...The Role of Nursing Advocacy Across all Healthcare Settings Nursing is an autonomous profession where lives are saved every day. Nursing advocacy can affect patient outcomes. As the nursing profession evolves and responsibilities increase, it is necessary to better understand the concept of nursing advocacy. The role of advocacy is not new for the nursing profession, but the nature of advocacy in the nursing practice remains ambiguous. Nurses are obligated to act as an advocate for their patients, but there is lack of clarity on how to perform this role. The purpose of this paper is to better understand nursing advocacy and to explore ways it is practiced across all fields of nursing in order to promote improved patient care. Advocacy is an essential role for the nursing profession; however, it can be affected by many factors. The goal of advocacy is to balance the relationship between the healthcare system and the patients who are served by evaluating patient/family needs, providing information and education, ensuring access to proper care and supporting the patient and family’s decision within the structure of a multidisciplinary team. This paper will explore the following research question: What are the variables that affect the role of nursing advocacy and in what ways is it practiced across all fields of nursing? Review of Literature Introduction The general topic of the review of literature is nursing advocacy. We are examining and exploring a clearer definition...
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...attainment of a goal, and leadership exists at all levels” (Faugier & Woolnough, 2002). Leadership can further be designated as formal or informal. A formal leader is one that is associated with a particular title or position while informal leaders guide through their ability to influence others. They make a positive contribution or inspire others despite the strains of the healthcare system (Gillis, 2003). Kouzes and Posner have found that for people to follow someone willingly, they must believe the leader is honest, competent, forward-looking, and inspiring (2002). The nursing profession faces many challenges in developing future nurse leaders. All nurses, regardless of roles, from direct care to top management positions, need powerful leadership skills. This is because anyone who is looked to as an authority (such as a nurse taking care of a patient) or who is responsible for giving assistance to others is considered a leader (Mahoney, 2001). Cook describes a clinical nursing leader as one who is involved in direct care and who...
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...Accountability of Nursing Professionals for Patient Safety Practices Related to Informed Consent Lavonia Deanne Bishop Grand Canyon University NURS-430V Professional Dynamics 23-Aug-2010 (0106) September 19, 2010 Accountability of Nursing Professionals for Patient Safety Practices Related to Informed Consent Accountability in nursing can be defined as the state in which the nurse is responsible for upholding a professional agreement with the patient to provide services and be held answerable for the outcomes of behaviors related to these services (Hood, 2010). One of the main areas we are held accountable for as professional nurses is the safety of our patients. After an evidence-based review of patient safety practices, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality has identified numerous opportunities for quality improvement. The practices identified were rated by strength of evidence, with the highest rated being listed first. This paper will examine practice number five, asking patients to recall and restate what they have been told during the informed consent and the responsibility of the professional nurse in this process. The Informed Consent Process According to Terry (2007) informed medical consent occurs when a patient autonomously and expressly permits a professional to perform a medical act on that patient or include the patient in a research project. Patients are now encouraged to be more informed consumers and take an active part in their own healthcare. Terry (2007)...
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...soul of nursing practice. We as nurses believe that we hold the patients’ safety and care in our hands, and we do. Many nurses give this advocate role a lot thought, considering looking out for our patients’ well-being is a big part of our daily job. Nurses are at the front lines of care, and we have a good handle on the issues and what the patients need more than other clinicians. Advocating is about standing up for the rights of your patients and firmly defending them even if you personally may not agree. Your personal feelings of preferences are put aside, since health care is about the patient and their needs, not us the caregivers. According to (Sylvan, 2013), Registered Nurses (RN) have a complex role in advocating for patients. The definition of advocacy varies according to who is providing the definition and the health care setting in which she acts. Many ethical, professional and personal issues are involved that require appropriate education, experience and judgment (Sylvan, 2013). Advocacy ranges from activities on behalf of patients, such as hand washing and proper identification before treatments, to arguing that an early discharge will harm her patient's recovery and etc…. Advocacy also means, if a nurse observes a practice or procedure she believes to be wrong, advocating for the patient demands means, she will speak out even if that practice was carried out by her superior. This is not always easy and may have a cost for the nurse because it is like she is stepping...
