your academic and professional goals.  These programs are online and independent study and open to qualified professionals seeking a four year certification

How Holistic Nursing Improves Outcomes in Acute Care Settings

Posted on by Joseph Gerard

Nurse visiting an elderly patient in need of acute care.

Written by Zainab Shakil,

As a nurse, you know how busy acute care gets. Patients come in sick or injured, and you do your best to save their lives. 

You fix broken bones, treat heart attacks, and try to contain infections. But sometimes, in the middle of all that rush, the human side gets lost. You might focus so much on the disease that you forget about the person lying on the bed.

But more and more, we are seeing that treating the symptoms isn’t enough to improve patient outcomes. 

Leaning into holistic nursing, which involves caring for the whole person (body, mind, emotions, spirit, and even their family and social world), can make your job more fulfilling while improving results. How? We will discuss that here. 

Why Acute Care Needs Holistic Approaches

Acute care settings are intense. Patients arrive with sudden illnesses, surgeries, or exacerbations of chronic conditions. 

Traditional models focus heavily on physical symptoms and quick stabilization, which is crucial, of course. But they often overlook stress, fear, isolation, poor sleep, or lack of family support that can slow healing or spark complications.

No wonder readmission rates stay high for many conditions. Medicare data shows that about 20% of patients are readmitted within 30 days. Stress slows healing. Poor sleep in the hospital raises infection risks. People leave without knowing how to manage at home.

Holistic nursing changes that. It treats the patient as a whole. You check their emotions, family support, spiritual needs, and daily habits. 

A holistic approach teams up doctors, nurses, therapists, and families. Recent research published on ResearchGate points out that holistic methods help in busy settings by building better teamwork and catching problems early.

How Nurses Can Get into Holistic Practice

If you’re a licensed nurse and like what you’re reading about holistic practice, how do you get into it? Surprisingly, it’s very simple. You can get started by doing a continuing education program through the American Institute of Health Care Professionals (AIHCP). Holistic nursing certifications offered by AIHCP incorporate the latest findings and techniques required to provide well-rounded treatment to patients from day one.  

How Holistic Nursing Improves Outcomes in Acute Care Settings

Here is a closer look at how holistic nursing improves outcomes in acute care settings.

1. Improved Patient Outcome

Holistic nursing leads to better overall results. Patients feel less pain, have stronger spirits, and heal better.

In a 2025 cohort study from China, ICU patients with holistic integrated nursing had a much better quality of life three months later. They scored higher on all parts, physical function, energy, mental health, you name it,  of the SF-36 survey. 

Why? Nurses addressed anxiety with conversation and relaxation. They got families involved early. Patients ate better, moved more, and slept more easily. This reduces complications like pressure sores or confusion.

Rockhurst University notes that the NUA 5020 of the acute care nurse practitioner program teaches nurses ways to overcome current healthcare challenges to give patients better, safer care. 

Even nurses who opt for an online acute care nurse practitioner program study current healthcare challenges to find ways to make care safer and improve patient outcomes. Flexibility to study while working allows them to pursue career advancement without abandoning the understaffed healthcare workforce.

Holistic approaches also reduce complications like hospital-acquired infections or delirium. Patients report higher satisfaction, which often translates to better adherence to treatments.

2. Faster Recovery and Shorter Hospital Stays

Holistic nursing helps patients bounce back quicker by tackling barriers beyond the physical. 

Nurses get families involved early. Holistic care gets patients moving gently sooner, eating right, and managing stress. Less stress means less inflammation. Better sleep helps repair the body. Simple things like guided imagery or hand massages reduce anxiety, so patients recover more quickly.

Data from PMC shows that holistic models in the ICU cut the length of stay. Patients recovered more quickly with integrated medical-nursing care. Complications dropped, so no extra days for treating new issues. 

This matters big time. Medicare and insurers watch the length of stay closely. Holistic nursing fits with Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols, which involve early mobility, nutrition talks, and emotional support. Nurses lead a lot of this.

Shorter stays also help combat burnout, which currently affects around 35.3% in the U.S. When patients recover well, you see progress instead of constant crises. Plus, hospitals save money. Fewer bed-days mean better resource use, which can translate to better staffing or equipment down the line.

3. Reduced Complications and Readmissions

No nurse wants their patients to return soon. Readmissions are costly and stressful for patients and teams.  

Research published in PMC reveals that readmission rates vary depending on the illness. For general patients, it ranged from 3.7% to nearly 31%. Heart failure saw the highest return rates (up to 31.9%), followed by heart attacks (up to 23%), and strokes (up to 13.7%).

When patients are sent home, they are often confused. They have a huge stack of complex discharge papers. They have brand new pills to take every day. 

If they do not understand the doctor’s instructions, they mess up. They might take the completely wrong dose of medicine. They might eat the wrong foods. Very soon, they end up right back in the emergency room.

Holistic nursing is one of the best tools to stop both complications and readmissions. Nurses prevent readmissions by using transitional care. This simply means they bridge the gap between the hospital and the home. 

In practicality, that means you sit down with the patient and their family members. You explain everything in plain, simple English, making sure the family knows exactly what to do. You might also follow up with the patient a few days after they go home. 

FAQs

1: What is holistic nursing in acute care?

Holistic nursing treats the whole person, not just the disease. It reduces stress and improves healing in fast-paced hospital settings.  

2: How does holistic care reduce hospital readmissions?

It improves discharge education, involves families, addresses emotional needs, and ensures better understanding of medications and home care, lowering confusion and complications after discharge.  

