Gardens are a canvas of creativity, offering a plethora of possibilities beyond mere cultivation. Exploring inventive ways to utilize the resources in your garden can yield both functional and aesthetic results. Think of the best California Chardonnay and how that came to be. Whether you have a vast vineyard, backyard, or a compact balcony, there are numerous ways to harness the potential of your garden’s offerings. In this article, we will delve into a range of creative approaches to make the most of what you have in your garden.

1. Herb and Medicinal Plant Garden: Transform a portion of your garden into a thriving herb and medicinal plant garden. Cultivate herbs like basil, rosemary, and thyme for culinary delights, or grow medicinal plants such as aloe vera and lavender for their healing properties. You can create teas, herbal remedies, and homemade skincare products from these plants. Not only will this space be functional, but it will also infuse your garden with the soothing fragrance of nature’s pharmacy.
2. Vertical Gardening: Maximize space and add an artistic touch by implementing vertical gardening techniques. Attach planters or hanging pots to walls, fences, or trellises to create a green tapestry. This method is especially useful for small spaces, turning walls into living art while providing a home for flowers, herbs, and even small vegetables like cherry tomatoes and peppers.
3. Repurposed Garden Art: Let your imagination run wild by repurposing items from your garden into unique pieces of art. Old bicycle wheels can become captivating wind chimes, discarded wooden pallets can be transformed into rustic plant stands, and worn-out garden tools can be artistically arranged as sculptures. These repurposed creations lend character and charm to your outdoor space.
4. Composting and Mulching: Harness the power of nature’s recycling system by utilizing garden waste for composting and mulching. Collect fallen leaves, kitchen scraps, and yard clippings to create nutrient-rich compost. This compost can then be used to enrich the soil and nourish your plants. Additionally, spread mulch made from organic materials like wood chips or straw to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and enhance the overall health of your garden.
5. Wildlife Haven: Design your garden to be a sanctuary for local wildlife. Incorporate native plants that provide food and shelter for birds, butterflies, and bees. Install a birdbath or a small pond to attract various species of birds. By creating a haven for wildlife, you contribute to biodiversity and enjoy the beauty of nature up close.
6. Edible Landscaping: Merge aesthetics with functionality by integrating edible plants into your garden’s design. Fruit-bearing trees, berry bushes, and edible flowers not only add visual appeal but also provide a bountiful harvest. Edible landscaping offers the dual benefit of enhancing your surroundings while contributing to your kitchen’s ingredients.
7. Zen Garden Retreat: Craft a tranquil oasis by designing a Zen garden. Incorporate elements such as sand, rocks, and carefully placed plants to create a serene space for meditation and relaxation. Raking patterns in the sand and arranging rocks in harmonious formations can be both meditative and aesthetically pleasing.
8. Natural Dyes: Explore the world of natural dyes by using plants from your garden to create vibrant and eco-friendly colors. Plants like turmeric, marigold, and red cabbage can yield a spectrum of hues for dyeing fabrics, yarns, and even Easter eggs. This creative endeavor bridges the gap between gardening and crafting.
9. Themed Garden Zones: Divide your garden into themed zones that reflect your interests and passions. Whether it’s a butterfly garden with nectar-rich flowers, a sensory garden with fragrant herbs, or a serene meditation corner, these zones add a personalized touch and create distinct areas within your garden.
10. Garden Photography Studio: Capture the natural beauty of your garden by setting up a photography corner. Utilize your garden’s unique features, natural lighting, and blooming flora as backdrops for stunning photographs. This space could be perfect for family portraits, creative photography projects, or simply capturing the changing seasons.

In conclusion, a garden is not just a space for growing plants; it’s a canvas for creative expression. By thinking outside the traditional gardening box, you can transform your garden into a place of beauty, functionality, and innovation. Whether you’re crafting herbal remedies, repurposing garden items, creating edible landscapes, or designing themed zones, there’s no limit to the inventive ways you can use what you have in your garden. Let your creativity flourish as you infuse your outdoor space with your unique vision and style.

 

Termites, those silent invaders of our homes and structures, are a persistent threat that can wreak havoc if left unchecked. As homeowners and property managers, understanding the array of termite treatment options available is crucial for swift and effective pest management. In this comprehensive guide, we delve into various termite control methods, shedding light on their mechanisms, benefits, and considerations.

