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.
· You should respond to at least two of your peers by extending, refuting/correcting, or adding additional nuance to their posts. Your reply posts are worth 2 points (1 point per response.)
· All replies must be constructive and use literature where possible.
· Please post your initial response by 11:59 PM ET Thursday, and comment on the posts of two classmates by 11:59 PM ET Sunday.
· You can expect feedback from the instructor within 48 to 72 hours from the Sunday due date.
In my nursing practice, advocacy plays a crucial role in ensuring the best possible outcomes for patients. Here are two examples of advocacy that I have encountered:
1. **Patient Rights and Informed Consent:**
Advocacy often begins with ensuring that patients fully understand their rights and the procedures they are about to undergo. For instance, during my time in oncology nursing, I frequently engaged in discussions with patients regarding their treatment options, potential side effects, and the importance of informed consent. This involved explaining complex medical information in understandable terms, clarifying any doubts or concerns patients had, and ensuring they felt empowered to make informed decisions about their care. In one particular case, a patient expressed hesitancy about starting chemotherapy due to fears about side effects. By advocating for additional consultations with the oncologist and providing educational materials, I helped the patient gain a clearer understanding of the treatment benefits and risks, ultimately supporting their decision-making process.
From an advocacy perspective, this example highlights the nurse’s role in promoting patient autonomy and ensuring they have the necessary information to make informed choices about their healthcare. It aligns with professional ethical standards and legal requirements regarding patient rights to autonomy and informed consent (ANA, 2015).
2. **Policy and Procedure Advocacy:**
Another area where advocacy is critical is in advocating for policy changes or procedural improvements within healthcare settings. For instance, in my previous role in a surgical unit, I noticed inconsistencies in post-operative pain management protocols. Some patients were receiving suboptimal pain relief due to outdated policies that restricted the use of certain analgesics post-surgery. Recognizing the impact on patient comfort and recovery, I collaborated with other nurses and presented evidence-based research to the nursing leadership team advocating for a review and update of the pain management guidelines. This initiative led to the implementation of revised protocols that allowed for more individualized pain management strategies based on patient needs and surgical procedures.
This example illustrates how advocacy extends beyond individual patient interactions to systemic improvements that enhance overall patient care quality and safety. It involves leveraging evidence-based practice and professional expertise to influence policy changes that benefit both patients and healthcare providers (ANA, 2015).
In summary, advocacy in nursing encompasses a wide range of activities aimed at safeguarding patient rights, promoting optimal care outcomes, and driving continuous improvements in healthcare practices. By actively engaging in patient education, supporting informed decision-making, and advocating for policy changes, nurses contribute significantly to the advancement of patient-centered care and the enhancement of healthcare delivery systems.
### References
American Nurses Association. (2015). Code of ethics for nurses with interpretive statements. Silver Spring, MD: Author.
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