3. Can holistic nursing help alleviate nurse burnout?

Yes. By fostering better patient outcomes, earlier recoveries, and effective teamwork, nurses experience a more fulfilling work environment. 

Key Statistics

30-day hospital readmission rate ~20%
Nurse burnout rate (U.S.) 35.30%
General patient readmission rate 3.7% – 31%
Heart failure readmission rate Up to 31.9%

 

You Are the True Heart of Healing

Hospitals can be cold and scary places, but holistic nurses bring much-needed warmth and humanity back to medicine. They prove every single day that looking at the whole person is the best way to heal the human body.

By treating the mind, body, and spirit together, these nurses deeply improve patient outcomes. They help people recover faster and get back to their own cozy beds much sooner. Most importantly, they make sure patients stay healthy once they go home, avoiding stressful return trips to the hospital.

You already do pieces of this. Add a little more listening, a relaxation tip, or a family huddle, and you can help people truly heal. 

References:

Cao, F. (2025). Cohort study on Medical-Integrated holistic nursing’s impact on intensive care unit patients’ outcomes, complications, and comprehensive health care. Scientific Reports, 15, 21474. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-025-04794-8. 

Liang, Y., Peng, H., Luo, X., Wang, M., Zhang, Y., Huang, H., Zhu, J., Chen, M., Tian, W., Mo, J., Nong, Y., Wang, Y., Huang, Y., Tan, S., Jiang, L., Pan, W., & Ning, C. (2025). The impact of health emergencies on nurses’ burnout: A systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Public Health, 25, 12366180. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12366180/. 

Rockhurst University. (n.d.). Online AGACNP program. https://onlinedegrees.rockhurst.edu/programs/online-agacnp-degree

Liang, Y., Peng, H., Luo, X., Wang, M., Zhang, Y., Huang, H., Zhu, J., Chen, M., Tian, W., Mo, J., Nong, Y., Wang, Y., Huang, Y., Tan, S., Jiang, L., Pan, W., & Ning, C. (2025). The impact of health emergencies on nurses’ burnout: A systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Public Health, 25, 12366180. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12366180/. 

Song, J. H., & Kim, M. (2024). Clinical outcomes and future directions of enhanced recovery after surgery in colorectal surgery: a narrative review. The Ewha Medical Journal, 47(4), e69. https://doi.org/10.12771/emj.2024.e69 

Bustamente Quiroz, U. (2026). Holistic patient care: A systematic review of recent evidence (2022–2025). Architecture Image Studies, 7(1), 827–832. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/399764837_Holistic_Patient_Care_A_Systematic_Review_of_Recent_Evidence_2022-2025

 

Author’s Bio: 

Zainab Shakil is a writer with over six years of experience in fields like tech, health, and finance. She is great at creating content that helps businesses reach more people. Currently, she works as a freelancer, helping SaaS, e-commerce, and lifestyle businesses grow their online presence.

 

Essential Role of Support Systems in Healthcare

Posted on by Joseph Gerard

Black nurse listens to a patient

Written by Agwalogu Bob

For many people, getting better just means walking into the hospital and seeing a doctor. But if you’ve ever spent time working on a hospital floor, you know that it’s not that white and black.

Many patients come in with physical symptoms. But they also come with the fear of the unknown, anxiety about treatment, and maybe worst of all, uncertainty about meeting the hospital bills.

A recent KFF research actually found that up to 36% of U.S. adults couldn’t afford healthcare in the past year. Not knowing how to meet the out-of-pocket costs is enough to make anyone get sicker.

That’s exactly why healthcare support systems are essential. In fact, proper support can be the difference between a patient who goes home completely better and one who returns to the hospital within weeks. 

The good news? Many healthcare systems have it in place, and many others are working on it.

What Healthcare Support Systems Actually Mean?

Let’s start by clarifying what healthcare support systems are.

These are the systems that supplement medical treatment. They basically provide the support patients need to ensure that nothing disturbs their full and total recovery.

This includes:

  • Emotional support
  • Social support
  • Financial guidance
  • Care coordination
  • Mental health services

All these support systems hold the patient journey together. Imagine a middle-aged woman gets discharged after heart surgery. 

Her discharge papers say she is to follow up with cardiology in two weeks. But there are problems. For one thing, she can’t afford the Uber. She also doesn’t fully understand what’s written in the discharge papers. All that anxiety makes her think the surgery wasn’t successful.

Now, guess what? There are millions of people in that exact situation. 

These people have what experts call unmet health-related social needs (HRSNs), and this puts them at a higher risk of emergency hospitalizations and hospital readmission. 

What healthcare support systems do is focus on those “unmet needs”.

Why Patients Need Support Beyond Treatment

As much as core medical teams wish it were possible, medical treatment alone cannot bring about full recovery and overall well-being. That’s the honest truth.

A surgeon can perform a flawless operation. But if the patient goes back home to an empty house, where there’s not even one person who’ll help, that surgery can quickly become a failure. That’s why support beyond treatment matters.

It matters because a lot of patients’ faces:

  • The crushing, daily weight of long-term illness stress
  • A total lack of understanding about treatment plans once they leave our care
  • Deep burnout of informal caregivers

But when we actively address these emotional and social needs, clinical outcomes improve. Even experts who have been in the industry for years think so, too.

I have been a Doctor of Medicine for 42 years, and an ophthalmologist for 34 years. I can say with conviction that 90% of the cure is psychological. — H.E. Dr. Edna Joyce (Fatima) Santos on LinkedIn.

The Role of Social Workers Within Healthcare Support Systems

One of the most underrated support systems in healthcare is social workers.