Introduction: The Ongoing Battle Against Termites

Termites, often referred to as “silent destroyers,” are a force to be reckoned with. Their voracious appetite for wood and cellulose-based materials can lead to costly damage and structural compromise. To protect our investments and ensure a safe living environment, it’s essential to be well-informed about the range of termite treatment strategies at our disposal.

Chemical Treatments: Precision Eradication

One of the most common approaches to termite control involves the use of chemical treatments. Liquid termiticides are applied to the soil around a structure, creating a barrier that prevents termites from entering. Termite bait systems, on the other hand, exploit the foraging behavior of termites, utilizing bait stations that contain slow-acting toxins. These systems are ideal for long-term protection and require ongoing monitoring to maintain efficacy.

Heat Treatments: Exterminating Termites with Elevated Temperatures

Heat treatments offer an innovative approach to termite eradication. By raising the temperature within a structure to lethal levels, heat treatments target termites in all their life stages, from eggs to adults. This method exploits the termites’ sensitivity to temperature changes, effectively eliminating colonies without the use of chemicals. While heat treatments have proven to be highly effective, they may not be suitable for all situations and structures.

Fumigation: Blanketing Pest-Free Zones with Lethal Gas

Fumigation involves enveloping a structure in a tent and introducing lethal gases to exterminate termites and other pests. This method is particularly effective for widespread infestations or in situations where precise targeting is challenging. However, fumigation requires careful planning, stringent safety measures, and temporary evacuation, making it a more involved process.

Biological Control: Nematodes and Antagonistic Fungi

Nature often provides its own solutions to pest problems. Beneficial nematodes, microscopic organisms that infect and kill termites, offer a natural and eco-friendly method of control. Additionally, certain antagonistic fungi can be introduced to termite colonies, disrupting their growth and development. These biocontrol methods offer a sustainable and environmentally conscious alternative to chemical treatments.

Wood Treatments: Safeguarding Structures from Within

Protecting wooden structures from termite infestations can be achieved through impregnating wood with preservatives or creating termite-resistant barriers. These treatments fortify the very material termites seek to devour, deterring them from making a meal of your home.

Preventive Measures: Minimizing Attractiveness and Vulnerability

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, and this adage holds true for termite management. Landscaping choices, moisture control, and construction techniques all play a role in reducing the attractiveness and vulnerability of a property to termite infestations. Proper maintenance and attention to these factors can go a long way in preventing termite troubles.

Integrated Pest Management (IPM): A Holistic Approach

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a comprehensive approach to pest control that combines various strategies for maximum effect. By monitoring, assessing, and adapting treatments as needed, IPM ensures a balanced and sustainable approach to termite management while minimizing the environmental impact.

Considerations and Professional Consultation

Choosing the right termite treatment requires a thorough understanding of the severity of the infestation, the property’s unique characteristics, and the available treatment options. Consulting with termite control professionals can provide valuable insights and guidance in making an informed decision.

Conclusion: Safeguarding Homes and Peace of Mind

Termites may be a formidable foe, but armed with knowledge and an array of effective treatment options, homeowners can protect their investments and maintain a peaceful living environment. Whether through chemical treatments, heat solutions, biological controls, or preventive measures, the battle against termites is one that can be won through proactive and informed pest management. By choosing the right strategy and enlisting the expertise of professionals, homeowners can ensure the long-lasting integrity of their structures and enjoy the tranquility of a termite-free home.

 

Family law is an important aspect of our legal system that deals with matters related to families and domestic relationships. Each state has its own set of laws and regulations, and Alabama is no exception. In this blog post, we will delve into Alabama’s unique family law landscape, exploring key aspects that you should be aware of.

Divorce and Dissolution of Marriage:

In Alabama, the dissolution of marriage is typically referred to as divorce. One notable aspect of Alabama’s family law is that it recognizes both fault and no-fault grounds for divorce. Fault-based grounds may include adultery, abandonment, substance abuse, or domestic violence. Alternatively, couples may choose a no-fault or fast divorce based on an irretrievable breakdown of the marriage.

