How Do We Address the Practice-to-Policy Gap?

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Bioethics
• Healthcare Policy

Background:

• Advocacy is often perceived as a specialized nursing role.
• There is a need to integrate advocacy into core nursing curricula.

Purpose of the Study:

• To emphasize that nursing advocacy is a fundamental ethical commitment for all nurses, regardless of their level or specialization.
• To underscore the importance of advocacy in providing ethical patient care.

Main Methods:

• Curriculum integration strategies for nursing advocacy.
• Ethical care principles in nursing practice.
• Student and faculty perspectives on nursing advocacy.

Main Results:

• Nursing advocacy is a foundational ethical responsibility for all students, from undergraduate to doctoral levels.
• Integrating advocacy education enhances understanding of ethical patient care.

Conclusions:

• Nursing advocacy should be recognized and taught as an essential component of ethical nursing practice for all students.
• Empowering all nurses with advocacy skills is crucial for upholding patient rights and ethical standards.