Why Nurses Should Be Advocates of Their Patients

Introduction: The Complexities of Healthcare Policy

Nowadays, healthcare policy is more complicated than ever, with numerous policies and regulations imposed by government and health insurance agencies. These issues present significant challenges and obstacles in healthcare, making nurses' jobs even more demanding. Unfortunately, patients and nurses often find themselves caught in the crosscurrents of cost constraints and access to appropriate quality care (Premji & Hatfield, 2016). America is undoubtedly one of the countries with the best quality of care, but these policies negatively affect patient outcomes. For instance, if you are uninsured, you cannot seek medical attention, and if you cannot afford health insurance, you are left without options. Coming from a country where healthcare is free for everyone, this is an eye-opening experience for me.

The Role of Nurses as Patient Advocates

According to the Commonwealth Fund (2016), 33 million people were uninsured in 2014, a decrease of 13.3 percent since 2013. This means that 33 million people had no access to any medical facility, and if they suffered from a serious condition, they would be unable to seek medical assistance. This statistic demonstrates a clear intention to reduce the number of Americans who lack health insurance. However, with the current political instability and the intention to terminate the Affordable Care Act, the healthcare landscape appears ominous.

After completing nursing school, I aspire to work as a registered nurse for a certain amount of time and then return to graduate school to further my education. As a new nurse, I expect to face many challenges, but I am also eager to enter the field and seize the opportunity to save as many lives as possible. Currently, the only opportunity I have had to engage politically in healthcare aspects was through the Student Nurses Organization (SNO). While this experience is minimal compared to other healthcare professionals, through SNO, I learned how organizations like this function and what it is like to work with others in the same field. Every individual should strive to make a difference, and nursing will be one of the tools to achieve that.

Empowering Nurses to Drive Change

The only way nurses can push for change and reform the current healthcare system is by being willing to step out of their comfort zones. This means that nurses should always question any administrative, governmental, or organizational decision that undermines patients' rights to healthcare. If nurses engage in less familiar arenas where laws and regulations impacting patient care are developed, the quality of care will drastically improve (Abood, 2007). I think this aspect of nursing can be intimidating for many new nurses, but my past experiences in other jobs and my athletic career have prepared me for this challenge. My caring and compassionate personality is definitely important because whenever I see someone in need, I do everything possible to help that individual.

Nursing school prepares students to a small degree for what is coming. Every nurse learns on the job as they gain more experience, and many people are intimidated by that. Sooner or later, everyone will be put in an unfamiliar situation that places them outside of their comfort zone. Personally, I don’t feel scared because I am a confident person who quickly adapts and gets the job done. With experience, I will become even more confident in my abilities and strengths, enabling me to lead my colleagues successfully.

Advocating for Patient Rights and Preventive Care

Every nurse should be an advocate for their patients, doing everything in their power to ensure that patients receive quality and affordable care. I believe that forming a relationship with patients is critical; by doing this, you allow the patient to trust you. One of the biggest issues I want to tackle as a healthcare professional is granting all citizens access to quality and affordable healthcare. Coming from a country where healthcare is free to everyone makes me infuriated and determined to fight for free healthcare for all. In my opinion, another important issue that needs to be addressed is preventive medicine. It is proven that preventive medicine, which includes vaccinations, screenings, and regular checkups, helps increase patient outcomes. Some of the most common diseases, like diabetes and hypertension, result from lifestyle choices that could be easily managed and treated if patients followed regular checkups with their primary care providers.

Historical Influence and Future Directions

The nursing profession carries a significant legacy in political development and activism. Florence Nightingale and Lillian Wald, both healthcare innovators and leaders, were responsible for many changes that transformed the quality of care (Zauderer, Ballestas, Cardoza, Hood, & Neville, 2008). These nurses were some of the most influential individuals in the history of healthcare, and their accomplishments continue to inspire new nurses today. Advocating for patients should be a goal of all nurses because engaging in political activism is the only way to reform and develop the healthcare system.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the challenges and complexities of healthcare policy necessitate that nurses become advocates for their patients. By stepping out of their comfort zones and engaging in the political landscape, nurses can drive meaningful changes that improve patient outcomes. Through dedication, compassion, and activism, nurses can continue the legacy of pioneers like Nightingale and Wald, ensuring that healthcare systems evolve to meet the needs of all individuals.

References:

• Abood, S. (2007). Influencing health care in the legislative arena. Online Journal of Issues in Nursing, 12(1).
• Commonwealth Fund. (2016). Health insurance coverage and access to care. Retrieved from [insert URL here]
• Premji, S., & Hatfield, J. (2016). The impact of health insurance on health. Journal of Health Policy, 3(2), 56-68.
• Zauderer, C., Ballestas, H., Cardoza, M. P., Hood, P., & Neville, S. (2008). Nursing activism: A legacy of caring. Journal of Professional Nursing, 24(5), 300-307.