It’s important to note that Alabama requires a waiting period before a divorce can be finalized. This waiting period is generally 30 days from the date the divorce complaint is filed.

Child Custody and Visitation:

Child custody decisions in Alabama prioritize the best interests of the child. The court may award joint custody or sole custody, taking into account various factors such as the child’s relationship with each parent, each parent’s ability to provide a stable environment, and the child’s wishes (if the child is of a certain age and maturity).

Visitation, also known as parenting time, allows the noncustodial parent to spend time with the child. Alabama courts encourage both parents to maintain a meaningful relationship with the child unless it is determined to be against the child’s best interests.

Equitable Distribution

Unlike some states that follow community property laws, Alabama follows the equitable distribution approach when dividing marital property during a divorce. This means that the court will divide the assets and debts in a fair and equitable manner, rather than splitting them equally between the spouses.

Grandparent Visitation Rights

Grandparents have a special place in a child’s life, and Alabama recognizes this by allowing grandparents to petition for visitation rights with their grandchildren under certain circumstances. This can be particularly important if the child’s parents are divorced or separated.

Child Support:

Child support is an essential component of family law, and Alabama has guidelines in place to determine the amount of support to be paid. Factors such as each parent’s income, the number of children, and the amount of time each parent spends with the child are considered. Deviations from the guidelines may occur in certain circumstances, but the overall objective is to ensure the child’s financial needs are met.

Alimony

In Alabama alimony is discretionary. This means that the presiding judge over a divorce case will decide whether a spouse should be awarded alimony and how much alimony that spouse will be awarded. As a rule of thumb, long marriages are a more likely candidate for an alimony determination. However, this is not always the case. Instead, the court will take other factors into consideration.

Some of the factors that are considered are as follows:

· Length of the marriage

· Age and the health of each spouse

· Ability of each spouse to be self-supporting

· Cause of the breakdown of the marriage

· Income of both parties

· Standard of living during the marriage

Alabama’s family laws, including child custody and divorce can be complex and confusing. It’s best to consult with an Alabama family law attorney to help you understand the law and protect your and your family’s legal rights.

Nothing compares to the warmth and ambiance that a crackling fire can provide on a chilly evening. But while we enjoy the cozy atmosphere, there’s a vital component often overlooked in the process – log holders. These practical items serve an essential role in maintaining an efficient and tidy fireplace area, acting as a bridge between outdoor firewood storage and the fire itself. In this article, we explore the concept of log holders, their advantages, types, and tips to choose the right one.

The Functionality of Log Holders

Log holders, also known as fireplace log holders or wood carriers, are designed to hold a small amount of firewood close to the fireplace. They offer a convenient storage solution, providing easy access to logs while keeping your hearth area clean and organized.

Beyond functionality, a well-crafted log holder can enhance the aesthetic appeal of your fireplace, lending a touch of elegance or rustic charm, depending on the design. They transform the mundane task of storing logs into an opportunity to elevate your interior decor.

Advantages of Using Log Holders

Log holders provide a range of benefits that can enhance your fireplace experience.

1. Convenience

By keeping a supply of firewood close to the fireplace, log holders save you the hassle of frequent trips to your outdoor woodpile or storage shed, particularly beneficial during inclement weather.

2. Cleanliness

Firewood can be messy, often leaving behind dirt, bark, and bugs. Log holders contain these, protecting your floor and maintaining a clean and tidy hearth area.

3. Safety

Storing firewood correctly reduces the risk of accidents. Log holders keep firewood secure, preventing logs from rolling out and potentially becoming a fire hazard.

4. Decorative Appeal

With an array of designs and materials available, log holders can be an attractive addition to your hearth, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of your fireplace setting.

Types of Log Holders

Log holders come in a myriad of styles, designs, and materials, offering options to suit every decor and need.

1. Traditional Log Holders

These are typically made from wrought iron or steel and come in designs that blend well with most decors. They are durable, easy to clean, and often feature a bottom grate to allow debris to fall through, making cleanup easier.

2. Modern Log Holders

Modern log holders offer sleek, minimalist designs that can complement contemporary interiors. They may incorporate materials like stainless steel, glass, or even high-grade plastic for a unique, chic appearance.

