As a Mayo Clinic RN, how would you advocate for your patients?

"As a nurse, I should always serve as a patient advocate, especially in safety and education. I can advocate on the patient's behalf and provide their families with education concerning medications and fall risks at home. I can advocate for the patient when they may not be able to communicate their wants and needs or when they may not understand which treatment options are best for them. It's my job to give the patient a voice, and if they aren't able to use it, I step in and be the voice for them."

"I am an advocate for patient rights first and foremost. This can be done by familiarizing myself with the patient's wishes and protecting those wishes. Patients have a right to safety and treatment, so double-checking information to reduce or eliminate medication errors, ensuring that their rooms are safe, educating on fall hazards, and properly assessing them for fall risks are all ways I can advocate for the patient."