Nurses as Patient Advocates: Disagreements and Advocacy

As a nurse, the role of patient advocate often requires navigating disagreements between patients and healthcare practitioners. While nursing is not solely about being a physician's mouthpiece, patient safety and well-being take precedence. This article explores scenarios where nurses play a crucial role in advocating for patients, ensuring their voices are heard, and providing evidence-based care.

The Role of a Nurse as a Patient Advocate

Nurses are not merely assistants to doctors but possess an essential role in healthcare as patient advocates. This involves more than just ensuring correct meal orders or liaison with other departments. Nurses assess patients' physical and emotional responses to medical interventions and communicate these insights effectively to healthcare providers.

Nurses must balance advocacy with professionalism. Discussing disagreements in private with healthcare practitioners is often more effective, unless immediate patient safety is at risk. Direct confrontations should be avoided, as personal attacks or egos can escalate situations.

Empowering Patients and Healthcare Quality

Empowering patients to seek a second opinion or another doctor if they disagree with a healthcare professional's diagnosis or treatment plan is a vital part of patient advocacy. Patients have the right to make informed decisions about their care, even if it means challenging clinical recommendations.

The internet has become a valuable resource for patients seeking information. While "Dr. Google" is sometimes derided, notable online resources such as the Mayo Clinic, PubMed, and reputable medical blogs can provide accurate and relevant information. Nurses can guide patients to these sources to help them make informed decisions.

Clinical Instances of Disagreement

There are several instances where nurses have demonstrated the need for advocacy in patient care. One such instance involves a hernia misdiagnosis. A patient suspected of having a hernia, which was confirmed by the nurse, was eventually refused examination by a physician who claimed nurses couldn't diagnose. This mistake led to a delay in treatment, causing the hernia to strangulate, requiring urgent surgery.

Another case involved a blood clot diagnosis. An elderly patient's daughter sought medical attention due to concerns about blood clots in the legs. The nurse's assessment indicated red, swollen calves with a positive Homan's sign, but the doctor dismissed these findings. A second and third opinion confirmed the presence of blood clots, discovered to be due to an IVC filter that had migrated.

A personal experience as a nurse highlights the importance of advocating for patients. During the critical moment when a child swallowed a small battery, immediate action was critical. While an initial x-ray indicated the battery had passed to the stomach, the diagnostic uncertainty necessitated a second opinion. Online resources and consultations with professionals confirmed the safe procedure without unnecessary surgical intervention.

These cases underscore the necessity for nurses to act as patient advocates, ensuring patient-centered care and evidence-based practices. Effective communication and professional backing are key in defending patient rights and health outcomes.

Conclusion

As healthcare professionals, nurses play a vital role in patient safety and well-being. Advocating for patients in healthcare settings, especially when there are disagreements, is essential. By leveraging experience, evidence-based resources, and clinical insight, nurses can empower patients to make informed decisions and receive appropriate care.