3. Rustic Log Holders

Designed to evoke a cozy, countryside feel, rustic log holders are often crafted from natural materials like wood or wicker. They’re ideal for adding a touch of rustic charm to your fireplace setting.

4. Log Holder with Tools

Some log holders come with built-in compartments or hooks for storing fireplace tools, such as pokers, tongs, and brushes. This all-in-one solution helps keep everything organized and easily accessible.

Choosing the Right Log Holder

When selecting a log holder, consider the following:

Size and Capacity

Choose a holder that matches the amount of firewood you typically use. A larger holder might be useful if you burn wood frequently, while a smaller holder would suffice for occasional use.

Material – Consider the durability and aesthetic appeal of the material. Wrought iron or steel is robust and traditional, while materials like glass or modern metals can offer a more contemporary look.

Design – Choose a design that complements your existing decor. Remember, a log holder can be both functional and decorative.

Additional Features – Some log holders come with extras like tool storage or covers. Determine what additional features will enhance your fireplace experience.

Conclusion: Elevating the Hearth Experience

Log holders, while seemingly simple, play an integral role in enhancing the fireplace experience. Offering functionality, safety, and a decorative touch, they elevate the hearth from a mere heat source to a stylish focal point. As you choose the perfect log holder, consider how this blend of form and function can bring an added layer of comfort and charm to your home.

 

Adolescence can be a turbulent journey marked by confusion, loneliness, and emotional upheaval. Amidst the chaos of self-discovery, many teenagers find themselves grappling with overwhelming emotions, facing challenges they may feel ill-equipped to handle alone. Teen advice helplines have emerged as a powerful tool in providing solace and support to these young individuals. In this article, we will explore the transformative impact of a teens advice helpline, shedding light on their ability to lend a compassionate ear to the silent cries of teenagers in need.

A Sanctuary for Expression:

Teen advice helplines serve as a sanctuary where teenagers can freely express their deepest thoughts and emotions. The anonymous nature of these helplines removes the fear of judgment or rejection, creating a safe space for teenagers to share their innermost struggles. Through compassionate listening, helpline professionals help alleviate the emotional burden that adolescents often carry, offering empathy and understanding that can make all the difference in their lives.

Embracing Vulnerability:

In a society that often expects teenagers to project an image of strength and independence, embracing vulnerability can be a daunting task. Teen advice helplines encourage teenagers to dismantle these societal expectations and embrace their vulnerability. By fostering an environment where vulnerability is not only accepted but celebrated, helpline professionals create a profound sense of validation for teenagers. This validation allows them to confront their insecurities, fears, and uncertainties with newfound strength and resilience.

Guiding the Lost Souls:

Navigating the labyrinth of adolescence is akin to embarking on a journey without a roadmap. Teen advice helplines act as compasses, guiding lost souls through the bewildering maze of emotions. Helpline professionals possess the expertise and insight to offer guidance tailored to the unique needs of each teenager. Their wisdom helps teenagers navigate the challenges of identity formation, peer pressure, academic stress, and the tumultuous realm of relationships. By shedding light on different perspectives, helpline professionals empower teenagers to make informed decisions and forge their own paths.

Cultivating Emotional Well-being:

Teenagers often struggle to find healthy outlets for their emotions. Unresolved emotional turmoil can manifest as anxiety, depression, or destructive behaviors. Teen advice helplines play a vital role in cultivating emotional well-being by providing teenagers with coping strategies and tools to navigate their emotions constructively. Through empowering conversations, helpline professionals equip teenagers with skills to manage stress, practice self-care, and build resilience. These tools not only aid them during adolescence but also lay the foundation for a lifetime of emotional well-being.

Breaking the Silence:

The teenage years are frequently characterized by a sense of isolation, as teenagers grapple with internal battles unknown to the world around them. Teen advice helplines break the silence, offering teenagers an outlet to share their experiences, fears, and hopes. By giving voice to their struggles, helpline professionals empower teenagers to break free from the shackles of loneliness and forge connections based on shared experiences. This connection provides solace, fosters a sense of belonging, and reminds teenagers that they are not alone in their journey.

