What examples of advocacy do you see in your own nursing practice? List and discuss 2 examples.
Submission Instructions:
- Your initial post should be at least 500 words, formatted and cited in current APA style with support from at least 2 academic sources. Your initial post is worth 8 points.
Advocacy is a core component of nursing practice, where nurses actively support and defend the rights, health, and well-being of their patients. It involves actions that ensure patients receive appropriate care, respect, and autonomy. In my nursing practice, I have encountered numerous situations where advocacy plays a crucial role. Below, I discuss two significant examples of advocacy: ensuring informed consent and promoting patient safety.
1. Ensuring Informed Consent
One of the most critical aspects of patient advocacy in nursing practice is ensuring that patients provide informed consent before undergoing any medical procedure or treatment. Informed consent is not just a legal requirement; it is an ethical obligation that ensures patients are fully aware of the risks, benefits, alternatives, and potential outcomes of their treatment options.
In my practice, I once encountered a situation where a patient scheduled for surgery was unsure about the procedure’s risks and benefits. The patient expressed confusion during our pre-operative conversation, mentioning that the surgeon had briefly explained the procedure but had not provided enough time for questions. Recognizing the importance of informed consent, I took the initiative to advocate for the patient. I arranged a meeting between the patient and the surgeon to ensure that all of the patient’s questions were thoroughly addressed. During this meeting, I supported the patient by clarifying medical jargon, summarizing the discussion, and ensuring that the patient felt comfortable with the information provided. As a result, the patient was able to make an informed decision, feeling confident and respected in the process.
Informed consent is a cornerstone of patient autonomy and empowerment. Advocacy in this area not only protects patients from potential harm but also promotes their right to be active participants in their own healthcare decisions. According to the American Nurses Association (ANA), nurses have an ethical obligation to advocate for patients’ right to self-determination and informed decision-making (American Nurses Association, 2015). By ensuring informed consent, nurses uphold these ethical standards and foster trust in the nurse-patient relationship.
2. Promoting Patient Safety
Another vital example of advocacy in nursing practice is promoting patient safety, which involves identifying and addressing potential risks to prevent harm. Nurses are often in a unique position to observe early signs of safety concerns, whether related to medication administration, patient mobility, or the environment of care.
In one instance, I was caring for an elderly patient with limited mobility who was at high risk for falls. Despite the patient’s condition, the hospital room lacked adequate fall prevention measures, such as bed alarms or non-slip mats. Recognizing this oversight, I immediately advocated for the patient by contacting the interdisciplinary team to discuss the necessary safety interventions. I worked closely with the physical therapist and occupational therapist to assess the patient’s mobility and implement appropriate safety measures. Additionally, I educated the patient and family members on the importance of fall prevention strategies, ensuring they understood how to use assistive devices and maintain a safe environment at home.
Patient safety is a fundamental aspect of healthcare quality. Advocacy in this area not only prevents physical harm but also supports patients’ overall well-being and dignity. Research indicates that nurses play a pivotal role in maintaining patient safety through vigilance, communication, and collaboration with the healthcare team (Fagan et al., 2020). By advocating for safety measures, nurses contribute to a culture of safety within healthcare organizations, ultimately improving patient outcomes.
Conclusion
Advocacy is an integral part of nursing practice, encompassing various actions that support and protect patients’ rights, safety, and well-being. Informed consent and patient safety are two critical areas where advocacy can make a significant impact. By ensuring informed consent, nurses empower patients to make autonomous healthcare decisions, fostering trust and respect in the nurse-patient relationship. Similarly, by promoting patient safety, nurses help prevent harm and contribute to a culture of safety within healthcare organizations. These examples underscore the importance of advocacy in nursing practice and highlight the vital role that nurses play in supporting their patients.
References
American Nurses Association. (2015). Code of ethics for nurses with interpretive statements. American Nurses Association.
Fagan, K. M., Parker, V. A., & Jackson, V. A. (2020). Patient safety advocacy by nurses in the context of interdisciplinary care: A qualitative study. Journal of Patient Safety, 16(3), 189-195. https://doi.org/10.1097/PTS.0000000000000369