What are the best ways to gain experience as a patient advocacy consultant?

Nurses and other licensed healthcare providers are already patient advocates. They have the education and experience to be an independent patient advocate meaning they are hired by patients and families and have their best interests in mind at all times. Unfortunately, the traditional healthcare system or lack of doesn't provide them the time and means to be the advocate they were trained to be. We need more healthcare providers especially nurses practicing private patient advocacy. As far as training find an independent advocate who has a similar background as you and who is actually doing the work you want to do. Ask them for an hour of their time to learn more about what they do as an independent patient advocate.

National advocacy organizations are a great way to donate and volunteer your time. Most of these organizations are nonprofit organizations that rely heavily on volunteers to run their programs. It is highly encouraged if you are a practicing patient advocate to get involved in at least one non-profit organization that supports the advocacy community. The Patient Advocate Certification Board (PACB) is one organization to research. Another suggestion is to look for advocates in your area. Ask them for a meeting to learn more about the professional organizations they are involved in that contribute to their career as independent patient advocates.

We need more healthcare professionals practicing patient advocacy, especially nurses. There are so many people who need our help. Starting your own practice can be daunting. It doesn't have to be. You can start building your practice as you work in your current job. As you build your practice you can decide when is the right time for you to leave working for someone else and completely working for yourself. This does not happen overnight. It takes time and work to build your own successful patient advocacy practice. The motivation is once you start practicing and you wake up every morning looking forward to working and go to bed every night feeling appreciated, you will want more of it, guaranteed. Eight years for me and no regrets.

Starting your own patient advocacy practice indeed offers a blend of opportunities and challenges. The autonomy and flexibility are enticing, and they allow you to deliver highly personalised services that can make a significant impact on consumers' lives. Additionally, this route offers the potential for personal and professional growth in areas like entrepreneurship, marketing, and management.

Soliciting feedback can be a humbling experience but is essential for identifying both strengths and areas for improvement. Client testimonials, peer reviews, and supervisory sessions provide diverse perspectives that can yield actionable insights. It is these very insights that can inform my ongoing professional development, allowing me to better meet the evolving needs of consumers and adapt to systemic changes .

One thing I wasn't prepared for when I left working in the hospital to practice patient advocacy is how receptive healthcare providers are to the services I provide. I set out to do what I loved as a nurse, listening to patients, coming up with a plan, and ensuring patients get the care they need and want. What I didn't realize is how much the providers would welcome and support the work I do as a nurse patient advocate. Once I explain what I do almost immediately the interaction is elevated and elevated in a good way. Little did I know my relationship with providers is now one of mutual respect and appreciation as I practice as an independent nurse patient advocate.