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...healthcare needs of society. We have grown by providing different nursing educational roles that will evolve healthcare as we know it. The advanced generalist education role is a clinical nurse leader. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing defines the clinical nurse leader role (CNL) as a leader in the healthcare system that delivers care across different settings within a Microsystems, using assimilation and application of research-based information to design, implement and evaluate the patients plan of care (Thompson, and Lulham, 2007). The Clinical Nurse Leader is further described as designing and implementing, and evaluating client care by coordination, delegation, and supervision of the care provided by the health care team (Thompson and Lulham, 2007). Thompson and Lulham (2007) states that the healthcare team in which supervision care is provided from the CNL include the license nurses, technicians, and other various health care professionals. American Association of Colleges of Nursing (2013) states that clinical nurse leaders are masters prepared nurses that involves risk anticipation for individuals and groups of patients, implementation of evidence based practice initiatives, team leadership, management and collaboration with other health care professional team members, and the use of information system and technologies to improve healthcare. The advance generalist advocates for patients, communities and the health care professional team (AACN, 2013). The advanced...
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...Nurse as an Advocate Nursing Leadership Health Policy Advocating for Health Care Policies. Nurse’s Vital Role as Policy Advocates Introduction “I’m not discouraged because every wrong attempt discarded is another step forward” Thomas Edison (1847-1931). In today’s healthcare system, nurses are aware of the inconsistencies and the troubles that the healthcare system faces, and a need for a change. Expert nurses and nurses with vast experience are stepping forward and motivated to take part in advocacy roles. This movement is initiating a great wave of change in nursing world and how nurses influence a change in policies, regulations and law that oversee the health care system. Nurses stepping into this arena requires great deal of courage and knowledge on how the policies and politics interchange hands to implement a major change in health care system. The nurses who step up into this role should have the will, power and with power comes responsibility to negotiate through the legal system. Methods to advocate for health Nurses taking part in advocacy is not new anymore, but what advocacy means is still a mystery in nursing world. Great theorist like Florence Nightingale and her efforts, did influence other nurses throughout the nursing profession to step out of the box and shape the health system, where discover, heal and teach remains the core motto. Nurses throughout the world in some shape or form initiated policy recommendations, represented their view...
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...and what I intend to accomplish is explored. I chose to discuss what the role of an advocate as a professional nurse and which set of skills are required for it. My strengths and the area that is needed to improve are identified. There are two examples of what can reinforce my nursing skills and how the ANA Standards of Professional Performance influences it. It is concluded by my understanding the nursing profession. Professional Role Development My understanding of the nursing practice is more focused on my patients’ safety and doing what is most beneficial to my patient. It is necessary to explore our own personal values deep within ourselves and realize principles that will guide our nursing practice. My philosophy of nursing joins the knowledge of nursing practice with spiritual, interpersonal, and compassionate care which takes into consideration each patients individual dignity. Spirituality is a concern in how we define ourselves as individuals and seek meaning and purpose in this life. It influences how we deal with obstacles and how we relate not only to ourselves, but also to others. Nursing is more than what people just assume, it is more than administering medications; rather it is a model of care and service to others, which is continually evolving. As it is stated in the ANA standards of Professional Performance, “Standard 14. Professional Practice Evaluation: The registered nurse evaluates her or his own nursing practice in relation to professional practice...
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...outcomes. Advocacy is an obligation of all health care professionals because people come seeking care from diverse environments and not everyone has equal access to appropriate and necessary care, resources and opportunities. Advocacy is both the obligation and the opportunity to assist them in meeting their basic needs. The American Nurses Association defines the practice of nursing as “The protection, promotion, and optimization of health and abilities, prevention of illness and injury, alleviation of suffering through the diagnosis and treatment of human response, and advocacy in the care of individuals, families, communities, and populations.”. The ANA also addresses the importance of patient advocacy in their Code of Ethics (Provision 3): “The nurse promotes, advocates for, and protects the rights, health, and safety of the patient.”....
