In my current nursing practice, I’ve realized that advocacy isn’t something abstract—it shows up
in everyday decisions, conversations, and even in the moments when speaking up feels
uncomfortable. Two major challenges I face that echo back to Florence Nightingale’s time are
staffing shortages and inequitable patient care.
Staffing shortages are probably the most visible issue. On busy shifts, I often feel stretched thin,
trying to meet the needs of multiple patients while still providing safe, quality care. It can feel
frustrating because I know what good care should look like, but limited time and resources
sometimes make it difficult to deliver it consistently. I imagine Nightingale faced similar
struggles during the Crimean War, where inadequate staffing impacted patient outcomes. It
makes me reflect on how far we’ve come—and yet how some problems remain unchanged.
The second challenge is inequitable care. I’ve noticed that some patients receive different levels
of attention or access to resources based on socioeconomic status, education, or even how well
they can communicate their needs. This is hard to witness because nursing, at its core, is about
fairness and compassion. It reminds me that advocacy isn’t just about speaking for patients, but
also about challenging systems that create these disparities.
These experiences have made me realize why nurses need a voice beyond the bedside. At the
federal, state, and local levels, nurses can influence policies that directly affect staffing ratios,
patient safety standards, and access to care. Without that voice, decisions may be made by people
who don’t fully understand what happens in clinical settings. Advocacy at a larger scale can lead
to real, lasting change.
This reflection connects strongly to the CONPH pillar of Professionalism, especially
accountability and ethical practice. It also ties into Communication, because effective advocacy
requires clear, confident expression of concerns. I’ve learned that staying silent doesn’t help my
patients or my profession. Even small actions—like raising concerns to leadership or
participating in discussions—are steps toward meaningful change.
Overall, this topic has pushed me to see advocacy not as an extra responsibility, but as a
fundamental part of who I am as a nurse.
in everyday decisions, conversations, and even in the moments when speaking up feels
uncomfortable. Two major challenges I face that echo back to Florence Nightingale’s time are
staffing shortages and inequitable patient care.
Staffing shortages are probably the most visible issue. On busy shifts, I often feel stretched thin,
trying to meet the needs of multiple patients while still providing safe, quality care. It can feel
frustrating because I know what good care should look like, but limited time and resources
sometimes make it difficult to deliver it consistently. I imagine Nightingale faced similar
struggles during the Crimean War, where inadequate staffing impacted patient outcomes. It
makes me reflect on how far we’ve come—and yet how some problems remain unchanged.
The second challenge is inequitable care. I’ve noticed that some patients receive different levels
of attention or access to resources based on socioeconomic status, education, or even how well
they can communicate their needs. This is hard to witness because nursing, at its core, is about
fairness and compassion. It reminds me that advocacy isn’t just about speaking for patients, but
also about challenging systems that create these disparities.
These experiences have made me realize why nurses need a voice beyond the bedside. At the
federal, state, and local levels, nurses can influence policies that directly affect staffing ratios,
patient safety standards, and access to care. Without that voice, decisions may be made by people
who don’t fully understand what happens in clinical settings. Advocacy at a larger scale can lead
to real, lasting change.
This reflection connects strongly to the CONPH pillar of Professionalism, especially
accountability and ethical practice. It also ties into Communication, because effective advocacy
requires clear, confident expression of concerns. I’ve learned that staying silent doesn’t help my
patients or my profession. Even small actions—like raising concerns to leadership or
participating in discussions—are steps toward meaningful change.
Overall, this topic has pushed me to see advocacy not as an extra responsibility, but as a
fundamental part of who I am as a nurse.
