Macro-and Micro-Economics, Essay Example

There are basically two kinds of economics: macro and micro (SCC, 2015). Their meanings are obvious, but their effects may be subtle as well as obvious. From my position as an obstetrics nurse I see every day how both kinds of economics affect patients, both obviously and subtly. The first and most obvious effect of macroeconomics is that it creates or destroys jobs.

When things are going well in the economy overall, more of my patients and their family member have jobs. That means more of them have paid-for health insurance, or at least they are in a position to afford buying their own. But more fundamental to that in my field, the overall economy will help determine whether they have a child in the first place. When times are good I get more good work. When times are bad I may get less work. Or I may get more work from migrants who have fled their homeland in search of work. They are of course uninsured. Many of those migrants can be found in rural areas, where healthcare can be more difficult to obtain even for those with insurance. In the fields, the effects of micro- and macro-economics are intensified.

At the microeconomic level, many women in need of obstetrics nursing feel that they cannot afford it or just do not have the money at all. I typically work with an OB/GYN. Midwives typically do not. Mothers with no insurance may choose to have a midwife deliver their baby at home. This can be a safe option — depending on the midwife and the home, which is why home births are not usually covered by health insurance (Meredith Corporation, 2015).

Macro- and micro-economics also affects healthcare providers. In my case, when the economy is slowing, I may have to delay my own advanced training, such as studying to become a midwife myself and concentrate on working as many hours as I can. Or I or my colleagues may be laid off. Or their spouses might be laid off, and so they must delay their own further training.

Macroeconomics floats boats. Microeconomics directs each of us to a port or a storm.

References

Meredith Corporation. (2015). OB or Midwife? Retrieved from Fit Pregnancy: http://www.fitpregnancy.com/pregnancy/labor-delivery/ob-or-midwife

SCC. (2015). ECON 100 Microeconomics vs Macroeconomics. Retrieved from SCC: https://www.stchas.edu/faculty/gbowling/survey/MicroeconomicsVsMacroeconomics-Macro.html