The Code of Ethics is one of the decisive documents in the professional performance of nursing practitioners since it contains the ground-forming principles and healthcare delivery rules for ethical conduct in the workplace. Among the many provisions of the Code, the importance of patient advocacy is a pivotal element due to its central role in forming trusting and supportive relations between a patient and a healthcare system.
Indeed, through direct interaction with nurses, patients experience the treatment of the whole system, which is why it is essential to ensure that the interests and rights of the patients are prioritized at all times. In particular, Provision 3 of the Code of Ethics holds that “the nurse promotes, advocates for, and strives to protect the health, safety, and rights of the patient” (The American Nursing Association [ANA], n. d., p. 1). An example of a situation when advocacy shows benefits for the patient might be a nurse’s attempt to promote the patient’s interest in obtaining just treatment if the system fails to do so. Thus, adequately prepared in pre-licensure education, nurses should act as patient advocates to control and promote the best treatment options for beneficial patient outcomes, which is the ultimate mission of nursing.
Reference
The American Nursing Association. (n. d.).Code of Ethics for nurses with interpretive statements.