What role does a nurse play when they provide additional information for patient decision-making?

When a nurse provides additional information to support a patient in making informed decisions about their care, they are effectively acting as a patient advocate. This involves ensuring that the patient understands their health situation, treatment options, and the implications of their choices. By facilitating access to relevant information and clarifying details about medical conditions or treatment plans, nurses help empower patients to weigh their options and make decisions that align with their values and preferences.

Being a patient advocate also means supporting patients in expressing their own preferences and needs in a healthcare context. Advocacy can involve communicating the patient's wishes to other healthcare team members and ensuring that their rights are upheld. This role is essential in fostering a collaborative healthcare environment where the patient feels heard and respected.

While the roles of educator, evaluator, and primary care provider are important in nursing, the primary essence of advocacy lies in the active involvement of the nurse in the patient's decision-making process, ensuring that they have the necessary resources and support to make choices that are best for them.