What drives the need for nurses to advocate for their patients?

The need for nurses to advocate for their patients is fundamentally driven by ethical principles and patient needs. Advocacy in nursing is rooted in the commitment to promote and protect the well-being of patients. Nurses are guided by ethical frameworks that prioritize respect for patients' autonomy, dignity, and rights. This includes ensuring that patients have access to information, understand their treatment options, and are supported in making informed decisions regarding their care.

Ethical principles such as beneficence, non-maleficence, and justice compel nurses to act in the best interest of their patients. They must ensure that patients receive appropriate care, are treated with compassion, and that their voices are heard in the healthcare process. Additionally, understanding patients' unique needs, preferences, and circumstances is crucial in tailoring care that is respectful and effective.

While there may be legal requirements and institutional demands that guide nursing practice, the primary motivation for advocacy arises from a commitment to ethical practice and the genuine desire to support the health and well-being of the patient, making this the most compelling reason for nurses to advocate for their patients.