Listening to Dr. McKnight was inspiring. Listening to her heart-breaking struggles and what she has overcome has motivated me to commit to safe injection practices. I want to make that if I were ever in a situation where I had witnessed an incident similar to Dr. McKnight’s that I would take action to prevent injury to the patient. Patients need to be comfortable and be able to trust their health care providers; delivering positive and safe patient care will empower and establish an excellent patient to provider relationship. I will strive to be aware of my surroundings and the cares being done by fellow nurses and physicians, making sure to advocate for the safety of the patient.
Being an advocate for patient safety means to stand up for and interceding on a patient’s behalf. This means protecting patients from harm, educating yourself as a nurse to stay up to date with the best evidence based practices to promote patient safety. A nurse should promote, advocate for and strive to protect the health, safety, and rights of the patient (American Nurses Association, n.d.).
It was such an honor to have Dr. McKnight speak to our class. Her gumption and passion to carry on and will her way through and overcome an illness that has succumbed so many others is inspiring. Her dedication is empowering!
