Dimensions of Nurse Advocacy

Nurses are patient advocates when they promote and provide for the well-being of someone with a health care need (Fry, 2003). They do this by:

• Assisting patients in the exercise of their basic moral and legal rights, and
• Protecting patients' basic human welfare (privacy, dignity, bodily integrity, relief of pain and suffering), while their health needs are being satisfied.

Nursing advocacy related to care of persons as they age is focused on recognizing and addressing health care needs within the context of the elderly person's life, support systems, and particular vulnerabilities. For example, in the Case of Mrs. Jones the nurse's responsibilities include identification of existing safety and economic concerns. Care planning reflects both these particular concerns and Ms. Jones's preferences, beliefs, goals, and values.