Nursing advocacy in North Carolina.
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.
Gosselin-Acomb
Tracy K
TK
Duke University Hospital, USA. gosse001@mc.duke.edu
Schneider
Susan M
SM
Clough
Robert W
RW
Veenstra
Brittney A
BA
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