By: Mary Okeiyi Ekpu, Esq., RN, BSN
Most recently, I came across a post on LinkedIn by Rebecca Love, LinkedIn Top Voice, Innovator, Author, and Speaker. Love, a nurse and advocate for nursing innovation, has emphasized the importance of recognizing nursing as a STEM profession. Check out the website https://www.nursingisstem.org/. One of her notable quotes on this topic is:
"Nursing is the intersection of science, technology, engineering, and medicine. We are innovators, problem-solvers, and change-makers, driving advancements in healthcare through our expertise and passion."
In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of nursing as a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) profession. While nursing has long been associated with compassionate patient care, its foundation in science, technology, engineering, and math is often overlooked. In this post, let's dive in to how the nursing profession encompasses the principles of STEM and plays a vital role in advancing healthcare through innovation, research, and evidence-based practice.
Science in Nursing:
Nursing is rooted in scientific principles and evidence-based practice. Nurses apply knowledge from various scientific disciplines, including biology, anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and microbiology, to assess, diagnose, and treat patients. They use critical thinking skills to analyze complex health problems and develop personalized care plans based on scientific evidence and best practices.
Anatomy and Physiology: Nurses have a deep understanding of human anatomy and physiology, allowing them to assess patients' physical health and identify abnormalities or deviations from normal functioning.
Pharmacology: Nurses administer medications, monitor their effects, and educate patients about proper medication use, drawing on their knowledge of pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and drug interactions.
Microbiology: Nurses play a crucial role in infection prevention and control, applying principles of microbiology to identify pathogens, implement appropriate precautions, and prevent the spread of infectious diseases.
Technology in Nursing:
Advancements in technology have revolutionized the field of nursing, enhancing patient care, improving efficiency, and expanding the scope of practice. Nurses use a wide range of technology tools and devices to monitor patients, collect data, communicate with healthcare team members, and deliver evidence-based care.
Electronic Health Records (EHRs): Nurses utilize electronic health record systems to document patient assessments, record vital signs, track medications, and coordinate care across interdisciplinary teams. EHRs improve accuracy, accessibility, and continuity of patient information, facilitating better clinical decision-making and care coordination.
Telehealth and Telemedicine: Nurses leverage telehealth technologies to provide remote patient monitoring, virtual consultations, and telemedicine services, particularly in underserved or rural areas. Telehealth expands access to healthcare services, improves patient convenience, and reduces healthcare disparities.
Medical Devices and Equipment: Nurses operate and maintain a wide range of medical devices and equipment, such as infusion pumps, ventilators, cardiac monitors, and point-of-care testing devices. They ensure the safe and effective use of technology to support patient care and clinical outcomes.
Engineering in Nursing:
Nursing involves elements of engineering, as nurses design and implement healthcare systems, processes, and interventions to optimize patient outcomes, enhance safety, and improve efficiency. Nurses apply principles of systems thinking, quality improvement, and patient safety to design care delivery models that prioritize effectiveness, reliability, and sustainability.
Quality Improvement: Nurses engage in quality improvement initiatives to identify opportunities for process optimization, reduce medical errors, and enhance patient safety. They use tools such as root cause analysis, process mapping, and performance metrics to analyze data, identify trends, and implement evidence-based interventions to improve outcomes.
Care Coordination and Workflow Design: Nurses play a central role in care coordination, collaborating with interdisciplinary teams to streamline workflows, minimize inefficiencies, and ensure continuity of care. They design care delivery models that promote interdisciplinary collaboration, communication, and coordination to optimize patient outcomes.
Patient Safety and Risk Management: Nurses implement strategies to mitigate risks, prevent adverse events, and promote a culture of safety within healthcare organizations. They identify potential hazards, implement evidence-based practices, and monitor outcomes to continuously improve patient safety and reduce preventable harm.