These are the people whose work straddles medicine and real life. They typically help patients:

  • Understand what their diagnosis is in plain language
  • Navigate the world of financial aid and insurance
  • Access community or government support
  • Plan for discharge and long-term care
  • Handle emotional stress and family dynamics

Remember the example we gave earlier of the middle-aged woman who got discharged after heart surgery? This type of situation is where a social worker comes in. 

Their intervention can go a long way in reducing the risk of readmission.

Social work is such an interesting and impactful field that many people are pivoting their careers into it. In fact, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were more than 810,000 social workers in the country in 2024. 

There will also be yearly openings for roughly 74,000 workers in the country until 2034, a clear sign of how important this field is to healthcare.

Many of the people who enter this profession come from many different educational backgrounds via online MSW programs.

According to Saint Leo University, the coursework for some of these programs are 100% online. If you’re thinking about a career as a social worker, you don’t even need to quit your day job to train for it.

Of course, social work isn’t the whole support system. But it’s a critical piece of it.

Other Key Support Systems That Improve Patient Care

As we’ve already established, social work isn’t the only support system in healthcare. It’s an ecosystem of different roles that work together to make sure that people who come to the hospital leave better and remain better.

This includes:

  • Nurses who track daily progress and patient needs
  • Patient navigators who guide individuals through complex treatment paths
  • Mental health counselors support emotional stability
  • Case managers who coordinate care between departments
  • Community health programs that provide care beyond hospitals

All these systems together make the technical aspect of medicine work more effectively.

How effectively? It can significantly reduce the 30-day post-discharge hospital readmissions, according to a February 2026 study published in PubMed.

How Support Systems Improve Patient Outcomes

As you can see, healthcare support systems absolutely play a key role in patient outcomes. Let’s connect the dots.

Good support systems lead to:

  • Better recovery rates
  • Improved treatment adherence
  • Fewer hospital readmissions
  • Higher patient satisfaction

But beyond that, healthcare support systems also help patients feel the human, non-technical side of medicine. Patients who thought that they were just an item on a chart know that there’s someone somewhere to call when they’re scared. 

That alone can put them in the proper mental frame for full physical recovery.

FAQs

What are healthcare support systems?

These are the people and processes that support and supplement medical care. People here include social workers, patient navigators, mental health counselors, case managers, and community health programs.

Why are support systems important in hospitals?

Support systems are important because without them, certain non-medical issues can slow down recovery. Examples include financial stress, emotional strain, family pressure, and confusion about treatment. Without support for these issues, patients might not get better on time or recover fully.

What do social workers do in healthcare?

Social workers are the ultimate unsung heroes in healthcare. They work with patients, understand their situation, and connect them to the help and resources they need. In many cases, full and permanent recovery is not possible without social workers.

Key Statistics at a Glance

Figure Details Source
36% U.S. adults who couldn’t afford healthcare in the past year KFF
810,000+ Social workers employed in the U.S. in 2024 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
74,000+ New social worker job openings per year until 2034 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
30-day Post-discharge readmission window PubMed study, February 2026

Final Thoughts

Healthcare is more than what happens in the doctor’s office or OR. It’s everything that happens to a patient before, during, and after treatment. This means the medical care, the emotional support, the social care, and the coordination between many different people just to make sure one person gets better and stays better.

If there’s anything to take from this guide, it’s that the people who provide support are no less than the doctors and nurses who provide medical care. More importantly, if you feel the pull towards the support side of healthcare, it’s totally okay to make the switch.

References:

  • Grace Sparks, Lunna Lopes, Alex Montero, Marley Presiado, and Liz Hamel (2026). Americans’ Challenges with Health Care Costs. Retrieved from the KFF website.
  • Rebecca Williams, Maria Tsantani, Lina Lloyd, Martin Wood, Charlotte Bessant, Helena Takala (2026). Unmet Needs, Unplanned Admissions The critical link between social care and hospitalisations in later life. National Centre for Social Research. Retrieved from NCSR website.
  • U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2025). Social Workers. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Retrieved from the U.S. BLS website.
  • Hamadi H, Haley DR, Park S, Tafili A, Zhao M, Spaulding A. Social determinants of health data reporting and hospitals’ 30-day readmissions (2026). Social determinants of health data reporting and hospitals’ 30-day readmissions. Health Care Manage Rev. Retrieved from PubMed Central.

 

Author Bio

Agwalogu Bob believes great content doesn’t just inform, it resonates, and then sticks. For over eight years, he’s been helping agencies across four continents craft just that kind of content: sharp, engaging cut-through-the-noise copy across SaaS, finance, tech, health, and lifestyle.

When he’s not putting pen to paper, you’ll likely find him scouring the internet for funny memes.

Connect with him on LinkedIn or Medium.

 

Please also review AIHCP’s Case Management Certification program and our CE courses as well, to see if they meet your academic and professional goals.  These programs are online and independent study and open to qualified professionals seeking a four year certification

Why the ‘Strong One’ Often Burns Out in Healthcare 

Posted on by Joseph Gerard

Headache, anxiety or sad surgeon in meeting with doctors with burnout, stress or fatigue with medical emergency. Migraine, tired black woman or depressed nurse with depression or loss in hospital.Written by Deepika,

Who doesn’t want to thrive at their workplace, right? This process of ‘thriving’ is generally understood as a psychological state characterized by learning and vitality. 

In other words, your workplace is not about survival of the fittest, especially in the healthcare industry. Naturally, strength is one of the most valued qualities in this field. The word in itself is quite broad and may be loosely thrown around. What exactly does strength refer to in healthcare?

