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The American Nurses Association (ANA) believes that advocacy is a pillar of nursing. Nurses instinctively advocate for their patients, in their workplaces, and in their communities; but legislative and political advocacy is no less important to advancing the profession and patient care (ANA, n.d.). Advocacy is the active support of a cause. Influence involves advocacy, and to be effective in advocating for change and better outcomes for individuals, communities, and society at large, we need to be engaged. Influence can be understood as the power to cause change, preferably change that positively affects others or advances an important issue. Through effective use of strategies and methods that influence views, choices, and most importantly actions of individuals, communities, or organizations, we address areas of need. Advocacy can be understood as standing up and speaking out for moral good, voicing concerns of disadvantaged people, and collaborating with individuals or groups who need support in exerting their rights and preferences (Hofmeyer, 2020).
I have not gotten any opportunity to use advocacy strategy as a leader, but I have advocated for patients safety as a primary nurse. If I see any unsafe environment and potentially harmful situations, I always speak up to protect the patient. I explain the disease condition and treatment, clarify the doubts and misunderstandings, educate the patient in every shift, protect patients rights and confidentiality, connect patients to resources such as financial resources, transportation, or other support networks. I believe these kinds of nursing action also comes under nurse advocacy.