What is one role of a nurse advocate in healthcare?

A nurse advocate plays a crucial role in ensuring that clients receive the necessary resources and support to access healthcare services. This includes helping patients understand their rights, navigating the healthcare system, and accessing appropriate resources and services that align with their individual needs. By promoting clients to access healthcare, the nurse advocate empowers patients to take charge of their health, facilitates communication between patients and healthcare providers, and enhances overall patient outcomes. This advocacy is essential to address barriers that may prevent patients from receiving timely and effective care.

While performing medical procedures, deciding treatment plans, and providing direct supervision to nursing staff are important responsibilities in nursing, they do not fall under the specific role of a nurse as an advocate. Advocacy is centered on supporting and empowering patients rather than direct clinical or managerial tasks.