Nurse Kaycee Here

As a nurse you’ve undoubtably been in situations where you’ve had to advocate for your patients. Whether it’s navigating prior authorizations, issues with insurance companies, a difference in opinions regarding treatment plans, or ensuring a patient is being heard, your voice as a registered nurse is critical for advocating.   

There are many scenarios that can play out where you must step up to the plate and advocate.

Some examples where I’ve advocated for a patient include:

– Fighting for insurance companies to cover a medication, outpatient infusion, or service such as going to a subacute rehabilitation facility

– Fighting for a patient to get their formula changed to a lower cost alternative

-For a patient to be seen by an ICU physician

-Supporting parents with concerns for their child

And more!

It’s not easy to advocate, especially when you feel as though the medical team is not taking your concerns seriously. Here are three key strategies you should use to effectively advocate for your patient:

1. SPEAK UP clearly and confidently. Even if you are concerned about potential backlash. Remember, the team members are there to collaborate and work together to solve issues. More times than not, there are others on the multidisciplinary team that share your concerns.

2. If you don’t feel heard, involve management. There are times I’ve had to escalate concerns to the charge nurse or to my supervisor. I’ve even called my director to run some ideas by her.  Don’t be afraid to seek additional support when needed.

3. Place an incident report. It can be intimidating at first, especially if you are a new nurse or if you have never had to place one before, but placing an incident report is vital for creating change. Be objective and stick to the facts. It’s not a blame game, it’s an opportunity to raise awareness and learn from the situation.

Advocating for your patient is be nerve wrecking at first, but the more you do it, the more you’ll learn from it and have more confidence doing it. I believe in you! You can make a significant positive impact in your position.