Blog

Nurses are some of the health care workers with the most direct patient interactions, and it’s no exaggeration to say many care journeys would stall without them. If it weren’t for nurses, a huge portion of the health care system, from hospital admissions to recovery at home, simply wouldn’t function the same way — perhaps even at all. Nurses play an essential role across the health care continuum. From hospital admissions to recovery at home and the preventive journey in between, their direct interactions with patients, registered nurses are often known as the backbone of the health care system – and for good reason. Nurse practitioners (NPs), in particular, play a vital role in making care more accessible. Their ability to diagnose, treat and prescribe medications allows them to manage a wide range of conditions, often serving as a primary point of care for individuals and families. The career paths available to NPs are incredibly varied as well, mirroring the diverse communities and settings they serve.

When nurse practitioner Gay Ann Ost, MSN, FNP-C, reflects on her work, she doesn’t talk about titles or milestones, she talks about people. Every home she visits, every story she hears and every conversation she has is why she still enjoys what she does. “I do it because I love it,” she says. “Every door is different. Every person is different. And there’s always a chance to make something better.”

When nurse practitioner (NP) Bebe Payton walks into a health plan member’s home, her goal isn’t just to complete a visit; it’s to leave that person feeling informed, supported and empowered.

Danny Tamayo has spent much of his life stepping up for others. First in the Army, now as a nurse practitioner with Signify Health, he brings calm, clarity and compassion to every In-Home Health Evaluation (IHE).

Nurses make up the largest segment of the U.S. health care workforce, with over 4 million registered nurses across hospitals, clinics, schools, long-term care facilities and home health settings. They provide direct patient care, communicate with doctors, monitor treatment plans and often serve as the first line of contact in clinics, hospitals and home settings. Their work is essential to keeping the health care system running.