It is imperative that the APRN becomes a patient advocate, promotes patient rights and needs, and is knowledgeable about evidence-based practice, patient values, preferences, and on the APRN's previous experiences to better care for each patient (American Nurse Association, 2010). The APRN should always follow the ethical principles of “do no harm” and “do good” when caring for the patient. To do no harm, the APRN should evaluate existing evidence on natural remedies, such as natural remedies, in order to integrate them into practice and provide safe, quality care to patients. Becoming familiar with current research will help the APRN to “do good” and identify people who may benefit from the use of CPs by reducing unnecessary antibiotic use. The APRN should communicate effectively with the patient about existing prophylactic therapies for the treatment of recurrent UTIs, the advantages and disadvantages of using different therapies, and patient outcomes with the use of existing prophylactic therapies. The APRN should consider the costs, effectiveness, and compelling reasons for planned or chosen prophylactic therapy to prevent recurrent UTIs. It is critical that the APRN and the patient agree on the treatment plan and not insist or coerce the patient into a particular therapy. The APRN Should Be Respected The APRN is a valuable and promising healthcare resource when developing policies and regulations that benefit patients and meet the goals of the PPACA. According to Abood (2014), “accepting responsibility offers nurses the unique opportunity to make a difference and have the satisfaction of being part of building a better healthcare system for themselves and their patients.” It is therefore important for the APRN to engage politically, even if this requires specific skills and expertise
tags