Question

Discuss examples of nurse advocacy as is relates to policy advocacy such as it relates with a professional organization.

Answer 1

Nurse advocates support the patient's best interests while respecting the family's importantrole. They attend healthcare team meetings with the patient and family to clarify any communication problems and ensure information from the healthcare team is complete and correct. A patient advocate helps patients communicate with their healthcare providers so they get the information they need to make decisions about their health care. Patient advocates may also help patients set up appointments for doctor visits and medical tests and get financial, legal, and social support. For example, if a patient receives an inaccurate diagnosis, unsafe accommodation, or unclear instructions for self-care, the nurse must alert the doctor or medical facility and communicate the issue.
As their patient's advocate, nurses have a responsibility to address their suffering. Nurses need to observe each patient and assess their level of discomfort because suffering is relative. Some of the areas where nurses can advocatefor their patients include pain management and reducing physical suffering.
Here are five other tips for promoting patient advocacy.

-Keep the Entire Team Informed.
-Prevent Unwelcome Family Intervention.
-Provide Assistance with Social and Financial Issues.
-Exhibit Correct Nursing Care.
-Teach them to advocate for themselves.
-Create a medical summary.
-Use trusted sources to help choose a new doctor.
Investigate health policy agendas that local legislators have established for their terms in office. Volunteer to participate in policy meetings or related activities. Join your professional nursing organization.

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