In an environment where people are constantly exposed to grief, uncertainty, and emotional pressures, it could simply mean the ability to remain calm and composed. However, there is a thin line, one that many do not notice. As a healthcare worker, you must stay emotionally composed, but not numb or hardened. 

A little too much to the left or the right can lead to dreadful burnout. As per recent research, burnout scores among healthcare professionals ranged from 16% to 86%, with a mean overall score of 57.4%. The same study revealed that burnout affects clinical decision-making and the ability to cope with work pressures. 

So, while being strong is a necessity, making that your entire identity is like walking on thin ice. Before it breaks, let’s understand the importance of emotional sustainability. This article will explore that by revealing why the ‘strong one’ in healthcare is particularly vulnerable to burnout. 

 

The Emotional Labor That Lives in the Shadows 

In healthcare or otherwise, emotions are shaky ground. That’s because much of the attention goes to competence, technical skills, and sound decision-making. With these covering the surface, what goes unseen is the emotional role many healthcare workers must play. 

Being on the frontline involves holding space for complex emotions like grief, fear, and even anger, both for patients and their families. It’s only a matter of time before such a role no longer remains merely empathetic. It’s commonplace to find healthcare workers who gradually become emotional fulcrums in the teeth of human suffering. 

That explains why higher-level learning routes, such as a Master’s of Science in Nursing (MSN), focus on specialized roles that require deeper emotional and psychological engagement. For instance, those pursuing psychiatric nursing tracks are trained to support patients dealing with trauma and emotional dysregulation. 

Modern online MSN programs have made this type of advanced training more accessible for working professionals already navigating complex healthcare settings. The online format ensures nurses learn counseling frameworks and care principles even as they encounter emotionally taxing situations in real time. 

As Felician University explains, the online MSN track is designed for licensed registered nurses who wish to step into an advanced practice role. As such, formal training makes nurses more competent, and it also places them in a unique position where emotional exposure is continuous. 

It is usually in the space between training and real-world experiences where emotional labor can be found. A recent meta-analytic review confirmed that higher emotional labor is associated with increased levels of burnout in healthcare. Another finding in that study was how emotional intelligence can soften this impact by improving emotional regulation. 

However, why does this emotional labor we speak of live in the shadows? Here are the main reasons:

  • In most cases, it remains unrecognized as a part of healthcare job descriptions. 
  • The industry still seems to prioritize measurable clinical outcomes over abstract emotional effort. 
  • Some form of pressure, no matter how subtle, is always there to appear emotionally composed. 
  • There is limited time and space to process emotional experiences during or after shifts. 
  • At some point, repeated exposure to distress gets normalized, making emotional strain harder to identify. 

 

The Exhaustion of Maintaining Constant Emotional Composure 

Have you ever paused to wonder whether it is humanly possible to maintain perfect emotional composure without any psychological costs? Well, that doesn’t seem to be a realistic feat, nor should it be. After all, healthcare is a people’s industry, and what could be more human than expressing emotions in a healthy way? 

According to a 2025 systematic review involving 2,425 healthcare professionals, there is a significant link between moral distress and emotional exhaustion. Although the expectation to remain strong at all times sounds noble, it is also unrealistic. Let’s look closely at how compassion fatigue and emotional suppression gradually lead to burnout. 

The Mental Strain of Keeping Emotions on Lock And Key 

Healthcare workers must witness grief, trauma, and loss, but amid it all, they cannot lose their composure. This makes many people accustomed to keeping difficult emotions on lock and key so they can continue functioning effectively. Now, this strategy works, but constant withholding of emotions is a disaster in the making. 

A 2024 study revealed that more than 20% of surveyed healthcare professionals displayed severe symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression. Only 10.7% of the participants showed no signs of burnout. Well, that’s primarily because suppressing emotions does not make them disappear. 

The Compounding Effect of Compassion Fatigue 

Even if one is not experiencing pain, grief, or emotional vulnerability directly, repeated exposure to suffering can take a toll over time. This condition is often described as compassion fatigue, and it has a compounding effect. In other words, time will wear down a caregiver’s psychological reserves. 

At the same time, detachment is not an option. In a 2025 discussion on compassion fatigue among clinicians, oncologist Eric Singhi said, “Compassion and being able to empathize are so important; it’s how you gain trust.” This is where the emotional tension comes in, as the same empathy that comforts patients can become emotionally taxing for the healthcare professional. 

The Struggle to Ask for Help 

This part usually gets pushed under the rug, but many healthcare professionals find it difficult to ask for help. After all, the pressure to appear fine at all times can be intense. When being strong has become one’s identity, vulnerability can feel uncomfortable, daunting even. 

Is this pressure generated by the healthcare culture itself? Perhaps, since emotional endurance and resilience are almost always rewarded in clinical settings, acknowledging one’s struggle may be seen as a lack of professionalism. 

 

When it’s Time to Care for the Caregiver 

Burnout among the ‘strong’ healthcare workers should not only be recognized, but also addressed using meaningful support. Let’s see three effective ways this may happen:

Creating an Environment Where Vulnerability is Welcomed 

Fear of judgment and professional consequences can keep the best of healthcare workers silent about their struggles. A safe place need not come at the cost of unscrupulous emotional expression, for it to be effective. What truly matters is to ensure everybody feels safe to admit they are struggling. 

In a 2025 study conducted on 322 surgical nurses, those with higher levels of emotional exhaustion were less likely to seek professional help. Moreover, such nurses displayed more stigmatized attitudes towards mental health support. Doesn’t that sound like hurt people hurt people? Everyone needs an environment where they can voice their concerns without fear. 