Teen advice helplines serve as beacons of hope in the lives of countless teenagers. By creating a safe space for expression, embracing vulnerability, guiding lost souls, cultivating emotional well-being, and breaking the silence, these helplines empower teenagers to navigate the stormy seas of adolescence with newfound strength and resilience. The compassionate listening, guidance, and support provided by helpline professionals can make a profound difference in the lives of teenagers, helping them find their voices, heal their hearts, and discover their own unique paths towards a brighter future.

A pool is a valuable addition to any home, providing a perfect spot for relaxation and fun for the entire family. But before you can start enjoying the benefits of a pool, you need to have it installed properly. Hiring pool installation companies is crucial to ensure that the work is done correctly and safely. With so many companies out there, it can be challenging to decide which one to choose. In this article, we’ll discuss why homeowners should choose a trusted pool installer, with a focus on Calimingo and their services in Southern California.

Safety Comes First

Installing a pool involves a lot of work, including excavation, plumbing, electrical work, and more. It is a complex process that requires experience and expertise to complete successfully. Safety is a significant concern during the installation process. A reputable pool installation company will prioritize safety by taking measures such as ensuring that the pool area is secure, following safety protocols, and using the right equipment and materials. They will also have the necessary licenses and insurance to protect you and your property in case of accidents.

Quality and Workmanship

The quality of the pool installation will determine how long it lasts and how well it performs. A trusted pool installation company will use high-quality materials and follow industry standards to ensure that the pool is built to last. They will also have experienced technicians who can handle any issues that arise during the installation process, ensuring that everything is done right the first time. A quality installation also means that the pool will look great and enhance the overall value of your property.

Credentials and Reputation

Before choosing pool installation companies, it’s essential to do your research. Look for a company with the proper credentials, such as being licensed, insured, and certified by industry organizations. A reputable company will also have a good reputation and positive reviews from satisfied customers. You can check online reviews and ask for references from the company to get a sense of their track record.

Calimingo: Your Trusted Pool Installation Company in Southern California

When it comes to pool installation in Southern California, Calimingo is a company that stands out from the rest. They have over 30 years of experience in the industry and are licensed, insured, and certified by industry organizations. Their technicians are highly trained and experienced, ensuring that every installation is done right the first time. They also use high-quality materials and follow industry standards to ensure that the pool is built to last. Calimingo has a reputation for excellent customer service, and they have many positive reviews from satisfied customers.

Calimingo offers a range of services to help you with your pool installation needs. They offer custom pool designs, ensuring that your pool is tailored to your specific needs and preferences. They also offer pool remodeling services, allowing you to update an existing pool to meet your current needs. If you’re looking for a low-maintenance pool option, Calimingo offers fiberglass pools that are durable, long-lasting, and easy to maintain.

Choosing right pool installation companies is crucial to ensuring that your pool is installed correctly, safely, and to the highest quality standards. A trusted pool installation company will prioritize safety, use high-quality materials, and have the necessary credentials and reputation. When it comes to pool installation in Southern California, Calimingo is a company that you can trust. With over 30 years of experience, certified technicians, and a reputation for excellent customer service, Calimingo is your go-to pool installation company.

 

An advocate is someone who champions the cause of another. Advocacy in nursing has existed for many years. Nurses represent patients to defend their rights and ensure they receive quality care. They will conciliate when there are issues and follow the correct procedures to solve them. Advocacy preserves human dignity, provides freedom from suffering, and promotes patient equality in nursing. It also means ensuring patients make their own health decisions. Nurses are in a prime position to provide innovative interventions, recognize vulnerability and defend quality care.

Elmhurst University’s online master’s entry program in nursing is for those with bachelor’s degrees in other subjects who want to enter nursing. This accelerated course prepares students to provide direct patient care and have the skills of a clinical nurse leader.

The advocacy of a bedside nurse

Fursan Sahawneh is an ICU nurse at Methodist Charlton in Dallas, America. He spends 12–13 hours a day with two patients, meaning he can spend up to six hours with each one. There are few areas of healthcare where so much time can be spent with patients. This gives him plenty of time to understand his patients’ needs socially, physiologically, emotionally and economically.

