Date Awarded
1987
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)
Department
Education
Advisor
William F. Losito
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to determine whether or not Winslow's typology of definitions of client advocacy in nursing accurately and comprehensively represented the manner in which registered nurses defined the role. The author also hoped to explore contextual factors influencing the lack of consensus among nurses of the client advocacy role.;A survey questionnaire was developed and submitted to a random sample of nurses registered to practice in the state of Virginia. The sample population was asked for a definition of and a clinical situation describing client advocacy. A Likert scale was used to determine the degree of agreement of the sample population with Winslow's typology as well as clincial practice situations developed by the author.;Survey data revealed Winslow's typology of definitions represent the manner in which a substantial number of respondents defined client advocacy. Demographic and professional data of the sample population was obtained and analyzed. There was no substantial relationship between these variables and the opinions of client advocacy definitions.;The relationship to two factors, the development of the code of ethics and the nurse-physician relationship, were examined. All versions of the code of ethics contain elements of client advocacy behaviors. The lack of consensus among nurses of the client advocate role is related to male-female role conflicts and the desire of the nursing profession to attain full-fledged professional status.;Further investigation is indicated to determine if the current lack of consensus among nurses of the client advocate role, is an indication of the process of role change the profession must experience to realize the acceptance of any one definition of the client advocate role.
DOI
https://dx.doi.org/doi:10.25774/w4-vbw3-yb18
Rights
© The Author
Recommended Citation
Bell, Bertha Roslyn, "Client advocacy in nursing: A contemporary perspective" (1987). Dissertations, Theses, and Masters Projects. William & Mary. Paper 1539618496.
https://dx.doi.org/doi:10.25774/w4-vbw3-yb18