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...In the case study, the nurse is facing ethical as well as professional dilemma regarding the patient’s rights. The nurse’s role in this case study is to, work according to the Maryland state regulations and nursing standards; But as per Maryland nursing standards, she is not working as an advocate for her patient, Mr. E at this situation (Code of Ethics - the Division of State Documents, 10.27.19.02). The patient already signed advanced directive against life saving measures almost seven years ago, at the time of admission to a nursing home, with the help of patient advocate; but Dr G. is planning patient care in opposition to Mr.E’s active advance directive and his expressed objections to the medical care. There are numerous issues to consider in this case study. The nurse has to review her professional role according to code of ethics and nursing standards in relation to advance directives and medical power of attorney. The nurse also has to consider the patient’s right to privacy and confidentiality according to HIPPA Policy. The issues in contemporary healthcare facilities are sometimes the statues can be vague, and issues can be in conflict with own personal beliefs in most areas. A) State Regulations and Nursing Standards of practice There are specific Maryland state regulations and nursing standards regarding patient rights in this case study. However, the most relevant regulation is that, the nurse promotes, advocates for, and strives to protect...
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...The Nurse As Advocate Michelle Guth Walden University October 9, 2012 Nursing has not always practiced advocacy; rather, it is a relatively new role for nursing emerging in the United States in the 1980s (Hanks, R. 2007). As a professional nurse it is our duty to serve as our patients advocates. They rely on us to do so. Nurses are considered the protector’s of patient’s rights. The American Nurses Association is dedicated to quality nursing and safety of the patients and this comes in the form of advocacy. By creating initiatives that increase awareness both among legislators and the general community, the ANA is able to encourage legislation on vital issues such as safe patient handling and patients' rights. This is how the role of advocate addresses social justice. Championing social justice in the provision of health care is a core attribute of advocacy (Bu, X. & Jezewski M. 2006). The meaning of this core attribute is based on the ethics of justice and reflects the social advocacy model. This model calls for nurses to vigorously make every effort for changes on the behalf of patients, communities and humanity as a whole, so that problems are identified and corrected. Nurses need to be community advocates and be involved in issues related to the health and welfare for people. The strategies we as nurses and professional associations need to do in order to continue to push for change in health care is to promote effective communication and coordination of care. We...
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...nursing, she did demonstrate advocacy in many ways (Selanders and Crane, 2012). Today advocacy extends beyond the individual patient to local and global populations, and nationally and globally to the nursing profession itself. The purpose of this paper is to describe this author’s role as a moral agent or advocate for a specific issue in this author’s work, and explain one or more negative outcomes that may result if this role is not fulfilled. This paper will also analyze the skills, dispositions, and strategies necessary to help this author fulfill this role, and explain this author’s motivation for taking a stand. Role as an Advocate Advocacy has been described in ethical and legal frameworks, and as a philosophical foundation for practice (Negarandeh et al., 2007). Malik (1997) states that “the core condition which demands advocacy action is the vulnerability of a patient, either personal vulnerability due to illness and/or the vulnerability to risks inherent in the institutional processes to which the patient is exposed in the health care system.” As a nurse discharge planner case manager, part of this author’s job is to identify potential barriers to patient care and safe discharge. As a nurse, this author also has the responsibility to speak for those who cannot speak for themselves. A few years ago an 85-year-old woman was admitted to the orthopedic floor with a fractured hip. She had fallen at home trying to stand from her wheelchair. The family noted that she...
