Specifically define the role of the registered nurse in patient advocacy. Describe situations in which nursing advocacy can assist patients within the healthcare environment. Defend why nurses are, or are not, adequately prepared, in pre-licensure education, to act as patient advocates.
Compose at least 2-3 paragraphs all in APA format with proper references
The role of a registered nurse in patient advocacy is pivotal in ensuring the well-being and rights of patients are upheld within the healthcare system. Patient advocacy involves advocating for patients’ needs, preferences, and rights, while also facilitating communication and collaboration among healthcare providers to deliver the best possible care. Nurses act as advocates to ensure that patients receive appropriate and safe care, have access to necessary information, and are treated with respect and dignity. They act as a bridge between patients and the healthcare team, making sure that patients’ voices are heard and their concerns addressed.
Nurses’ advocacy can assist patients in various healthcare situations. For instance, in a critical care setting, nurses may advocate for a patient’s need for pain management or ensuring timely interventions. In end-of-life care, nurses can advocate for patients’ choices regarding treatment options and comfort measures. In situations involving informed consent, nurses play a crucial role in ensuring patients understand the risks and benefits of treatment options. Additionally, advocating for vulnerable populations, such as children, the elderly, or individuals with limited English proficiency, is another vital aspect of nursing advocacy.
However, it is essential to recognize that while nurses are trained to be advocates, the extent to which they are adequately prepared during pre-licensure education can vary. The nursing curriculum typically includes courses on ethics, communication, and patient-centered care, which lay the foundation for advocacy skills. Still, there may be variations in the depth and breadth of advocacy education across different nursing programs. Therefore, ongoing professional development and mentorship are crucial to enhance nurses’ advocacy skills and ensure they are well-prepared to serve as effective patient advocates.
References: American Nurses Association. (2010). Nursing’s social policy statement: The essence of the profession. American Nurses Association. American Nurses Association. (2015). Code of ethics for nurses with interpretive statements. American Nurses Association.