Encouraging Rest Before Burnout Reaches a Saturation Point 

Rest is a lot like food; simply having it isn’t enough; the timing also matters. Hustle and resilience cultures have made rest a privilege only a few can enjoy. When something necessary to sustain emotional stability becomes a badge of honor, the results can be disastrous. 

A somber survey conducted among physicians in 2025 discovered that one in three experienced fatigue severe enough to interfere with their ability to treat patients. At least one thing is clear: fatigue can quickly cross the threshold into impaired functioning in the absence of sufficient rest. 

Implementing Burnout Prevention Methods 

It is important to be on the lookout for the early signs of burnout so it doesn’t get worse. At the same time, certain interventions should be in place to prevent burnout as far as possible. Such methods may include regular wellness screenings, confidential self-reporting tools, and other institutional channels that allow healthcare workers to report emotional burden. 

A recent review published in the Frontiers of Psychology highlighted that burnout prevention strategies were more effective when implemented at early stages, when the signs appear. Once full-blown emotional numbness has set in, it’s usually a tedious journey to recovery. Hence, early recognition of warning signs is a crucial factor in preventing progression. 

 

FAQs 

Why are healthcare workers often expected to be the strong ones?

The main reason why healthcare workers are often expected to be the strong ones has to do with how their roles place them in contact with human suffering and uncertainty. In such scenarios, being calm and composed is almost a necessity to ensure effective patient care. While emotional strength is admirable, it may create pressure to suppress vulnerability, preventing healthcare workers from seeking support. 

What is emotional labor in healthcare?

In the healthcare context, emotional labor refers to the exertion needed to manage personal emotions while responding to others’ emotional needs. This may involve maintaining composure during negative situations or regulating one’s emotional responses during work hours. Prolonged emotional labor is tied to burnout, especially when the same goes unacknowledged. 

How can healthcare workers recognize early signs of burnout?

In one’s own self, early signs of burnout often include unexplained fatigue, reduced empathy, and a feeling of detachment from work. In colleagues, the same may manifest itself as withdrawal, lower emotional engagement, or reduced communication. Early recognition of such signs allows timely support in the form of rest, open conversations, and workload changes. 

 

Recent Data on Burnout in Healthcare 

Burnout score range and mean overall among healthcare professionals, respectively  16%-86%, 57.4%
Meta-analytic review on the link between emotional labor and burnout  Directly proportional, with emotional intelligence able to reduce the impact through better regulation of emotions 
2025 systematic review involving 2,425 healthcare professionals on the link between moral distress and emotional exhaustion  Directly proportional 
Healthcare professionals displaying severe symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression in a 2024 study  >20%, with only 10.7% showing no signs of burnout 
2025 study involving 322 surgical surgeons on the connection between emotional exhaustion and seeking professional help  Those with higher levels of emotional exhaustion were less likely to seek professional help 
Physicians experiencing fatigue severe enough to interfere with their ability to treat patients in a 2025 study  One in three 
Recent review on burnout prevention strategies Such strategies are effective when implemented at early stages, when the first signs appear

 

So, are you the ‘strong one’ at your workplace? If so, has that identity started to feel less like a role and more like a burden you must carry every day?

While strength is praiseworthy, it also deserves to be questioned, even if we’re the first ones to do so. Discretion in this area is all about knowing when to try harder and when to let go and seek help. 

Do not take even the small signs, like unexplained fatigue or constant irritability, lightly, either in yourself or a colleague. Seeking help early or checking in with a colleague are forms of care that protect both the caregiver and the quality of care they deliver. Being the strong one only makes sense when that strength is sustainable and not tied to one’s identity. 

Author Bio

Deepika has over six years of experience as a writer and editor. Passionate about words and learning, she takes an interest in a variety of niches. Her knack for turning complex ideas into relatable narratives allows her to resonate with the reader. 

When her pen falls silent, you can find her engrossed in a novel or getting her hands messy with fine arts. By these, Deepika is committed to keeping her curiosity and creativity alive. 

References:

  1. Batanda Ian. 2024. Prevalence of burnout among healthcare professionals: a survey at Fort Portal regional referral hospital. Npj Mental Health Research, 3, 61.

https://www.nature.com/articles/s44184-024-00061-2

  1. Chen Yin-Che, Huang Zhi-Ling, et al. 2024. Relationships between emotional labor, job burnout, and emotional intelligence: an analysis combining meta-analysis and structural equation modeling. Springer Nature Link, Volume 12, 672. 

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11575177/

  1. Orgambidez Alejandro, et al. 2025. Moral distress and emotional exhaustion in healthcare professionals: a systematic review and meta-analysis. PubMed. 

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39997268/

  1. Major Jutta, Palfi Krisztina, et al. 2024. Adaptive emotion regulation might prevent burnout in emergency healthcare professionals: an exploratory study. Springer Nature Link, Volume 24, 3136. 

https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12889-024-20547-0

  1. Coffey Donavyn. 2025. Compassion fatigue: how oncologists can recognize the signs. Medscape. 

https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/compassion-fatigue-how-oncologists-can-recognize-signs-2025a100021r

  1. Smajlovic Aljana, Budler Cilar Leona, et al. 2025. Burnout and the stigma of help-seeking in nurses: a cross-sectional study. ScienceDirect. 

