What examples of advocacy do you see in your own nursing practice? List and discuss 2 examples.
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What examples of advocacy do you see in your own nursing practice?
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Advocacy is a fundamental component of nursing practice, reflecting the profession’s commitment to the welfare, autonomy, and rights of patients. Nurses are uniquely positioned to serve as advocates due to their close relationships with patients, and their ability to provide care that respects individuals’ preferences, values, and needs. Advocacy involves acting in the best interest of patients and ensuring they receive fair, ethical, and compassionate care. Below, I discuss two examples of advocacy within my nursing practice: advocating for informed consent and advocating for equitable access to care.
1. Advocating for Informed Consent
Informed consent is a critical aspect of patient care, ensuring that patients have the necessary information to make autonomous decisions regarding their treatments. One of the core principles of nursing is respect for patient autonomy, which includes ensuring that patients are fully informed about the risks, benefits, and alternatives to medical procedures. Nurses play an important role in facilitating this process and ensuring that informed consent is truly informed, not just a formality.
Example: In my practice, I once encountered a situation where a patient scheduled for surgery was unclear about the risks and benefits of the procedure. Although the physician had briefly explained the procedure, it was evident that the patient did not fully understand the potential complications or other available options. The patient was hesitant and expressed concerns about whether surgery was the best choice for them.
As their nurse, I felt it was my responsibility to advocate for this patient by ensuring they had all the necessary information to make an informed decision. I contacted the physician and requested that they revisit the conversation with the patient, taking more time to explain the procedure in simpler terms. I also provided the patient with written information and encouraged them to ask questions. This advocacy ensured the patient had a thorough understanding of their choices and could consent to the surgery with confidence. It also highlighted the collaborative relationship between healthcare providers, where nurses play a key role in bridging communication gaps between patients and other members of the care team.
This act of advocacy was essential to protect the patient’s right to autonomy, as without my intervention, they may have proceeded with the surgery without fully understanding its implications. Nurses must continually advocate for patients’ rights to informed decision-making, especially when communication barriers or power dynamics exist in the healthcare setting.
2. Advocating for Equitable Access to Care
Another significant area of advocacy in nursing practice involves ensuring that all patients have equitable access to healthcare services. Nurses often encounter patients from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds, many of whom may face barriers to accessing necessary care. These barriers can include financial constraints, language differences, or systemic issues such as healthcare inequality. In my practice, I’ve seen firsthand how advocating for patients can help overcome these challenges and ensure they receive the care they deserve.
Example: I once cared for a patient from a low-income background who had been diagnosed with a chronic condition requiring ongoing treatment and medication. The patient expressed concern about being able to afford the medication, which was vital to managing their condition. Without financial assistance, the patient would likely forgo treatment, leading to a worsening of their health and increased hospitalizations.
In this instance, I advocated for the patient by working with the hospital’s social worker to find resources that could help cover the cost of their medication. This included enrolling the patient in a patient assistance program offered by the pharmaceutical company, which provided the medication at a reduced price. I also helped the patient apply for a government-sponsored health plan to ensure they had long-term access to healthcare services.
By advocating for this patient’s financial and medical needs, I helped them access life-saving treatment, which they otherwise might not have received. Advocacy in this context goes beyond clinical care and involves addressing the social determinants of health, such as economic stability and healthcare access, which can significantly affect patient outcomes.
Conclusion
Advocacy in nursing practice is multifaceted and involves speaking up for patients’ rights, ensuring informed decision-making, and addressing barriers to care. Whether it’s advocating for a patient’s right to make informed choices or helping them access financial resources for their healthcare, nurses have a duty to act as patient advocates. Advocacy ensures that healthcare is ethical, fair, and patient-centered, and is a vital part of the nursing profession. By continuously advocating for patients, nurses can contribute to better healthcare outcomes and foster a more compassionate and equitable healthcare system.
References
Choi, P. P. (2015). Patient advocacy: The role of the nurse. Nursing Standard, 29(41), 52-58. https://doi.org/10.7748/ns.29.41.52.e9772
Negarandeh, R., Oskouie, F., Ahmadi, F., Nikravesh, M., & Hallberg, I. R. (2006). Patient advocacy: Barriers and facilitators. BMC Nursing, 5(1), 3. https://doi.org/10.1186/1472-6955-5-3