Examples of advocacy do you see in your own nursing practice

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What examples of advocacy do you see in your own nursing practice? List and discuss 2 examples.

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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Example 1: Advocating for Patient Education and Shared Decision-Making

Imagine a nurse, Sarah, caring for a patient, Mr. Jones, who has been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Mr. Jones initially expresses hesitation about starting insulin injections due to fear of needles. Sarah recognizes this as an opportunity for advocacy.

Advocacy Actions:

  • Patient Education: Sarah uses clear and concise language to explain the benefits of insulin in managing Mr. Jones’ diabetes. She provides educational materials about different types of injection methods and demonstrates proper injection techniques using non-invasive tools.

 

 

 

 

  • Shared Decision-Making: Sarah acknowledges Mr. Jones’ concerns and explores his preferred approach to managing his diabetes. She discusses alternative treatment options, such as oral medications, if appropriate, but ensures Mr. Jones understands the potential risks and benefits of each choice.
  • Collaboration: Sarah collaborates with the doctor to develop a personalized diabetes management plan that considers Mr. Jones’ preferences and anxieties.

Benefits:

By advocating for patient education and shared decision-making, Sarah empowers Mr. Jones to take an active role in his healthcare. This can lead to improved treatment adherence, better glycemic control, and increased patient satisfaction https://online.regiscollege.edu/online-certificate-programs/.

Example 2: Advocating for Safe Staffing Levels and Patient Safety

Another nurse, Lisa, works in a busy emergency department experiencing a surge in patient admissions. She notices the increasing workload is affecting the quality of care being delivered. Nurses are stretched thin, leading to delays in assessments, medication administration, and proper monitoring.

Advocacy Actions:

  • Data Collection: Lisa documents specific instances where understaffing has compromised patient care. This might include delayed pain management, missed vital signs, or medication errors.
  • Communication with Management: Lisa brings her concerns to the attention of the nurse manager. She presents the data collected and highlights the potential safety risks associated with inadequate staffing.
  • Collaboration with Colleagues: Lisa mobilizes her colleagues to express their concerns about staffing levels. They may collectively draft a letter or petition to bring the issue to the attention of hospital administration.

Benefits:

By advocating for safe staffing levels, Lisa protects both patient safety and the well-being of her colleagues. Adequate staffing ensures nurses have the time and resources to provide quality care, reducing the risk of medical errors and improving patient outcomes https://voice.ons.org/news-and-views/let-your-voice-be-heard-as-an-oncology-nurse-advocate.

Support from Academic Sources:

These examples are supported by the following academic sources:

  • Nursing Advocacy: The Role of Nurses Advocating for Patients (HPU Online, n.d.) emphasizes the importance of patient education and shared decision-making in nursing advocacy. The source highlights how nurses can empower patients to make informed choices about their healthcare.
  • Six Ways Nurses Can Advocate for Patients (Oncology Nursing News, n.d.) discusses the critical role nurses play in ensuring patient safety. The article provides examples of how nurses can advocate for adequate staffing levels to deliver safe and effective care.

In conclusion, nurses play a vital role in advocating for their patients and the profession. By educating patients, promoting shared decision-making, and speaking up for safe staffing levels, nurses can contribute significantly to improved healthcare outcomes and patient satisfaction.

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