Mathematics in Nursing:
Nursing and mathematics are interconnected in various ways, despite mathematics not always being the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about nursing. Here are several ways in which mathematics is integral to nursing practice:
Medication Dosage Calculations: Nurses frequently administer medications to patients, and accurate dosage calculations are crucial to ensure patient safety and optimal therapeutic outcomes. Nurses must calculate medication dosages based on factors such as patient weight, age, and medical condition, as well as drug concentration and prescribed dosage regimen. This requires proficiency in basic arithmetic and mathematical formulas to calculate correct dosages and adjust medication orders as needed.
Intravenous (IV) Infusion Rate Calculations: When administering intravenous medications or fluids, nurses must calculate the infusion rate to ensure that the correct volume is delivered over a specified period. This involves calculating drip rates based on factors such as infusion volume, drip factor of the IV tubing, and desired infusion time. Nurses use mathematical formulas to determine the appropriate flow rate and monitor IV infusions closely to prevent complications such as fluid overload or medication errors.
Body Mass Index (BMI) Calculation: Nurses frequently assess patients' nutritional status and overall health, and calculating Body Mass Index (BMI) is a common method used to evaluate body composition and identify potential health risks related to weight. BMI is calculated using a mathematical formula based on a person's height and weight, and nurses use this information to assess patients' nutritional status, monitor changes in weight over time, and develop individualized care plans.
Fluid Balance and Output Measurement: Maintaining fluid balance is essential for patients' health, particularly in critical care settings or for patients with fluid imbalances or renal dysfunction. Nurses monitor patients' fluid intake and output, calculating fluid balance to assess hydration status, renal function, and response to therapy. This involves accurately measuring and recording fluid intake (oral, IV fluids, enteral feeds) and output (urine output, drainage from surgical drains), and performing mathematical calculations to determine net fluid balance over time.
Statistical Analysis and Research: Nursing research plays a crucial role in advancing evidence-based practice and improving patient outcomes. Nurses use statistical methods and mathematical analyses to collect, analyze, and interpret data from research studies, quality improvement projects, and clinical trials. This includes calculating descriptive statistics, conducting inferential analyses, and interpreting research findings to inform nursing practice, policy development, and healthcare decision-making.
Medicine in Nursing:
Nursing is inherently connected to medicine, as nurses collaborate with physicians, advanced practice providers, and other healthcare professionals to deliver comprehensive, patient-centered care. Nurses apply medical knowledge and principles to assess, diagnose, treat, and manage acute and chronic health conditions across the lifespan.
Diagnosis and Assessment: Nurses conduct comprehensive health assessments, including physical examinations, medical histories, and diagnostic tests, to identify health problems, establish diagnoses, and develop individualized care plans. They collaborate with healthcare providers to interpret diagnostic findings, formulate differential diagnoses, and implement appropriate interventions.
Disease Management and Treatment: Nurses play a key role in disease management and treatment, educating patients about their health conditions, managing symptoms, and promoting self-care behaviors. They administer medications, monitor therapeutic responses, and provide ongoing support to patients and their families throughout the treatment process.
Patient Education and Counseling: Nurses serve as educators and counselors, empowering patients to make informed decisions about their health, lifestyle choices, and treatment options. They provide evidence-based information, teach self-management skills, and address patients' concerns and questions to promote health literacy and adherence to treatment regimens.
In conclusion, the nursing profession encompasses the principles of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Medicine) and plays a vital role in advancing healthcare through innovation, research, and evidence-based practice. Nurses apply scientific knowledge, leverage technology, design healthcare systems, and collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to deliver high-quality, patient-centered care. By recognizing nursing as a STEM profession, we can elevate the role of nurses as critical contributors to improving health outcomes, driving innovation, and shaping the future of healthcare.
Through their dedication, expertise, and commitment to excellence, nurses continue to make invaluable contributions to the advancement of science, technology, engineering, and medicine, ultimately improving the health and well-being of individuals, families, and communities worldwide. As we continue to navigate the complexities of modern healthcare, let us celebrate and support the integral role of nurses in shaping the future of healthcare delivery and promoting health equity for all.
Mary Okeiyi Ekpu is a nurse attorney, consultant, and expert witness for complex medical malpractice and medical-legal cases. You can contact Attorney Ekpu for legal advice, consultation, and support.
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