When most people think about going to the doctor, they imagine going because something is wrong. Maybe it’s a cough that won’t go away, chest pain, or new fatigue. In the adult internal medicine clinic where I work, those visits happen at least a few times a day. But what’s just as important — and sometimes even more impactful — are the visits where nothing feels “wrong.” Well visits can help prevent the need for sick visits, and undetected conditions from worsening.

Preventive health is about catching problems early or stopping them before they start. It’s about screenings, vaccines, conversations about lifestyle, and sometimes just listening to a patient’s story so we can guide them in the right direction. For me, as a nurse, preventive care is one of the most rewarding parts of the job.

The Power of Screening

One of the most practical tools we use in prevention is screening. Blood pressure checks, cholesterol labs, colonoscopies, mammograms — the list is long, and it can sometimes feel overwhelming to patients. But screenings save lives because they give us a chance to act before an illness becomes serious.

I’ve had patients come in feeling perfectly fine only to find their blood pressure creeping into dangerous territory or their metabolic panel suggesting kidney damage. Those moments can be eye-opening. Instead of waiting for a heart attack or kidney failure years down the road, we can start making changes right away.

It can be tough convincing people that these tests matter when they feel healthy. That’s where the relationship between nurse and patient really makes a difference. When I take the time to explain that a quick blood test or routine checkup today could prevent a major complication later, patients often begin to see preventive care as more than pointless poking and prodding.

Vaccines as Everyday Protection

Another big part of prevention is vaccines. In an adult internal medicine clinic, we aren’t just talking about flu shots — though I highly encourage you to get yours. We also talk about pneumonia vaccines, shingles vaccines, updated COVID shots, and tetanus boosters.

I’ve had plenty of patients who are unsure about vaccines, either because of side effects they’ve heard about or past experiences. I try to approach those conversations with patience and honesty. Instead of lecturing, I focus on education. “This shot prevents pneumonia, which is a dangerous lung disease.” “This one reduces your chances of a COVID infection becoming serious.” When patients understand the “why” behind vaccines, they’re more willing to consider them as an investment in their health rather than just another needle stick. I always emphasize a risk/benefit analysis. With new regulations around vaccines moving quickly, many patients are afraid that there are hidden dangers coming to light. I keep myself up-to-date on new guidance from the CDC and FDA, so that I can have an open conversation that addresses their concerns without catastrophization or unclearness that can lead to misunderstandings. This openness can aid people in making decisions that work for them, without feeling pressured.

Lifestyle Conversations Matter

Prevention isn’t only about tests and shots. A huge part of it is lifestyle. Talking about diet, exercise, sleep, alcohol use, and smoking can feel personal, but these conversations often make the biggest difference.

In outpatient care, I’ve learned that small, realistic steps are better than big promises. If a patient smokes a pack a day, asking them to quit overnight isn’t helpful. But asking if they’d be open to cutting down, or exploring nicotine replacement, can be a start. If someone struggles with exercise, suggesting a 20-minute walk three times a week is a lot more doable than expecting them to hit the gym every day.

What makes these conversations powerful is that they’re centered on the patient’s goals, not mine. When I listen first and guide second, people are much more open to trying changes that feel right for their lives.

Building Relationships for Long-Term Health

The beauty of outpatient nursing is that we see many of our patients regularly over months or years. That continuity builds trust. A patient who is hesitant about a colonoscopy might be more open to non-invasive testing, if appropriate for their risk level. Someone who pushed off a vaccine because of the potential side effects might choose to come back once they’ve had some time to think. Many of these conversations are between the patient and the provider, and in many of them I don’t have the authority to counsel them. But when it’s appropriate, I love to help people understand that they can be their own advocate, and be part of their own care.

It’s easy to underestimate how much those small conversations matter. Preventive care isn’t about telling people what to do, it’s about coming to shared decisions that improve a patient’s health in ways they can manage.

Challenges in Preventive Care

Of course, prevention isn’t always simple. Patients have busy lives, financial limitations, and cultural perspectives that shape their choices. Sometimes they can’t afford a healthy diet, sometimes they don’t trust the medical system because of past experiences. Sometimes they’re just overwhelmed by everything else happening in their lives.

As a nurse, I’ve learned to balance encouragement with empathy. If a patient can’t follow every recommendation, that doesn’t mean they’ve failed. It means we need to work together to find realistic steps forward. Even small wins, like cutting back on sugary drinks or scheduling one overdue screening, can make a long-term difference.

Why Prevention Feels Personal

I think one of the reasons preventive care resonates so much with me is because it feels hopeful. Instead of only responding to illness, we get to help people build healthier futures.

Every time I see a patient who catches something early — high blood pressure, high cholesterol, even cancer — I’m reminded how much of a difference prevention can make. And every time I see someone make a small lifestyle change that improves their health, I feel proud to have been part of their journey.

Preventive health may not always feel urgent, but it’s some of the most important work we do in internal medicine. It’s about protecting people before they even realize they’re at risk. It’s about education, trust, and small changes that add up over time.

In outpatient nursing, I’ve come to see prevention as a partnership. It’s not us telling patients what to do — it’s us working together to keep them healthy for the long run. And while those conversations may not always make headlines, they quietly change lives every day.