Follow us
Log in
Much of the content on our site is available to our registered users only. If you're already registered, just click the 'Log in' button then enter your email address and password.
Register
If you're not already registered on the site, you'll need to do so in order to gain unrestricted access to all our content. There are two types of registration:
1. If you're a current subscriber, you can register for access to our protected content at no additional cost. You'll need your subscription number in order to complete your registration, which is on the polythene wrapper in which your journal is delivered. Click the Register button to begin your registration.
2. If you don't currently subscribe you can do so now by taking out a secure online subscription. Not only will this give you instant access to our protected online content, but you'll also get every issue of Nursing Standard - the UK's best selling nursing journal - delivered straight to your door. Click the Register button to begin your subscription and registration.
Patient's advocate
These student nurses became their patient's advocate when they stood up for their dignity, championed their level of care and defended their right to make their own choices.
Latest articles
I feel confident about speaking up to protect the dignity of patients
While on placement on a cardiac and endocrine ward, the nurse in charge asked me to manage a bay of four patients due to staff shortages.
Treating a patient with pressure ulcers taught me compassion
While on an acute placement at the end of my second year of training, I helped to look after a patient who was admitted to hospital from her home following gradual deterioration of health and reduced mobility.
My actions led to a patient with diabetes regaining consciousness
During an afternoon shift while on placement, I was asked by a nurse to help the healthcare assistants with meal preparations and to feed the patients. We distributed the meals in the male section of the ward, and moved on to the female section. I then returned to the male patients to make sure they all had enough food and water and to check if any of them required assistance.
A patient's right to know?
Nursing student Gavin O'Hare changed a life before death by respecting his patient's dignity and ensuring he had the right to know his diagnosis.
Adopting a family approach to care
By facilitating a way for a mother to be with her new-born baby, student nurse Hayley Dawes realised the importance of adopting a family approach to care.
Advocating for a patient in pain
Nursing student Lisa Driver advocated and brought relief to patient in terrible pain .
Attempt to advocate for vulnerable patient was in vain
One student nurse attempted to advocate for a vulernable patient whom she felt had been let down by nursing staff, but had to accept it was in vain.
Be confident in your skills and speak up for your patients
An incident at a nursing home for people with dementia proved to one student nurse that you must always speak up for the patient, regardless of the reaction you receive from colleagues.
Challenging the uncaring attitudes of staff
Nursing student Jessica BlumeI was motivated to challenge the uncaring attitudes of staff because as a nurse, it is her responsibility to empower and respect every individual.
Determined to be a strong patient advocate
While on placement, one student nurse decided that she will be more assertive and confident in advocating for her patients in future.
Diagnosis without explanation causes needless anxiety
After his proactive nursing helped an upset young man and his pregnant girlfriend, student nurse Henry Donaghy understood how vital good communication is when delivering a diagnosis.
Do mental health patients get the services they deserve?
Her first placement on a psychiatric ward made student nurse Suzanne Shepherd wonder whether mental health patients have access to adequate healthcare.
Experience led me to question my superiors and help a patient
While carrying out a placement on a surgical assessment unit, the daughter of a patient expressed concerns to me about her mother's wellbeing. The patient, aged 68, had been diagnosed with orbital cellulitis and been admitted to the unit for intravenous antibiotic therapy. I had been told she was medically fit for discharge.
Courses & Careers
This section offers practical and professional advice at every stage of your nursing career.
The RCN Publishing Company is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Royal College of Nursing, the world's largest organisation for nurses. RCN Publishing produces one weekly, eight monthly and two quarterly nursing publications. Nursing Standard, the flagship journal, is the UK's biggest selling weekly for nursing. It is produced by RCN Publishing Company along with a suite of specialist nursing journals - Cancer Nursing Practice, Mental Health Practice, Learning Disability Practice, Nursing Children and Young People, Nursing Management, Emergency Nurse, Nursing Older People, Nurse Researcher and Primary Health Care. RCN Publishing Company also produce the RCN Bulletin, a major source of up-to-the-minute information for RCN members in all specialities, grades and working environments. With the latest nurse vacancies from trusts nationwide, it has become the most cost-effective nurse recruitment magazine available.