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...Reflection Paper One Advanced practice nursing (APN) can be loosely defined as an area of nursing in which nurses are required to practice at an advanced level in a specific area of interest. APN extends the boundaries of nursing’s scope of practice and contributes to nursing knowledge, and the development of the profession (Canadian Nurses Association, 2008). In order to become an APN, the nurse must obtain a master’s or doctoral degree from an accredited university in an area of concentration designated for advanced practice nursing. According to Joel (2009), there are currently four major groups of APNs: certified registered nurse anesthetist, certified nurse midwives, clinical nurse specialists, and nurse practitioners. APN focus on critical thinking, educating the public, diagnosing and treating illnesses, and prescribing medications to name a few. This paper will discuss the future of the nurse practitioner and how I, as a future adult-gerontology primary care nurse practitioner, will advocate for my patient population. Philosophy and Beliefs of Nurse Practitioners Due to the fact that nurse practitioner is a branch of advanced practice nursing, the two professions often share many of the same philosophic beliefs. The overall philosophy of both professions is centered on four key concepts of person, society, health and nursing; whereas, the core philosophy for nurse practitioners is that of individualized care where focus is on patients’ conditions, as well as, the effects...
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...will incorporate sections of assignments done in weeks 8, 9 and 10 starting with week 8: Advocacy involves the process of persuading someone to at least consider one’s point of view. The role of the nurse as an advocate in healthcare policy is not a new one. The many opportunities nurses have to observe firsthand the positives and negatives of the current healthcare system enable them to identify needs and concerns related to the care patients currently receive ( or don’t receive)( Gonzalez, 2012). Some health needs returning veterans and their families might need health care, psychological and family reorientation to life outside of the war zone, gainful employment. How might one advocate for the needs of this population? First, set up a plan which describes the things that you want to advocate for in terms of helping the veteran find organizations and funding for their needs in civilian life. Get in touch with legislators and other resource groups that can help with accomplishing the goals you set. What responsibility must a nurse have to be an advocate? First, she must have expertise in the care of needy populations, be familiar with legislators who would be sympathetic to the cause and be willing to help with the advocacy of the plan presented. Collaborate with peers and other nurses who can assist in the development and presentation of the plan. My choice is the current nursing shortage, what healthcare problem was the policy designed to address: cost, quality, access...
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...Nursing Professionalism: Improving Education of Nurses on the topic of Breastfeeding NUR 3100 Professor Garcia Abstract Without breastfeeding, an infant looses valuable health and nutritional benefits. The mother also has the potential to develop serious complication derived from labor. Through adequate education nurses, become more competent in encouraging and educating new mothers to breastfeed. The purpose of this paper is to explore and define the themes, roles and philosophy of Aurora University’s School of Nursing. These themes, roles and philosophies are important because they give nurses’ knowledge for which to base their professional careers on. With this base nurses are better prepared to educate the community of women on breastfeeding. Nursing Professionalism: Improving Education of Nurses on the topic of Breastfeeding In the professional nursing field nurses are expected to carry out the philosophies, themes, and roles of the nursing field. Aurora University’s School of Nursing outlines the importance of the themes, roles and philosophy so their students can one day provide patients with exemplary care. Without fully understanding the themes and roles of nurses, students will not be able to provide competent care. The roles of a nurse can be applied in many areas. One area in particular is in educating women about breastfeeding. In order for nurses to fully educate new mothers about breastfeeding, nurses must first have adequate education themselves...
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...at the Institute of Medicine [RWJF], 2010). For the purposes of this paper, I will focus on the impacts of the IOM report on three specific areas of nursing: education, nursing practice (primary care), and leadership. One of the more controversial recommendations made in the 2010 IOM report is related to education. It is stated that nursing education, due to a multitude of factors over the years has become very fragmented with many entry points into practice such as certificate programs, associate’s degrees (ADN), as well as baccalaureate degrees (BSN). The proposition put forward in the report is that the entire workforce of registered nurses (RN) should be comprised of BSN prepared nurses. The main contention is that this would create a more uniform entry point into nursing as well as better prepare nurses to take on leadership roles. (RWJF, 2010). Another advantage as described in the report is that if all RNs were BSN prepared they would be positioned better to advance their education to the master’s or...
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