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0001691825011059

  1. Gregory Andrew. 2025. One in three NHS doctors so tired their ability to treat patients is affected, survey finds. The Guardian.

https://www.theguardian.com/society/2025/mar/03/one-in-three-nhs-doctors-so-tired-their-ability-to-treat-patients-is-affected-survey-finds

  1. Alhassan Abdulrahman Shaden, Alhassan A. Mohammed, et al. 2025. Prevalence of burnout and its risk and protective factors among healthcare workers in the Middle East, North Africa, and Turkey: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Frontiers in Psychology. Volume 16. 

https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1539105/full

 

 

Please also review AIHCP’s Stress Management Certification program and our CE courses as well, to see if they meet your academic and professional goals.  These programs are online and independent study and open to qualified professionals seeking a four year certification

How to Address the Challenges of Relocating Your Nursing Practice

Posted on by Joseph Gerard

A female Case Manager taking notes.Written by Deboshree Bhattacharjee,

Nursing, despite its many professional and personal rewards, also has several challenges. The American Nurses Association acknowledges that nurses experience high levels of stress. Among younger nurses, around 69% report burnout. 

Part of this is due to work overload and being inundated by administrative tasks. Interacting closely with patients suffering from chronic illnesses may take a toll on nurses’ mental wellness. Professionals in emergency units also report feeling vulnerable and experiencing despair after long, relentless shifts.

Many nursing practitioners decide to switch to another profession to achieve a higher work-life balance. Others relocate to be associated with a healthcare facility that promises more flexibility. Alternatively, they may wish to relocate to a neighborhood that offers a greater opportunity to connect with a diverse patient community.

Let’s address the challenges associated with such a move to help you be prepared.

Stay Updated With Licensure Requirements

A practical obstacle to relocating may lie in your licensure as a registered nurse. In the US, the RN requirements by state can differ vastly. Although the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) permits nurses to practice in multiple states, some states are not yet part of this agreement. 

For example, suppose you wish to relocate from Alabama to Alaska. While the former is an NLC state, the latter is not. This can affect the possibility and ease of practicing unless you manage to obtain an individual license for that state. It is an important consideration to heed before you decide to move for financial or personal reasons.

The good news is that one can hope for smoother licensing arrangements for nurses in the near future. According to Keypath Education, this approach benefits both nurses and patients. The former don’t have to apply for a separate license in each state, and the latter can access more care providers.

Recently, Illinois hit a roadblock in this regard, as the decision on allowing nurses to practice across state lines could not be finalized. Even so, active advocacy is ongoing as more people realize the favorable impact on patient outcomes.

“It really affects not just the younger people that need to have that medication management, but it also affects students that are growing up with an IEP or ADHD that need to continue their therapeutic relationship for their medication management.” – Kyle Maichle, President, Americans for Autism Advocacy.

 

Assess Local Health Problems and Priorities 

Another challenge you will likely encounter is linked to a different demographic with unique health problems. 

These could be related to an aging population, wherein many older adults face mental health issues due to social isolation. A 2024 Frontiers in Public Health research observes that migrant populations may be affected by occupational risks and socioeconomic differences. Both these factors can impact their health, mandating data-driven frameworks for their management. 

You may not have experience handling such conditions, which can take a hit on your confidence and professional well-being. 

To address this challenge, you must assess local sociocultural factors that may be impacting the health of the community you will be supporting. It can be helpful to discuss the unique health aspects of the region with associates and connections from the new facility.

Another idea is to conduct local community visits focused on observation and interaction. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing explains that a windshield survey can help practitioners get a clear understanding of a community’s people and the services they require.

Use Tech To Maintain and Build Connections 

As you attempt to adapt to a new location and workplace, turning to old connections for support can be both helpful and reassuring. With technology now facilitating collaboration at every level, this has become much simpler.

Your former colleagues can:

  • Help you build on your strengths to excel in a new location.
  • Offer you practical advice on working in a facility they may have visited before, such as transport and management priorities.
  • Connect you to peers and mentors from their networks.

A McKinsey feature on building healthy teams highlights that psychological safety and collaboration are crucial for an organization’s effective functioning. In healthcare, cross-functional initiatives are often key to patient health outcomes. 

For instance, nurses may need to work with physiotherapists and mental health professionals to ensure holistic care for a patient. Ideally, a collaborative ecosystem demands leadership input. However, maintaining connections with peers and forging new, productive work relationships is also an individual endeavor. 

Sharpening Tech Skills as a Nurse

If you are tech-averse, it is advisable to hone the required skills for connecting and learning from other professionals digitally. Attending in-person industry events or workshops can be difficult when you are trying to adapt to the logistics of a new place. Webinars and podcasts can be your aid. 

Tech skills you pick up along the way will also help you strengthen your competency in working with digital medical devices, such as fitness monitors, and AI-based tools for nursing decision support. 

An insightful Cureus study on the implications of AI in nursing recommends that AI literacy be included in professional training. The scholars assert that this will support practitioners in applying technology as a transformative partner in high-risk settings, such as intensive care. 

This mental orientation can be helpful when you shift your practice. You will know that technology will support you in maintaining consistency and seamlessness.

FAQs

1. What are the main challenges nurses can face when relocating their practice?

Relocating your nursing practice can involve numerous challenges, like adjusting to new licensure requirements and adapting to different patient demographics. Building professional relationships in a new workplace can also be difficult. As a nurse, you may face emotional stress while balancing personal transitions with demanding work responsibilities.

2. How can the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) help relocating nurses?

The Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) permits registered nurses to practice in all the participating states. All these states are under a single multistate license. The NLC simplifies the relocation process and bolsters access to healthcare services for everyone.

