Nursing Advocacy Paper

According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, the term advocacy is derived from the legal definition of advocate, which is defined as “a person who assists, defends, pleads, or prosecutes for another.” This legal definition is the springboard for the larger definition of nursing advocacy. Nursing advocacy has multiple roles such as communicating with, informing, and educating patients, protecting patients, speaking out for patients and building relationships (Hanks, 2013). It is common knowledge that wealthier patients have more support, both financially and practically. They are in a position to fight for the services they need, and often have the education and language skills to communicate effectively to healthcare providers (Davenport, 2012). The importance of the nurse 's role as an advocate, especially in regard to patients from the lower socio-economic classes, is crucial. The role of a nurse as an advocate is one that supports and promotes the interests of the patient and this involves many areas not just physical well-being. According to Clark, 2007, the definition of advocacy is to speak for others who cannot speak for themselves or to act on their behalf. As an advocate, the community health nurse engages in a number of activities and functions. These functions include:
1.
Determining the need for advocacy
2. Determining the point at which advocacy would be most effective
3. Collecting facts relating to the issue
4. Presenting the client’s case to appropriate decision makers
5. Preparing and enabling clients to speak for themselves (Clark, 2007).
The nurse as an advocate is in a position to address many of the patient’s needs and therefore this role is indispensable as it relates to the community health nurse.

References
Advocate. (n. d.) In Merriam-Webster’s online dictionary (11th ed.). Retrieved from
http://www.m-w.com/dictionary/advocate

Clark, M. J. (2007). Community health nursing: Advocacy for population health. (5th ed.). Prentice Hall
Davenport, C. (2012). Time spent with a community nurse helped clarify my career goals. Nursing Standard, 26(37), 28. Retrieved from http://go.galegroup.com.db16.linccweb.org
Hanks, R. G. (2013). Social advocac: A call for nursing action. Pastoral psychology , 62(2), 163-173 . doi: 10.1007/s11089- 011-0404-1