Overview
This lecture covers the concept of advocacy in nursing, outlining the nurse’s role as a client advocate, patient rights, and preparation strategies for the NCLEX exam, including resource information and practice questions.
Advocacy in Nursing
- Advocacy means supporting, speaking for, and standing up for patients, families, or groups.
- The American Nurses Association considers advocacy a core pillar of nursing practice.
- Nurses must promote and protect the rights, health, and safety of their patients.
- Advocacy includes ensuring patient safety, especially in healthcare facilities and after discharge.
- Nurses provide a voice for vulnerable patients by simplifying medical information and asking questions.
- Educating patients improves their health management and quality of life.
- Nurses must protect clients’ rights, including confidentiality and access to correct information.
- Reviewing for errors and connecting clients to relevant resources are key advocacy actions.
- Nurses should understand what resources are available for patients and direct them as needed.
Chain of Command in Advocacy
- Activate the chain of command if the situation is beyond the nurse’s scope or needs escalation.
- Typical chain: staff nurse → charge nurse/nursing supervisor → healthcare provider/physician.
- Use the chain of command when communication or care issues arise beyond the nurse's authority.
NCLEX Practice Questions on Advocacy
- Best care occurs when clients are active with their healthcare provider (not just family, admin, or insurance).
- Nurses should not tell clients the “best treatment option” (no personal opinions).
- Nurse advocates must not delay essential communication or data collection waiting for provider orders; use available tools to meet immediate patient needs.
NCLEX Virtual Trainer & Study Tools
- The NCLEX Virtual Trainer (VT) includes online lectures, workbooks, and quick facts books.
- The VT offers a daily study calendar, structured for four days/week, with built-in accountability (quizzes require 95% to pass).
- Access includes refresher modules if books are delayed.
- Content reviews, quizzes, and practice questions are core parts of the program.
Upcoming Events & Offers
- Free online anxiety workshop on April 25th and 26th to help manage test-taking anxiety (signup at remarners.com/anxiety).
- Discount on the NCLEX Virtual Trainer with coupon code “no stress”.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Advocacy — The act or process of supporting, speaking for, or standing up for someone or something.
- Chain of Command — The hierarchy nurses follow to escalate concerns beyond their immediate authority.
- Autonomy — The client’s right to make informed decisions about their own care.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Sign up for the free anxiety workshop at remarners.com/anxiety.
- If interested, purchase the NCLEX Virtual Trainer and use coupon code “no stress”.
- Review client rights, advocacy principles, and your facility’s chain of command.
- Prepare by completing homework or assigned quizzes in your NCLEX study program.