Nurturing the Nurturers: Prioritizing Mental Health in Healthcare

Ceniya Jefferson Anders Group Scholarship Essay Nov. 18, 2024 Allied Health, Nursing, and Therapy professionals are the backbone of modern healthcare, playing indispensable roles in ensuring public safety and enhancing everyday lives. These professionals are often the first point of contact for patients, providing critical care, preventative measures, and rehabilitation services. Their efforts extend to direct patient care to include education, advocacy, and fostering healthier communities. However, their increasing demands and challenges require actionable steps to support their mental well-being and optimize their work environments. In my life, I have experienced the profound impact of nursing professionals during a difficult time in my family. My grandfather, who was a parental figure to me, was diagnosed with congestive heart failure. My grandmother was theoretically his hospice nurse, who was his source of comfort, knowledge, and support. She witnessed his decline in mobility and dignity, but stayed by his side and maintained exceptional skill of composure. She sat with my grandfather, holding his hand and ensuring him that it’s alright and that there’s light at the end of the tunnel. Likewise, she showed me the importance of healthcare and all that they have to deal with on a daily basis. What struck me most was her ability, mimicking a nurse, to bring a sense of humanity and peace to such a heart-wrenching situation. Her compassion extended to the entire family, offering us guidance on how to cope with grief and helping us feel less isolated in our pain. After she, too, could not maintain herself, the nurses came to me as I witnessed him pass, and they provided me and her comfort, exactly as she did my grandfather. Allied Health professionals, such as radiology technicians, laboratory specialists, and paramedics, are equally critical in ensuring timely diagnosis and immediate interventions. For example, during a medical emergency at my school, a paramedic’s swift actions stabilized a student who overdosed on my campus. Their expertise and composure saved a life that day, showcasing how these roles directly impact public safety. Therapy professionals, including physical, occupation, and speech, contribute significantly to rehabilitation and recovery. After being diagnosed with Patellofemoral Syndrome, I had to undergo physical therapy, where I have to credit the physical therapist for restoring my mobility and independence. It’s not only providing structured exercises, but also encouraging to push through the mental and emotional barriers that came with the injuries. Despite their vital roles, these professionals face significant challenges, such as long hours, emotional exhaustion, and staffing shortages. To better support them, several actions can be taken such as increasing staffing rations to ensure that professionals are not overburdened and experiencing burn out, which would decrease the quality of care without compromising their own well-being. Offering counseling, peer support programs and taking monthly surveys to keep everyone engaged, as well as constant changes to try making the environment as best as it can be. Counseling or monthly checks would help professionals cope with the emotional toll of their work. Following would be funding for further certifications and specialized training, allowing the expansion of skills and advance multiple careers. Also, educating the public about the roles and challenges of Allied Health, Nursing, and Therapy professionals fosters greater appreciation and respect for their work. In conclusion, Allied Health, Nursing, and Therapy professionals are indispensable to the health and safety of our communities. They touch lives, create memorable relationships, company for those abandoned, cater to those homeless, nurture the terminal, and help everyone in need. Supporting them through improved policies, resources, and recognition is not only essential for their well-being, but also for the betterment of society as a whole. My experiences with these professionals have inspired me to pursue a career in healthcare, striving to emulate their compassion, dedication, and monumental moments in other’s lives.