wo Examples of Advocacy in Nursing Practice

1. Advocating for Patient Autonomy:

• Informed Consent: Nurses play a crucial role in ensuring patients understand the risks, benefits, and alternatives of proposed treatments. By providing clear and unbiased information, nurses empower patients to make informed decisions about their care.
• Respecting Patient Wishes: Nurses advocate for patients’ wishes, even when they may conflict with medical recommendations. For example, if a patient refuses a blood transfusion due to religious beliefs, nurses should respect their decision and explore alternative treatment options.

2. Advocating for Improved Healthcare Systems:

• Quality Improvement: Nurses often identify areas for improvement in healthcare systems and advocate for changes to enhance patient care. This can involve advocating for better staffing ratios, improved access to resources, or changes in policies and procedures.
• Policy Advocacy: Nurses can advocate for policy changes at local, state, and national levels. For example, nurses may advocate for increased funding for healthcare, improved access to care for underserved populations, or stronger protections for healthcare workers.