2 answers
jeneasia
Student
Zebulon
1
Question
Asked
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What was a time you had to advocate for a patient, and how did you handle it? #Spring25
I'm currently in nursing school and thinking a lot about how nurses handle situations where patients can't speak up for themselves, especially in high-stress environments like the ICU.
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2 answers
Dr H
Dr. H's Research
1461
Answers
Australia
Updated
Dr’s Answer
Hey Jeneasia,
First of all, huge respect to you for even thinking about this so early and honesty that already shows the heart of a real nurse.
I remember this one time at my first week of my work, there was this patient in the ICU, newly out the operation. I helped settle him down and he was totally knocked out, intubated, sedated, the whole nine yards. Now, everyone’s moving around like, He’s stable, he’s fine, but I’m standing there like 👀... “Umm... y’all seeing that..." Seriously I had my eyes tellin me the man is grimacing in Morse code.
And ofcourse I started doubting myself HARD.
What if I’m wrong?
What if he’s just dreaming about something or so...lol?
I was nervous (because hello, still a student!) but I pulled aside the nurse I was working under and said if we can double-check his pain management and comfort. Thankfully, she listened (bless her). And sure enough, he needed adjustments, the guy was literally in pain. They adjusted his meds, and BAM, you could literally see the guy deflate in relief like a sad balloon finally finding peace.
There were many cases that happened when I was working and learning alongside others under supervision and I think as much you work in the environment you can start to catch those little grimances and tell what the patient will need.
And honestly? Advocacy isn’t about being loud or bossy. It’s about paying attention and being brave enough to speak up, even if your voice shakes a little. You’re there to be the eyes, ears, and heart for people who can’t always fight for themselves. And it’s okay to be scared sometimes, just don't let that fear be louder than your patient's needs.
If you want a few tips for starting out, I will just give you it which I think you need most.
Always trust your gut, it’s smarter than you think.
Find a way to frame your concerns respectfully but firmly. Dont be rude, or bossy just stay calm and sound like you are in doubt but it needs checking like seriously.
Watch and learn from the nurses who advocate well. Lemme just say they are like gold opportunities, you can learn a lot from them.
And document everything, for your sake and the patient's.
One little phrase my senior told me as I was working with her was that, "It’s about being the weirdo who notices the thing nobody else did, and caring enough to do something, even if your innerself is boiling like a kettle" she could tell every patients concerns without them even talking.
So just be the wierdo and trust yourself, this is the field of dedication and passion, and know I am rooting for
you Jeneasia. All the best.
First of all, huge respect to you for even thinking about this so early and honesty that already shows the heart of a real nurse.
I remember this one time at my first week of my work, there was this patient in the ICU, newly out the operation. I helped settle him down and he was totally knocked out, intubated, sedated, the whole nine yards. Now, everyone’s moving around like, He’s stable, he’s fine, but I’m standing there like 👀... “Umm... y’all seeing that..." Seriously I had my eyes tellin me the man is grimacing in Morse code.
And ofcourse I started doubting myself HARD.
What if I’m wrong?
What if he’s just dreaming about something or so...lol?
I was nervous (because hello, still a student!) but I pulled aside the nurse I was working under and said if we can double-check his pain management and comfort. Thankfully, she listened (bless her). And sure enough, he needed adjustments, the guy was literally in pain. They adjusted his meds, and BAM, you could literally see the guy deflate in relief like a sad balloon finally finding peace.
There were many cases that happened when I was working and learning alongside others under supervision and I think as much you work in the environment you can start to catch those little grimances and tell what the patient will need.
And honestly? Advocacy isn’t about being loud or bossy. It’s about paying attention and being brave enough to speak up, even if your voice shakes a little. You’re there to be the eyes, ears, and heart for people who can’t always fight for themselves. And it’s okay to be scared sometimes, just don't let that fear be louder than your patient's needs.
If you want a few tips for starting out, I will just give you it which I think you need most.
Always trust your gut, it’s smarter than you think.
Find a way to frame your concerns respectfully but firmly. Dont be rude, or bossy just stay calm and sound like you are in doubt but it needs checking like seriously.
Watch and learn from the nurses who advocate well. Lemme just say they are like gold opportunities, you can learn a lot from them.
And document everything, for your sake and the patient's.
One little phrase my senior told me as I was working with her was that, "It’s about being the weirdo who notices the thing nobody else did, and caring enough to do something, even if your innerself is boiling like a kettle" she could tell every patients concerns without them even talking.
So just be the wierdo and trust yourself, this is the field of dedication and passion, and know I am rooting for
you Jeneasia. All the best.
Christine R.
Registered Nurse
19
Answers
Sterling, Virginia
Updated
Christine’s Answer
Such great advice from Dr. H! Wishing you well, if you are already thinking about how to best advocate/care for your patients you will be a great asset to the nursing profession.