3. Why are technology skills crucial for nurses relocating to a new workplace?

Technology skills can help nurses stay connected with peers and attend virtual training sessions. They simplify the process of adapting to digital healthcare systems in a new facility. When you are familiar with AI tools and digital medical devices, you can also support better patient care outcomes.

Nursing Practice Relocation Challenges

 

Nurse burnout among younger professionals Around 69% of younger nurses report burnout
NLC participation differences Some US states participate in the NLC, while others require separate licensure
Impact of demographic changes Migrant and aging populations may experience increased health risks tied to social and economic disparities
Importance of collaboration in healthcare Psychological safety and collaboration are considered essential for effective healthcare teams

 

Committing to Patient Care, Across Locations

Empathy and dedication to service are underlying tenets of the nursing profession. They remain true, irrespective of where you are. The stress of moving your practice can cause you to question your competencies and motivations. However, if you feel the decision will help you personally and in your career, you should not hesitate to make it.

Remembering what drew you to this vocation and taking proactive steps to address relocation challenges will help you stay true to yourself and your vital role in public health. 

 

References:

American Nurses Enterprise (2024). What is Nurse Burnout? How to Prevent It. Retrieved from the ANA website.

Keypath Education (2024). RN Licensure Requirements by State. Retrieved from the Keypath Education website.

Alex Whitney (2026). Healthcare advocates split on bill to allow nurses to practice across state lines. Retrieved from the Nexstar Media Inc. website.

Shen Y, Wang J, Ma L and Yan H (2024). Novel concept for the healthy population influencing factors. Frontiers in Public Health. Retrieved from Frontiers.

Meagan Rogers (2025). Windshield Survey of the Community. Retrieved from American Association of Colleges of Nursing.

Aaron De Smet, Gemma D’Auria, Liesje Meijknecht, Maitham Albaharna, Anaïs Fifer and Kim Rubenstein (2024). Go, teams: When teams get healthier, the whole organization benefits. Retrieved from McKinsey.

Sumangal Bose, Avinash Prakash, Avijit Kumar Prusty, Rashmi Verma, Karthika Padmavathy, Venugopal Reddy Iragamreddy (2026). Artificial Intelligence (AI) Supported Decision-Making in Intensive Care Units: Implications for Nursing and Medical Practice. Retrieved from Springer Nature.

Author Bio:

Deboshree Bhattacharjee likes to tell stories that delight and engage. Her focus areas include lifestyle, parenting, health & wellness, and technology. Besides writing, she also edits and strategizes content. Every morning, she wakes up with the northern lights in her eyes and chalks out travel plans.

 

Please also review AIHCP’s Legal Nurse Certification program and our CE courses as well, to see if they meet your academic and professional goals.  These programs are online and independent study and open to qualified professionals seeking a four year certification

Practical Ways to Use Genomics in Nursing for Better Health Outcomes

Posted on by Joseph Gerard

Please also review AIHCP's Healthcare Case Management Program and see if it meets your academic and professional goals

Written by Deboshree Bhattacharjee

The pace of evolution in healthcare is impressive. We have moved on from standard treatments for everyone to precise care that perseveres to reach the root of the problem. In nursing, new models of care have emerged to improve patient health over their lifespan. Genomics is one of these advanced techniques: it may sound complex, but it has actually started delivering excellent results.

Essentially, this methodology of diagnosis and care takes the genetic makeup into close consideration. After all, diverse populations may respond to similar care strategies differently based on multiple factors, including lifestyle and sociocultural parameters. Genes, which affect many underlying bodily aspects, occupy a prominent space among these factors.

The Human Genome Project has been one of the most significant biomedical research projects of our time. As early as 2003, this project produced a genome sequence that covered 90 percent of the human genome. Since then, genomic data has proved immensely helpful in biomedical advancements and healthcare. 

As a nursing practitioner, integrating genomic insights into your care models can be transformational.

 

Assess The Possibility of Hereditary Conditions

We live in such challenging times, so fraught with risks of microbial contamination and lifestyle-induced sickness, that hereditary possibilities don’t seem as likely. Many professionals restrict this category of diseases to relatively rare concerns like cystic fibrosis and sickle cell anemia. 

However, several recent studies have indicated that seemingly “regular” cardiac and blood pressure problems could also be affected by genetic makeup. Sidestepping this aspect in diagnosis and treatment can lead to suboptimal outcomes.

In 2025, a research study published in Nature Communications showed that cardiovascular diseases often co-occur with genetic correlations. Many of these complex conditions have a shared genetic basis. Studying and applying the underlying biological mechanisms behind clinically defined cardiovascular diseases can ensure that patient care is focused and informed.

As a nurse, you are uniquely positioned to identify such possibilities because you have an ongoing relationship with the patient. Your interactions focus on communication and active listening, which makes it likely that you can pick up on cues like:

  • Breast cancer incidence in the family
  • A history of cardiac troubles and unhealthy eating habits
  • Recommended genetic testing for another condition, which the patient may not find relevant to disclose to a physician or in an intake form

Based on your observations, you can recommend earlier screenings and lifestyle interventions. These can potentially be life-altering for patients with genetic risks. You will also be a reliable source of actionable steps people can take, which has become imperative in this age of mistrust.

“We find ourselves in a time where fake news, lies, conspiracy theories, misinformation and disinformation are rampant.” – Dr Tedros, WHO Director-General

 

Monitor and Advise on Drug Dosage Based on Genetic Metabolism

Helping patients understand and follow their medication regimen has always been a core nursing responsibility. 

Medication adherence can be particularly tricky in older adults, who may display inappropriate use or struggle to follow multiple pharmacological regimens. Some patients discontinue their dosage if they don’t perceive significant benefits. This can be alarming for chronic conditions that demand continued medication. 

