43 Nursing: A Concept-Based Approach to Learning Advocacy MODULE VOLUME TWO | SECOND EDITION 43 MODULE Advocacy

The Concept of Advocacy Advocacy is protecting Advocate expresses, defends another's cause Client advocate Protects client Defends client from harm Represents client's needs, wishes to others Positive experience for nurses and clients 2

The Advocate's Role Navigate complex healthcare system Penetrate bureaucracy, access resources Protect client's rights Educate clients about their rights, healthcare options Provide information Support clients in making informed decisions Work with clients who lack decision-making capacity 3

The Advocate's Role, continued Effective advocacy Be assertive Recognize that rights, values of client and family must take precedence when conflicting with those of providers Be aware that conflicts may arise Nurse and administrators, primary providers Work with community agencies, lay practitioners May require political action 4

Lifespan Considerations Advocate for safety Assess, protect vulnerable clients Infants, children, pregnant women, older adults most vulnerable Be alert to signs of abuse Recognize victim will often deny abuse 5

Empowering the Client Support and advocate Clients and families facing difficult choices Living with results of choices Mutual respect, trust, confidence in others' abilities and motives Empowering  caring behavior of enabling 6

Empowering the Client, continued Caring behavior of enabling Facilitating client's passage through transitions and unfamiliar events Coaching, informing, explaining, supporting, assisting, guiding, focusing, validating May involve substitutive care May involve providing safe, effective environment May involve mediating on another's behalf 7

Empowering the Client, continued Nurse maintains professional boundaries Avoid enabling pathological choices Facilitate growth and development Dimensions of advocacy Being client advocate Following through or following up Providing resources Going above and beyond 8

Professional and Public Advocacy Professional organizations advocate at state and national levels For profession of nursing For members of organization Those who benefit from services Nurses in position to affect change 9

Illegal, Immoral, Unethical Activities of Professionals Legal responsibility to report any illegal, immoral, unethical activities by professionals 10

Nursing Practice Nurses morally obligated to act as advocates for all clients Advocacy off duty as well as time at work Advocacy can impact client's well-being Access to healthcare services Role of client advocate Begins in nursing school Incorporated into daily professional practice 11