List of Jobs where Nurses are also Patient Advocates
Jobs where Nurses are also Patient Advocates
Registered nurses (RNs) are in a position to advocate for their patients. They interact with them on a regular basis and in some cases, are more knowledgeable than doctors about a patient’s case. Often times, it is on the advice of the nurse that patients seek further treatment or get a second opinion.
Independent Patient Advocate
An independent patient advocate is a registered nurse who helps educate a patient on what treatments are available to them. They help to decipher medical language and make sure a patient understands everything they need to know about the condition they have been diagnosed with. An independent patient advocate works outside the scope of a hospital or treatment facility and offers patients an unbiased opinion about what physicians and other healthcare providers are doing for them. They do not answer to a specific facility or physician and can give the patient an answer without having to worry if it’s violating protocols or regulations.
Registered Nurse in a Healthcare Facility
A registered nurse in a healthcare facility is a patient’s advocate in the sense they can give an honest opinion about the condition of a patient. Not only do they interact with a patient on a regular basis, they are also aware of a patient’s limitations and capabilities. If a patient would do better in a rehabilitation facility, it may be the nurse’s advocacy that steers the family and physicians in that particular direction.
Registered Nurse in a Home Healthcare Agency
As a home healthcare nurse, a registered nurse can advocate for their clients in a unique way. They can monitor a client’s progress and determine whether or not they are capable of remaining in their home without round the clock care or assistance. They can help the family of a patient make the transition from rehabilitation to home healthcare and ensure the patient has everything they need, if they are going to be living at home or with family members.
County Health Nurse
A county health nurse is the one who works in a county’s health department office. They are responsible for giving vaccinations and other medications that are free to the public. A registered nurse who acts in the capacity as a representative for a county health agency is responsible for educating the public on infectious disease and helping those who are ill due to an outbreak get the medical attention they need. They can also advocate for individuals who may not have the resources to find the help they need.
Registered Nurse in a Non-profit Facility
Registered nurses in non-profit facilities are in a unique position. They are able to provide care to individuals who may not otherwise get adequate medical attention. A nurse who volunteers or works part time in a non-profit facility where patients come in for free healthcare may be able to get a patient the healthcare they need by helping them seek particular programs and resources they would not have otherwise known about. Registered nurses who work in facilities that specialize in the care of developmentally or physically disabled clients are able to advocate for their clients who may not be able to speak for themselves. Most agencies also fall under the non-profit category.
Conclusion
Registered nurses are advocates for their patients no matter where they are employed. They are the ones who know the patient’s case and interact with them on a regular basis. A registered nurse can discuss matters with the patient and their family members to educate them about all possible options for treatment. They offer knowledgeable advice and compassion and can help make difficult decisions easier on both patients and their family members.
