What is the role of a registered nurse in patient advocacy?

The role of a registered nurse in patient advocacy is fundamentally centered around representing and defending the needs and rights of patients. This involves several critical components, including ensuring that patients are informed about their health conditions and treatment options, voicing concerns regarding a patient’s preferences, and facilitating effective communication between healthcare providers and patients.

Patient advocacy is a crucial aspect of nursing practice because registered nurses often serve as the primary point of contact for patients within the healthcare system. They are in a unique position to observe patient's physical, emotional, and psychological states, allowing them to identify and act upon patient needs and rights. By advocating for patients, nurses help ensure that their voices are heard in treatment decisions, thereby promoting autonomy and enhancing the overall patient experience.

In contrast, tasks such as prescribing medications or performing surgeries fall outside the traditional scope of nursing practice and are typically the responsibilities of physicians or advanced practice providers. Similarly, managing hospital administration is a separate function focused on the operational aspects of healthcare facilities rather than direct patient care and advocacy. Thus, the role of the registered nurse as an advocate is fundamental to both ethical nursing practice and the provision of high-quality patient care.