The knowledge he gains makes him feel responsible for advocating and speaking up for his patients. This could involve speaking out to providers for a patient without health insurance and requesting they be given a more affordable medication or speaking to social workers about a patient who needs resources to help them buy their home medications. It could also mean asking for a diabetic education consultation for a patient who lacks knowledge about managing their disease.

As a bedside nurse, Sahawneh believes he has a lot of responsibility. He should facilitate a good outcome for the patient because he spends the most time with them and therefore knows the most about them. Many colleagues in the healthcare team rely on his recommendations and patient assessments to determine the treatment they will provide. He believes that he must not neglect to be an advocate as it is probably his most important role and affects his patients’ wellbeing and outcomes. As a bedside nurse, he feels he is in an ideal position to be an advocate for his patients. He recommends that nurses speak up to the healthcare team, the social workers and the doctors, because this will benefit patients the most.

Teaching nurse advocacy

Katie Chargualaf is an assistant professor at the University of South Carolina Aiken School of Nursing. She tutors nursing students, and when she teaches them about being an advocate for patients, she asks that they see things through the eyes of a patient. When she taught about patients who have experienced trauma and the barriers that stop them from leaving the hospital sooner, Chargualaf described how one of her students cared for a patient like this during a clinical rotation. Chargualaf sat down with the student and told her to put herself in this patient’s shoes. She said to her that the young man had experienced a trauma and life was not going the way he expected. She asked the student how that would make her feel, and she replied that it would make her angry and frustrated.

Chargualaf asked her to consider what nurses could do to move past the barrier of frustration and apathy and show him what he can do to move toward getting out of the hospital. By the end of that day, the student had the patient out of bed, walking and smiling. Chargualaf told the student that she had made this happen.

S teaches her students that nurses are in a unique position to be strong patient advocates. They have a lot of knowledge and many skills that can benefit people. They spend the most time with patients, which helps build strong relationships. Nurses can use their healthcare knowledge to stand up for social, public health and political issues. Nurses are educators, and by educating people, they are advocating their rights.

Chargualaf believes that there are personal rewards to being a strong patient advocate, such as when patients do things the nurse has worked with them to do. Nurses can take the time to listen to patients and help them use their voice and express their wishes. Building these relationships can lead to better outcomes. Helping patients improve can mean they do things they cannot do when they are ill. This could be going on holiday, attending a wedding, or simply achieving everyday things that were impossible before.

Chargualaf recommends nurses think about the rewards of advocating for patients and not consider it a task. She says, “Don’t let it be daunting. You can, as a single nurse, create the change you want to see”.

Underserved populations

Underserved populations have restricted or non-existent contact with healthcare or are vulnerable in other ways. These can be people from ethnic minorities who do not speak English, the socioeconomically disadvantaged, the educationally disenfranchised, prisoners, individuals with disabilities, seniors and refugees. There may be barriers preventing underserved populations from accessing basic healthcare and getting health coverage.

One reason for not being able to access healthcare is poverty, especially for African American and Hispanic populations. There are also many people living in rural areas below the poverty line. There can also be cultural reasons people do not access healthcare, such as not speaking English, and there are many rural and urban communities that do not have enough healthcare professionals to meet the needs of the population. Nurses may see patients that have low literacy, live in poverty, and inhabit run down areas with high crime rates. Nurses must accept patients as they are and focus on their health so they can build relationships, making the patients more likely to take clinical advice and make changes to improve their health.

Vulnerable people do not always have the resources to take care of their health and nurses must be non-judgemental when caring for patients like this. By listening carefully, nurses can understand the barriers being faced by the patient. Nurses must not make assumptions when patients do not take their advice as there could be financial, social, cultural or physical reasons for this. The patient-centered approach means the patient agreeing to their treatment.

Nurse advocates can raise awareness, inspire change and protect the health of underserved populations. Nurses are knowledgeable about preventive care and treatment and can educate people in their area. People with serious conditions, the LGBTQ+ community and prisoners might struggle to find healthcare providers who deliver the required healthcare. Nurses can be advocates for patients by liaising with Medicaid and insurance companies. They can join advocacy committees for underserved populations in schools, hospitals and communities.

