title: Nursing advocacy in North Carolina.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To identify the ways oncology nurses in one state advocate for patients, as well as the resources they use to do so.
  
  
  METHODS
  Descriptive, cross-sectional survey.
  
  
  METHODS
  North Carolina.
  
  
  METHODS
  141 RNs in North Carolina who were members of the Oncology Nursing Society (ONS).
  
  
  METHODS
  Subjects completed a two-page, self-administered questionnaire comprised of fixed-choice and open-ended questions.
  
  
  METHODS
  Demographics, frequency of advocating for patient services, and awareness of ONS resources.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Nurses in North Carolina advocate for patients in a variety of ways. A need exists to develop ongoing methods to keep nurses up to date on advocacy issues, as well as to establish mentoring opportunities for them. Nurses believe that they are most challenged in addressing patients' financial and insurance concerns.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Oncology nurses frequently advocate for patients' needs. The findings provide direction for future initiatives to educate nurses about their role in patient advocacy and available resources.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Ongoing education and research are needed to enhance the role of oncology nurses as patient advocates.
authors: Duke University Hospital, USA. gosse001@mc.duke.edu
authors: Tracy K
authors: TK
authors: Gosselin-Acomb
authors: Susan M
authors: SM
authors: Schneider
authors: Robert W
authors: RW
authors: Clough
authors: Brittney A
authors: BA
authors: Veenstra
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000451:nursing*; D009657:North Carolina; D010344:Patient Advocacy; D012944:Social Support