DQ: Discuss the importance of advocacy as it pertains to patient care

DQ: Discuss the importance of advocacy as it pertains to patient care

Professional nursing organizations are dedicated to improving nursing practice through education, advocacy, and leadership. Nursing organizations support nursing by promoting professional development in nursing. They provide opportunities for nurses to advance their education to improve their competence in practice (Helbig, 2018). They also support nursing through advocacy. They advocate for nurses’ and patients’ well-being in clinical settings. In addition, nursing organizations promote nursing leadership to increase nurses’ influence in healthcare delivery. They also provide opportunities for nurses to network and collaborate with other healthcare providers to improve healthcare delivery. Professional nursing organizations play crucial roles in advocating for nursing practice. First, they work with policymakers to propose and implement policies that improve nursing practice and patient care (American Nurses Association, 2023). They also advocate for the rights of nurses. Since nurses are their members, they ensure they work under good working conditions in safe environments. Furthermore, professional organizations educate the public and healthcare administrators about nursing practice.

Besides advocating for nurses, professional nursing organizations also advocate for patients to ensure they receive quality and safe care. These organizations also address issues affecting patients in healthcare settings. They propose solutions to healthcare problems to improve the quality and safety of care. Nursing organizations advocate for healthcare policies to improve patient care (American Nurses Association, 2023). They propose and spearhead the implementation of healthcare policies that enable patients to access quality and affordable healthcare services. Nursing organizations also work with healthcare leaders, providers, and communities to improve healthcare delivery (Turale & Kunaviktikul, 2019). In addition, nursing organizations prepare nurses to provide quality patient care. They connect nurses to professional development opportunities to enable them to enhance their clinical knowledge and skills so that they can deliver quality services. They also inform nurses and keep them updated with current healthcare practices to enable them to meet patients’ needs.

References

American Nurses Association. (2023). Role of professional organizations in advocating for the nursing profession. https://ojin.nursingworld.org/table-of-contents/volume-17-2012/number-1-january-2012/professional-organizations-and-advocating2/#:~:text=Unity%20in%20advocacy.,and%20professionals%20on%20specific%20issues.

Helbig, J. (2018). Professional engagement. In Grand Canyon University (Eds.), Dynamics in nursing: Art & science of professional practice (1st ed.). https://lc.gcumedia.com/nrs430v/dynamics-in-nursing-art-and-science-of-professional-practice/v1.1/#/chapter/5

Turale, S., & Kunaviktikul, W. (2019). The contribution of nurses to health policy and advocacy requires leaders to provide training and mentorship. International Nursing Review, 66(3), 302-304. https://doi.org/10.1111/inr.12550