Workforce Advocacy

Workforce advocacy is a pro-active, energetic, constructive and comprehensive approach for registered nurses to improve their:

• capacities to advocate for quality patient care
• workplace and learning environments
• abilities to practice to their full legal and professional scope
• relationships with colleagues and coworkers
• satisfaction with nursing and their workplace positions
• state healthcare network

Workforce advocacy encompasses:

• the nurses in all workplaces in which registered nurses are employed or volunteer
• an understanding of the internal factors that contribute to work satisfaction
• an appreciation of the external social, technological, economic, environmental and political factors which impact practice (STEEP)
• a mindset that says, “I am a registered nurse who believes I should work for quality patient care and my abilities to practice as a professional.”
• tools, resources and education to support RNs in these efforts
• collaboration with appropriate individuals, associations and boards
• lifelong learning
• competence in the area of practice, education, administration or research in which one is involved

Assumptions that underpin a strong workforce advocacy program:

• There are multiple contributing factors to healthcare problems and solutions; some individual, some discipline, and some system based.
• Consumers/patients/clients are an integral part of the healthcare system and need to be included in problem identification/resolution and healthcare improvement.
• Healthcare is provided by a team effort; in which registered nurses are an integral part.
• Each discipline and each person within a healthcare system deserves to be valued, respected and trusted.
• Each person, discipline and position within a system brings creativity, knowledge, skills and expertise to enhance patient care and improve work environments.
• Each person has a responsibility to contribute to continuous quality improvement both in healthcare for our citizens and in workplace environments.
• No one of us as an individual or a group can assume to know what another individual needs or wants.
• Opening communication/dialogue/negotiation among people will increase understanding of their expertise, needs and wants.
• Diversity of values, life views, perspectives, knowledge, skills, wants and needs enriches healthcare and the opportunity for improving its quality and satisfaction to all participants.
• The role of advocacy encompasses diverse approaches that can be utilized to respond to problems that arise in the workplace.