ADVOCACY

- October 09, 2024

ADVOCACY

a) Definitions:

i. Advocacy (5%):
Advocacy is the act of supporting, defending, or speaking on behalf of others, particularly to ensure their rights, needs, or interests are recognized and addressed. In nursing, advocacy involves promoting and protecting the health, well-being, and rights of patients.

ii. Lobbying (5%):
Lobbying refers to the process of influencing decision-makers, particularly in government or organizations, to support or oppose specific policies or actions. In the context of nursing, lobbying may involve efforts to influence healthcare policies that impact patient care or the nursing profession.

iii. Four Areas of Nurse Advocacy in Relation to Patient Care (10%):

Patient Rights Advocacy: Ensuring patients’ rights are upheld, including informed consent, confidentiality, and autonomy in decision-making.
Ethical Care Advocacy: Promoting ethical care by ensuring treatments and decisions respect the patient’s values and wishes.
Health Education Advocacy: Educating patients and their families about their conditions, treatment options, and self-care practices to make informed decisions.
Safety and Quality Advocacy: Ensuring patients receive safe and high-quality care, preventing harm, and speaking out against unsafe practices.

b) I. Three Roles of a Nurse as an Advocate (15%):

Ensuring Patient Autonomy: Nurses advocate for patients' right to make decisions regarding their healthcare. This includes providing information and supporting informed decision-making without coercion.
Protecting Patient Rights: Nurses ensure that patients’ legal and human rights are respected, including privacy, confidentiality, and access to necessary care.
Interceding on Behalf of Vulnerable Patients: Nurses act as intermediaries when patients are unable to speak for themselves, ensuring their needs are communicated to healthcare providers and their wishes are honored.

c) ii. Fifteen Universal Human Rights (45%):

Right to Life
Right to Freedom from Torture or Cruel, Inhumane Treatment
Right to Freedom from Slavery
Right to Freedom of Thought, Conscience, and Religion
Right to Freedom of Expression
Right to Equality Before the Law
Right to Privacy
Right to Freedom of Movement
Right to Asylum
Right to Work and Fair Remuneration
Right to Education
Right to Marriage and Family
Right to Participate in Government
Right to Freedom from Discrimination
Right to Access Adequate Health Care

d) Five Rights of Nurses in the Bill of Rights for Nurses (15%):

Right to a Safe Work Environment: Nurses have the right to work in an environment that protects them from harm, including adequate staffing and protective equipment.
Right to Practice in Accordance with Professional Standards: Nurses should be able to practice nursing in line with professional standards and ethical guidelines without facing undue pressure.
Right to Fair Compensation: Nurses are entitled to fair wages and benefits that reflect their level of expertise and the services they provide.
Right to Respect and Dignity: Nurses should be treated with respect and dignity by their employers, colleagues, and patients.
Right to Advocate for Patients: Nurses have the right to advocate for their patients without fear of retaliation or discrimination from their employers.