how I speak for those without a voice . . .

Hi NURSING.com, Roughly 1 out of every 3 patients in the Intensive Care Unit on average, are unable to communicate. Because of this, the role of an ICU nurse stretches far beyond providing nursing care alone, but also acting as an advocate . . . or a voice for the voiceless . . . We have to ensure that our patient’s needs, rights and wishes are heard, recognized and respected. As warriors in scrubs, we essentially embody the very essence of healthcare: Compassion Advocacy Unwavering Commitment to Patient Welfare During my time as a nurse, I found myself intertwined with the stories of many patients and their families. There are a few special situations that I found myself in that have always stuck with me throughout the years, where I had to advocate for those who were in my watch. I would like to share a few of these stories with you to help show how we are the last line of defense and play a key role in patient advocacy.  You can read these stories here. Every day we are on the front lines doing all we can to help our patients and this stretches far beyond providing nursing care alone. Some times that means standing up in difficult situations.  YOU CAN DO THIS! Go out and be your best self today. ♥ Happy Nursing! -Jon Haws NURSING.com, 11918 Division Street #2114, PORTLAND, Oregon 97266, United States