Page |1

SPEECH

Good day, everyone! I am honored to be invited as a guest reactor for this symposium

entitled "IMPERATIVE but UNDERRATED: The Untold Supremacy of Nurses in Psychiatry,

Military, and Law." I am excited to be part of this excellent assembly that aims to convey

essential information to the aspiring students and future nurses about the different outcome-based

practices and nurses' real-life experiences from other nursing specialties that have significant

relevance to the profession yet have been overlooked.

As we all know, nursing is a profession that plays a vital role in patient care and

healthcare systems. However, there are several nursing subspecialties that have been underrated

and are often overshadowed by other nursing specialties. This symposium is an opportunity for

us to give light and emphasize the importance of three of these underrated nursing specialties -

Psychiatry, Military, and Law. Through this symposium, our objectives are to impart knowledge

about these nursing subspecialties to student nurses, motivate them to explore and branch out

from the norm and choose a different subspecialty, and give them different insights about the

different nursing practices under these nursing specialties on how they perform in a certain

situation to provide quality care to their patients.

Once again, I am thrilled to be part of this symposium, and I hope that together, we can

help aspiring student nurses gain more knowledge and insights about the importance of these

underrated nursing specialties. Today, we will delve deeper into this topic and shed light on the

significant role that nurses play in these fields. We will explore the unique skill sets and
 Page |2

expertise that nurses bring to the table, and how their contributions are integral in promoting the

health and well-being of individuals in these settings. Through our discussions, we hope to raise

awareness about the importance of recognizing and valuing the role of nurses in psychiatry,

military, and law.

When we think of nurses, we often picture them in a hospital or clinical setting, caring for

patients with physical ailments. However, nurses also play a crucial role in the field of

psychiatry, where they provide care and support for individuals with mental health conditions.

Nurses in psychiatry possess unique skill sets and expertise that allow them to address the

complex needs of their patients. They are trained to provide both medical and psychological care,

and they work closely with psychiatrists, psychologists, and social workers to develop treatment

plans that are tailored to each patient's needs.

Psychiatric nursing is a challenging yet rewarding specialty that requires a high level of

empathy, compassion, and understanding towards individuals with mental health issues. Nurses

in psychiatry play a crucial role in providing holistic care and support to patients suffering from

various mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia,

and many others. Nurses in psychiatry undergo specialized training to learn about the unique

needs and concerns of patients with mental health issues. It is important for aspiring nurses to

understand the challenges and opportunities that come with this specialty so that they can make

informed decisions about their career paths.

 Page |3

While many aspiring nurses may be drawn to more traditional specialties like medical-

surgical nursing or critical care nursing, it is important to explore other options that may align

more with your interests and passions. Psychiatry nursing can offer unique and fulfilling

experiences that can make a positive impact on both the patient and the nurse. Lastly, nurses in

psychiatry must possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills, as they work closely

with patients, families, and other healthcare professionals to develop treatment plans and manage

patient care. The ability to remain calm and composed in stressful situations, along with the

ability to actively listen and provide support, is crucial in providing quality care to patients. In

conclusion, nurses in psychiatry play a crucial role in providing holistic care and support to

individuals with mental health issues. It is important for aspiring nurses to be knowledgeable

about the different nursing subspecialties and to consider pursuing a career in psychiatry nursing.

With the right training, support, and compassion, nurses in psychiatry can make a positive

impact on the lives of their patients.

On the other hand, nurses in the military. This nursing subspecialty is often overlooked

but plays an essential role in our country's defense and security. Aspiring student nurses need to

be informed about the crucial role that military nurses play in the healthcare industry. Nurses in

the military work in various settings, such as hospitals, clinics, and field hospitals. They provide

care to active-duty military personnel, veterans, and their families. Their roles and

responsibilities are similar to those of civilian nurses, but they must also be prepared to provide

care in combat zones and disaster situations. Military nurses undergo specialized training and

education to prepare them for their roles. They must be able to handle high-stress situations,

adapt to changes quickly, and work as part of a team. They also receive training in trauma care,
 Page |4

triage, and emergency response. In addition to providing healthcare, military nurses also serve as

leaders and educators. They supervise other healthcare professionals, provide guidance to junior

staff, and educate patients and their families about various health conditions and treatments.

They also serve as advocates for their patients, ensuring that they receive the best possible care,

regardless of their location or situation.

We must all know that, nurses in the military play a vital role in our country's defense

and security. Aspiring student nurses should consider this subspecialty as a fulfilling and

rewarding career path. The specialized training and education they receive, prepare them for

high-stress situations, and they get to work with patients from diverse backgrounds. I hope that

this discussion has given you valuable insights into the nursing practices of military nurses.

As we know, nurses play a crucial role in the healthcare system, and their responsibilities

go beyond just providing patient care. In fact, nurses can also be involved in legal proceedings as

expert witnesses, consultants, or even as legal nurse consultants. Legal nursing is a specialized

field that combines the knowledge and skills of nursing with the legal system. As we all know,

nursing is a vast and diverse field that offers a wide range of subspecialties. However, the role of

nurses in law is often overlooked and not given the recognition it deserves.

Nurses play a vital role in the legal system, and their contribution is crucial in ensuring

justice is served. One of the primary roles of nurses in law is to serve as expert witnesses in legal

cases. They are responsible for providing accurate and objective testimony based on their

medical knowledge and experience. Nurses in law are also involved in cases related to medical
 Page |5

malpractice, personal injury, and wrongful death. They help to investigate the case, gather

evidence, and provide their professional opinion to the court. In addition, they are also involved

in cases related to healthcare fraud and abuse, which helps to protect patients' rights and prevent

healthcare providers from engaging in illegal activities.

We hope that this symposium has motivated student nurses to explore new career paths

and branch out from the norm. We encourage them to consider the many different nursing

subspecialties available and choose a career path that aligns with their interests and passions. By

doing so, they will be able to make a significant impact in their chosen field and contribute to the

ongoing development of the nursing profession. We would like to thank all the speakers who

shared their experiences and insights with us, and we would also like to express our gratitude to

the organizers of this symposium for providing us with this valuable opportunity to learn and

grow as future nurses. Let us continue to support and recognize the critical contribution of nurses

in various subspecialties and work towards providing the best possible care to our patients.

In conclusion, nursing is a dynamic and constantly evolving field that offers numerous

opportunities for specialization and growth. While there are traditional areas of nursing that are

well-established, we encourage future nurses not to be afraid to take on an unusual field or sub-

specialization. By embracing innovation and staying up-to-date with the latest research and

trends, nurses can make a real difference in the lives of their patients and contribute to the

advancement of the nursing profession as a whole. So, whether you choose to pursue a

traditional or non-traditional path in nursing, remember that you have the potential to make a

positive impact on the world around you. Thank you.