In healthcare, nurses do more than take care of patients. They also help patients navigate the complex healthcare system and meet their needs. Hallie Schauer is a nurse in Sheridan, WY, and a great example. She works at a cancer center, and during the worst part of the COVID-19 pandemic, she volunteered to help test people for the virus. Now, she helps give people the medicine they need to fight cancer. Her dedication shows how important it is for nurses to support and empower patients.
Understanding Patient Advocacy
Patient advocacy in nursing involves:
- Representing patients’ interests.
- Ensuring they receive appropriate care.
- Helping them navigate the healthcare system.
It’s about filling the gap between patients and the often intimidating expanse of healthcare procedures and policies. Advocacy is critical because it ensures that the patient’s voice is not lost in clinical discussions and that their preferences and values are considered in care decisions.
The Role of Nurses in Advocacy
Nurses are uniquely positioned to act as advocates. Their frequent and close interactions with patients and detailed knowledge of healthcare systems make them essential patient allies. They can observe subtle changes in patient conditions, gather insights into their concerns, and act as intermediaries between patients and other healthcare professionals.
- Educating and Empowering Patients: Nurses play a crucial role in educating patients about their conditions and available treatments. By providing clear and accessible information, nurses help patients make informed decisions about their care. This empowerment is a foundational step in advocacy, equipping patients with the knowledge to engage actively in their healthcare journey.
- Navigating Healthcare Systems: Healthcare systems can be daunting. Nurses assist patients in understanding their medical rights and the operations of healthcare systems, helping them to access the services they need. This guidance is crucial for patients facing language, socioeconomic status, or education barriers.
- Supporting Decision-Making: Nurses support patients in their decision-making processes, ensuring they understand their options and the implications of their choices. This support may involve explaining medical jargon, discussing potential outcomes, and supporting patients’ rights to accept or decline treatments based on their values and preferences.
- Ethical Guardianship: Nurses often find themselves advocating for the ethical treatment of their patients. They ensure that all patients receive compassionate and equitable care, regardless of their background or condition. This aspect of advocacy is critical in maintaining the integrity of healthcare delivery.
Case Studies and Examples
Consider the example of Hallie Schauer, who stepped up during an unprecedented global health crisis to ensure that patients continued to receive care in a fraught environment. Her work at the Covid Testing Center and continuing role in the Infusion Unit of Welch Cancer Center illustrates the tireless nature of nurses who commit to patient care and advocacy. Through her actions, Hallie has shown how nurses can significantly impact patient experiences and outcomes by providing dedicated support and advocacy.
In another example, a nurse in a large metropolitan hospital used her role to advocate for a non-English speaking patient, ensuring that translation services were available so the patient could fully understand the treatment plan. This action facilitated effective communication and ensured the patient felt respected and valued.
Challenges in Patient Advocacy
While the role of a nurse in patient advocacy is critical, it has its challenges. Time constraints, administrative pressures, and limited resources can impede nurses’ ability to provide the level of advocacy they aspire to. Additionally, navigating interpersonal dynamics with other healthcare providers can sometimes hinder effective advocacy.
Moving Forward
The future of nursing advocacy requires support at both the individual and systemic levels. Enhancing education about patient rights and advocacy within nursing programs, providing ongoing training for nurses in the field, and advocating for policies that allow nurses more time and resources to dedicate to advocacy are all crucial steps.
By strengthening the role of nurses in patient advocacy, the healthcare system can become more patient-centered and responsive. The dedication and commitment of nurses like Hallie Schauer are testaments to the potential of nursing advocacy to transform patient care. Through continued support and recognition of nurses’ critical role in advocacy, the healthcare community can ensure that all patients receive the care and respect they deserve.