As a nurse, continuing to fight through this world pandemic with everyone, it's imperative that I touch on much needed information that is easily accessible to the general public. While us nurses do so many amazing things clinically, one of our biggest assets are being educators and patient advocates. Often times, patients lack health literacy, which can hinder their overall health, understanding and willingness to ask questions and seek the medical attention  they may need.

 

Being a nurse has allowed me to become a number one patient advocate in the hospital setting, speaking on behalf of my patients and their families. But, I would like and encourage you to become your number one advocate. You don't have to be an expert, that's what our medical team is here for, but I would like for all individuals to be more aware and knowledgeable of different disease processes that are or can potentially affect you or your family. As well as be knowledgeable about health care options such as birthing plans, picking the right doctors etc. Education empowers patients to make better decisions & to overall improve their health status.