Advocacy do you see in your own nursing practice

Full Answer Section

     

• • Respecting Autonomy: Ultimately, you advocate for the patient's right to make informed decisions about their care, even if it differs from the initial recommendation.

Example 2: Promoting Safe Staffing Levels

• Scenario: You notice your unit is consistently understaffed, leading to increased workload, decreased patient interaction time, and potential safety concerns.
• Advocacy: You can advocate for safe staffing levels by:
  • Data Collection: Document instances of understaffing and its impact on patient care.
  • Communication: Discuss your concerns with your nurse manager and colleagues. Consider collectively voicing your concerns to hospital administration.
  • Professional Organizations: Seek support from professional nursing organizations that advocate for safe nurse-to-patient ratios.
  • Reporting: If unsafe staffing practices persist, consider reporting the issue to relevant regulatory bodies.

These are just two examples of how nurses can advocate for their patients and for the profession as a whole. By being observant, informed, and willing to speak up, nurses can make a significant impact on patient care and the healthcare environment. Reflect on Your Practice: Consider these examples and think about your own nursing practice. Have you encountered situations where you advocated for:

• A patient's right to information or informed consent?
• A patient's cultural or religious beliefs to be considered in their care plan?
• Improved communication between a patient and their doctor?
• Adequate staffing levels to ensure patient safety?
• Educational opportunities for yourself or other nurses?

By reflecting on your experiences, you'll gain a deeper understanding of your own role as a patient advocate and how your actions contribute to positive outcomes.  

Sample Answer

     

Example 1: Advocating for a Patient's Treatment Preferences

• Scenario: You are caring for a patient who is hesitant to undergo a recommended surgery due to religious beliefs or fear of side effects.
• Advocacy: You can advocate for the patient by:
  • Active Listening: Carefully listen to the patient's concerns and reasons for hesitancy.
  • Information Gathering: Work with the doctor to gather additional information about alternative treatment options and potential risks/benefits of each option.
  • Collaboration: Facilitate a discussion between the patient, doctor, and potentially a religious leader or patient advocate to explore all options and ensure the patient's voice is heard.