NURS 231 Exam 3

NURS 231 Exam 3 What is advocacy? Speaking on behalf of those who cannot speak for themselves - coming to someone's aid Who do nurses advocate for? Coworkers, yourself, nursing as a profession, populations, groups, communities, and patients Patient's Bill of Rights summary of a patient's rights regarding fair treatment and appropriate information - nurses sometimes have to advocate for their patient's Bill of Rights When do nurses advocate for their patients? Anytime it is needed Why do nurses advocate for their patients? Because advocacy is a professional and legal responsibility of the nurse How do nurses advocate for their patients? Depends on the situation, but is always done professionally Concepts that often prompt advocacy 1. Patient and professional autonomy = nurses have the autonomy to practice and patients have the autonomy to choose 2.Patient/Individual rights = patients have the right to make choices about their care, even if they are considered the "wrong" choices 3. Education and access to information = have to make sure that patients are informed 4. Voicelessness = includes patients who are not educated, unconscious, not of sound mind, individuals from vulnerable populations (homeless), etc. 5. Empowerment = nurses should empower people to make their own decisions 6. Personal value system/Moral Distress = Nurses struggle with moral distress when they know what should be happening, but cannot make it happen 7. Misinformation 8. Patient Dignity = maintaining patient privacy