Opinion: How Hospital Leaders Can Be The Best Nursing Advocates

May 08, 2023

By: Jennifer David, Associate Vice President of Client Relations at Avant Healthcare Professionals

Being a nurse advocate has been a lifelong journey for me. I started my nursing career 47 years ago and have worked in orthopedics, ICU, and cardiac catheterization lab, and then went into management in cardiology, home health, and staffing. I have always believed in supporting nurses, especially after moving into a leadership role in 1992. I was in the educational role of training nurses in the cardiac catheterization lab, and some nurses needed more time. Some did not make it in our lab; however, they were still amazing nurses, but it wasn’t the right fit for them. I understand that each experience I went through trained me to view all nurses in ways they would be most successful. I had gracious leaders as a nurse and believed I could do the same to those I was leading.

Looking back, one of my strengths was looking at a nurse, seeing their strengths and weaknesses, and supporting them in their journey. I am reminded of a nurse I worked with who was truly smart but also interested in computers. He did not have many social skills and had some issues relating to patients. When a position in our I.T. department came up to develop a new Electronic Medical Record (EMR) system, I recommended he apply. He had incredible medical knowledge but was not happy at the bedside of patients. I saw the interest of this nurse and knew he would truly shine outside my department and make a significant impact in developing our EMR system.  

I think every nurse deserves a mentor to be able to look at their strengths and weaknesses and ask them the question, “Where do you see yourself in nursing?” There are so many opportunities in nursing, and I believe Avant Healthcare Professionals is one. Much of the staff here have years of experience and knowledge to coach and mentor nurses for their success. At Avant, the mission of being a nursing advocate supporting nurses during their journey to the U.S. is just the beginning. Their journey to the U.S. is starting, and with our support, they can reach their goals in the healthcare industry and potentially be mentors for others as they grow.

I believe the art of nursing is to support and guide others to make a difference in their career and the lives of their patients. I think that to be a nursing advocate, and one needs to:

• Be empathetic towards healthcare professionals.
• Make a difference with honesty and passion.
• Nurture those along the way.
• Create an ethical environment for all.

The Bottom Line

It’s important to share the excitement of being a nurse and the incredible moments you go through. Although often a challenging profession, I am always excited to share my experiences with others so they can find joy, even in tough moments. We truly make a difference in the life of patients and their families. Be the nurse advocate you’d want for yourself.