A 2024 Cureus study on medication adherence in the Middle East showed that asthma patients had only 41% rate of adherence. They also had higher levels of severe depression. Patients with schizophrenia are also known to show poor adherence, partly due to side effects and because they feel uncomfortable with the treatment.  

What if the reason behind a medication’s apparent inefficacy or a patient’s adverse reaction to it lies in genomic data?

The American Council on Science and Health explains that genetic testing can reduce side effects for patients who need psychiatric and cardiovascular drugs. This is because drug metabolism can be affected by our genetic makeup. 

No wonder more healthcare firms are investing in using advanced technologies to fine-tune drug dosage. Pharmacogenomics promises to usher in groundbreaking changes in how nurses can support patients with their drug regimens. 

 

Equip Yourself With an Advanced Academic Foundation

With genomics now accessible to healthcare organizations, nursing professionals are learning to apply these insights. 

Incorporating deeper, more personalized learning into everyday practice can support patients like never before. Not only do they benefit from prescribed drugs with lower side effects, but they also adopt a more considered lifestyle. Early cancer screenings or lipid profile testing become standard for those at risk, possibly averting a chronic disease that could have been.

As a working nurse, pursuing an FNP degree online can be a smart way to equip yourself with advanced health assessment competencies. It can train you to integrate genomics and apply biopsychosocial principles in your practice.

It also accrues considerable career advantages, including higher salaries for more advanced responsibilities. You may also find opportunities to be part of multi-specialty patient care teams for serious illnesses such as cancer.

While selecting a further education path, ensure it aligns with your current work and personal routines. American International College recommends seeking accreditation with CCNE, the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, and a flexible delivery format.

With these skills to guide you, your patients will benefit from personalized and more accurate medication. You can also use genomic insights to complement prescription digital therapeutics. Some practitioners are trying out this comprehensive approach as part of biopsychosocial treatment for schizophrenia (and other conditions).

 

FAQs

1. How is genomics used in contemporary nursing practice?

Genomics can help nurses understand a patient’s genetic makeup and how it influences their disease risk and treatment response. Nurses can use these insights to recommend earlier screenings and personalized care plans. On the whole, it facilitates better patient education for serious conditions such as cancer and mental health disorders.

2. Should nurses learn about pharmacogenomics?

Yes. Pharmacogenomics can help nursing professionals understand how genes affect a patient’s response to medicines. These insights can help nurses monitor side effects and streamline treatment routines. This way, they can contribute to more personalized treatment plans that enhance patient results.

3. How can an online FNP degree help nurses acquire genomics competencies?

An online FNP degree can help nurses build advanced assessment, diagnostic, and patient care skills. Such programs may introduce students to evidence-based practices, including genomics and personalized healthcare. The online format supports flexible scheduling for working professionals.

 

Patient Health and Genomics By The Numbers

 

90% of the human genome sequenced by 2003 Opened the door for precision medicine and genomic-based healthcare
41% medication adherence among asthma patients Highlights the need for personalized medication strategies and stronger nursing support
44% lower coronary heart disease risk Demonstrates that lifestyle interventions can still greatly improve outcomes despite genetic predisposition.

 

Genomics Can Enable More Informed Patient Care

Amid all the mad rush for the next AI application that creates simulated worlds and volatile social media trends, it is heartening to see healthcare advancements progressing well. They may not always make front-page news, but the changes that tailored care is bringing are meaningful and enduring.

For nurses, learning about genomics and finding the confidence to go the extra mile in their practice can be a huge career step. Imagine the difference one could make by employing individual data to develop more effective medication and preventive techniques. 

Moreover, you will ensure that people do their part in following instructions, all through nursing superpowers of understanding and assistance.

 

References:

Human Genome Project (2026). Retrieved from the National Human Genome Research Institute website.

Qiao, J., Jiang, L., Cai, L. et al. (2025). Shared genetic architecture contributes to risk of major cardiovascular diseases. Retrieved from Nature Communications. 

WHO looks back at 2024 (2024). Retrieved from the WHO website.

Cardona D, Santacruz-Restrepo V, Rendón-Montoya A, Madrigal-Cadavid J, Segura-Cardona A and Estrada-Acevedo JI (2025). Medication adherence in the elderly population with chronic diseases: a factor analysis. Retrieved from Frontiers.

Alomar A O, Khushaim R H, Al-Ghanem S K, et al. (2024). Relationship Between Depression and Medication Adherence Among Chronic Disease Patients in the Middle East. Retrieved from Springer Nature.

Henry I. Miller (2025). How Genetic Testing Could Prevent Dangerous Drug Reactions and Reduce Healthcare Costs. Retrieved from American Council on Science and Health.

American International College (2026). Online MSN – Family Nurse Practitioner (MSN-FNP). Retrieved from the American International College website.

Rimal B. Bera, MD, Ryan Haumschild, PharmD, MS, MBA, CPEL (2025). The Potential of Prescription Drug Therapeutics (PDTs) in Schizophrenia. Retrieved from AJMC.

 

Author Bio:

Deboshree Bhattacharjee likes telling stories that delight and engage. Her focus areas include lifestyle, parenting, health & wellness, and technology. Besides writing, she also edits and strategizes content. Every morning, she wakes up with the northern lights in her eyes and chalks out travel plans.

 

 

Please also review AIHCP’s Case Management Certification program and CE courses see if it meets your academic and professional goals.  These programs are online and independent study and open to qualified professionals seeking a four year certification