What examples of advocacy do you see in your own nursing practice? List and discuss 2 examples.
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.
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Advocacy in Nursing Practice: Real-World Examples from Clinical Experience
Advocacy is a fundamental component of nursing practice that involves speaking up for patients’ needs, protecting their rights, and promoting equitable care. The American Nurses Association (ANA) defines advocacy as the act or process of supporting a cause or proposal, particularly on behalf of another individual. Nurses are often the first line of defense for patients navigating a complex healthcare system, and advocacy can take many forms—from securing appropriate care to ensuring ethical treatment. In my own nursing practice, advocacy plays a significant role, especially in settings where patients are vulnerable or lack the knowledge or ability to speak for themselves. Two key examples that illustrate advocacy in my practice include ensuring informed consent and addressing social determinants of health for underserved populations.
Ensuring Informed Consent
One significant example of advocacy is ensuring that patients fully understand procedures, treatments, and their rights through the informed consent process. While informed consent is legally required, in practice, many patients may feel pressured or too intimidated to ask questions or may not fully comprehend medical jargon. As a nurse, I take the time to assess each patient’s understanding, using layman’s terms and confirming comprehension through the “teach-back” method. On one occasion, I cared for an elderly patient with mild cognitive impairment who was scheduled for a complex surgical procedure. Although the physician had reviewed the consent form, the patient seemed confused about the risks involved. Recognizing this, I advocated for the patient by requesting a family meeting with the physician and ensuring that all information was explained clearly. I also involved a patient advocate and the hospital’s ethics committee to ensure the patient’s autonomy and safety were respected.
This advocacy aligns with the ANA’s Code of Ethics, which emphasizes the nurse’s duty to promote and protect the rights of patients (ANA, 2015). It also reflects the ethical principle of autonomy, which requires that patients be fully informed and voluntarily consent to treatment. By ensuring that consent was truly informed, I fulfilled both a legal and ethical responsibility, ultimately improving the quality and safety of care.
Addressing Social Determinants of Health
Another area where advocacy plays a vital role in my nursing practice is addressing social determinants of health (SDOH), especially among underserved populations. During my community health rotation, I worked with patients experiencing homelessness who faced multiple barriers to accessing healthcare, including lack of transportation, insurance, and knowledge about available resources. One patient, a middle-aged man with diabetes, had been admitted multiple times due to complications from poorly managed blood sugar levels. Upon discharge, he had no stable housing, making medication adherence and dietary management extremely challenging.
I collaborated with a multidisciplinary team to advocate for a comprehensive discharge plan that included placement in a transitional housing program, access to a mobile clinic, and enrollment in a local food assistance program. This form of advocacy involved navigating systemic challenges and working within community frameworks to promote holistic care. By addressing the broader factors affecting the patient’s health, I helped reduce hospital readmissions and improved his overall well-being.
The World Health Organization (2022) recognizes SDOH as critical factors in shaping health outcomes. Nurses are uniquely positioned to recognize these factors and advocate for structural and policy-level changes. According to the Institute of Medicine (2011), nurses must play a central role in redesigning healthcare by addressing not only clinical issues but also the broader social context of health.
Conclusion
Advocacy in nursing is a dynamic, multifaceted role that demands vigilance, compassion, and a deep commitment to patient-centered care. Whether it is ensuring informed consent or addressing the social determinants of health, nurses serve as crucial advocates in both individual and systemic contexts. Through these actions, nurses uphold the ethical principles of beneficence, justice, and autonomy while advancing health equity. As healthcare continues to evolve, the role of the nurse advocate will remain essential in promoting safe, ethical, and patient-centered care.
References
American Nurses Association. (2015). Code of ethics for nurses with interpretive statements. ANA.
Institute of Medicine. (2011). The future of nursing: Leading change, advancing health. The National Academies Press. https://doi.org/10.17226/12956
World Health Organization. (2022). Social determinants of health. https://www.who.int/health-topics/social-determinants-of-health