The underserved populations experience rising diabetes diagnoses, higher death rates, high infant mortality rates, cancer and heart disease. Nurses have patients from diverse cultures and must develop cultural awareness to provide an equitable and effective service. Doing this can mean stronger relationships, overcoming barriers and patients receiving the necessary care.

The right interventions can address disadvantages, poor health and untimely disease and death. With the right policies there can be better access to healthcare and healthier communities. Nurses can advocate policies that generate health equity and address the social influences on health. They can be effective advocates because of their understanding and experience of healthcare. Nurses can join professional nursing associations, speak on behalf of their patients and influence policy.

The role of the nurse advocate

The Nursing Code of Ethics proclaims that nurses must protect human rights and mitigate health inequality. This means advocating people’s access to healthcare. Nurses must abide by ethical standards and act without bias or prejudice when working with patients. Nurse advocates work with patients, doctors and healthcare organizations. For example, a doctor might have prescribed a new medication or made a diagnosis. The nurse can look over the treatment plan with the patient and make sure they understand their treatment and answer any questions they or their family might have. Medical terminology can be difficult for many people to understand, and nurses can explain clearly.

Patient advocacy consists of almost everything nurses do for their patients. Understanding how advocacy relates to nursing duties is essential to patient care. Nurses keep their patients safe, including asking doctors for clarification when their instructions are unclear. Nurses also advocate when handing over at the end of the shift to ensure new staff understand the patients’ care. Patients can feel vulnerable in clinical settings. When they are ill, they trust the health professionals looking after them.

Nurse advocacy demonstrates that nurses care about patients and will represent them to improve their care. Nurses are the allies of patients when dealing with the healthcare system. If a patient disagrees with their treatment plan, the nurse can explain this to the doctor. The healthcare system is complex, and health information is only sometimes obtainable which can make it difficult for patients to make informed decisions. Nurses can assist patients in making decisions about their health and finances.

Nurses can be advocates for patients by ensuring their concerns and viewpoints are heard, and can represent patients to doctors and other healthcare professionals. They will do this even if they disagree with the patient’s choices. Patients are entitled to make decisions about their own healthcare. Some may want a second opinion, and others want their family involved in decision making. Other patients might not want any treatment. If patients can make decisions, they have the right to refuse treatment.

Low health literacy is a significant problem concerning patients understanding of health information and making suitable health decisions. Some factors that hinder understanding are hearing and vision issues, language and cultural differences, reading level of written information being too high, and undiagnosed cognitive impairment. High-risk groups for low health literacy are older people, refugees, immigrants, ethnic minorities and those living in poverty. Nurses are well-positioned to educate their patients, conveying medical information in a straightforward and easy-to-understand way.

Patients with low health literacy may not understand their diagnosis or treatment plan, and this makes decision making difficult. This can affect patient outcomes and mean that patients are more likely to be readmitted and make mistakes with medication. Nurses can be advocates for their patients by recognizing low health literacy and the barriers to communication and using best practices for cultural and linguistic connection.

Nurses usually spend the most time with patients, so they are in a good position to address health literacy, and they can carry out assessments and attach these to the patient’s electronic health records. Other staff will therefore be informed of a patient’s low health literacy, and they can adapt their service to the patient’s needs. Nursing staff can improve communication and ensure medical literature is easy to read and understand.

Nurses can advocate more widely by learning more about current health and patient care concerns. They have daily experience of the influence of politics and policy. As the largest staff group in healthcare, they are in a prime position to see the impact of health policy. Nurses can relate personal experiences of how policy affects patient care. They can be active with nursing organizations and participate in the local and national discourse on the future of healthcare. Nurses who are advocates for patients can get involved with professional nursing organizations, volunteer to be on the board and find ways to influence policymakers. Nurses can use their voices to impact patient care in the time ahead.

Conclusion

Traditionally, nurses have advocated their patients’ autonomy, rights and safety, and educated them about their conditions and treatment. They are well placed to advocate because of their role in clinical settings and their relationships with healthcare colleagues. Nurse advocacy works for all patients but is critical for underserved populations and those with low health literacy. Nurses are advocates for patients directly and campaign for better policies and regulations. They are central to the protection of patient’s rights and the provision of high-quality care.