You Already Do Advocacy: The Professional Responsibility of Pediatric Hematology Oncology Nurses-You Already Do Advocacy: The Professional Responsibility of Pediatric Hematology Oncology Nurses

You Already Do Advocacy: The Professional Responsibility of Pediatric Hematology Oncology Nurses

Video Transcription

Video Summary

Joan O’Hanlon-Curry and Emily Padgett presented an interactive session on nursing advocacy, emphasizing that advocacy is part of everyday nursing—not just politics or occasional lobbying. They explained that nurses advocate at the bedside, within hospitals, in communities, and through policy work. Using examples from pediatric hematology-oncology, they highlighted why advocacy is especially important when patients are vulnerable, families are overwhelmed, and care is complex and long-term.<br /><br />The speakers described common advocacy actions such as clarifying informed consent, speaking up in rounds, translating medical jargon, supporting families through disagreements, managing symptoms, and ensuring end-of-life wishes are respected. Audience members shared real cases, showing how nurses protect patients by insisting on timely treatment, interpreter use, discharge readiness, and safe care plans.<br /><br />Joan and Emily also connected bedside advocacy to larger systems change, explaining how small unit-level issues can lead to hospital protocols, community improvements, and even national policy efforts. They discussed AFON’s role in supporting legislation on pediatric medication access, sickle cell care, financial toxicity, and nursing workforce development. Their main message was that nurses already advocate every day, and even small actions can create meaningful change.

Keywords

nursing advocacy

bedside advocacy

pediatric hematology-oncology

informed consent

patient advocacy

family support

healthcare policy

sickle cell care

nursing workforce development