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.
### Examples of Advocacy in Nursing Practice
Advocacy is a crucial component of nursing practice, embodying the profession’s commitment to patient-centered care and ethical principles. Nurses often act as intermediaries between patients and the healthcare system, ensuring that patients’ needs and preferences are respected and met. In my nursing practice, I have encountered several instances where advocacy played a central role. Here, I will discuss two examples that highlight the importance and impact of advocacy in nursing.
#### Example 1: Advocacy for Patient Autonomy and Informed Consent
One notable instance of advocacy in my practice involved a patient who was scheduled for a complex surgical procedure. The patient, Mr. Johnson, was an elderly gentleman with multiple comorbidities. Despite the potential benefits of the surgery, Mr. Johnson was hesitant and expressed concerns about the risks involved. During the preoperative assessment, it became evident that Mr. Johnson had not fully understood the implications of the surgery, as the information provided to him was overly technical and not sufficiently personalized.
Recognizing the need for clear communication, I took the initiative to arrange a meeting with the surgical team and Mr. Johnson. I advocated for a more patient-centered approach, ensuring that Mr. Johnson’s questions were addressed in plain language and that he had a comprehensive understanding of the procedure, including potential risks, benefits, and alternatives. Additionally, I provided Mr. Johnson with educational materials tailored to his level of health literacy.
By facilitating this discussion, I ensured that Mr. Johnson could make an informed decision regarding his care. Ultimately, he decided to proceed with the surgery, feeling more confident and involved in his treatment plan. This example underscores the role of nurses in advocating for patient autonomy and informed consent, ensuring that patients are empowered to make decisions aligned with their values and preferences.
#### Example 2: Advocacy for Safe Staffing Levels
Another significant example of advocacy in my nursing practice pertains to advocating for safe staffing levels. In a previous role at a busy medical-surgical unit, I frequently encountered situations where the nurse-to-patient ratio was insufficient to provide high-quality care. This not only increased the risk of adverse events but also contributed to nurse burnout and job dissatisfaction.
Recognizing the detrimental effects of inadequate staffing, I collaborated with my colleagues to gather data on patient outcomes, staff workload, and incident reports. We presented this information to the hospital administration, highlighting the correlation between staffing levels and patient safety. Additionally, we proposed a revised staffing model that aligned with best practices and evidence-based guidelines.
Through persistent advocacy and collaboration, we were able to secure a commitment from the administration to increase staffing levels and implement a more flexible scheduling system. This change led to improved patient outcomes, reduced incidents of medication errors, and enhanced job satisfaction among nurses. This example illustrates the importance of nurse advocacy in promoting systemic changes that benefit both patients and healthcare providers.
### Conclusion
Advocacy is an integral part of nursing practice, encompassing a wide range of activities aimed at ensuring the well-being of patients and the integrity of the healthcare system. Whether advocating for individual patient rights or systemic changes, nurses play a vital role in shaping healthcare delivery and outcomes. The examples of advocating for patient autonomy and informed consent, as well as advocating for safe staffing levels, demonstrate the profound impact that advocacy can have on patient care and the healthcare environment.
### References
American Nurses Association. (2015). *Code of ethics for nurses with interpretive statements*. American Nurses Publishing.
Hanks, R. G. (2010). Development and testing of an instrument to measure protective nursing advocacy. *Nursing Ethics, 17*(2), 255-267. https://doi.org/10.1177/0969733009352070
Vaartio-Rajalin, H., & Leino-Kilpi, H. (2011). Nurses as patient advocates in oncology care: Activities based on literature. *Clinical Journal of Oncology Nursing, 15*(5), 526-532. https://doi.org/10.1188/11.CJON.526-532
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