Clinical ethics in paediatric nursing: 5 Advocacy in nursing: unpacking the ethics

Advocacy in healthcare is commonly characterised by ‘speaking-up’ on behalf of a patient and their family to ensure their preferences and values are considered and the best possible care is delivered. In nursing, advocacy is a professional and ethical responsibility. But what factors are at work when nurses feel the need to advocate? Are there limits to patient advocacy? Is the primary responsibility to represent patient/family wishes even when a nurse believes this is not the best clinical option? Are we advocating for what the patient/family wants or what the patient/family needs? Host: Prof John Massie, Children’s Bioethics Centre, RCH. Guests: Prof Lynn Gillam, Clinical Ethicist, RCH, Prof Fiona Newall, Director Nursing Research and Education, RCH, and Ms Eve Inglis, Unit Manager, Wallaby Ward, RCH.