Assignment Task
Advocacy, Activism, and Resistance
Critical analysis of approaches to advocacy that challenge legislation, policies and practices based on digital narratives and associated case notes
Anne
You might consider the role of the nurse in advocating on public health issues, where are the boundaries and if there is any conflict in the codes and legislation, should they be challenged? Should there be more focus on the health effects of climate change and sustainability? What is the role of nurse leadership in tackling climate change?
Chris
Discuss models of disability. Consider what could be done on the micro and macro level to have made his experience better. E.g. alternative communication tools Refer to wider models of Service User Participation. Role of the nurse as advocate for him or getting a formal advocate. Understanding the nature of vulnerability. Importance of respecting dignity.
Roxy
Discuss models of disability. Intersectionality theory – has many protected characteristics, structural/systemic discrimination – one colour prosthetic legs? Need to advocate for reasonable adjustments, challenge policy when doesn’t meet need. Self-advocate
Digital Stories
A. Anne: Nurse activist on climate change actions
B. Chris: Service user on recovery journey from Guillain Barre syndrome
C. Roxy: Self-Advocate and Service User
A. Anne’s story case notes
History
Anne is a climate activist with Extinction Rebellion and has participated in many non-violent actions to highlight the danger of climate change to human health.
Anne self-referred to the NMC when she was arrested for an act of civil disobedience in a separate action (Action A) with Extinction Rebellion in October 2019
For Action ‘A’ court hearing in February 2021 (delayed due to COVID-19) Anne was found guilty under section 14, despite being arrested for highway obstruction
Anne self-represented in court offering the court an impassioned statement about her professional responsibility as a nurse under section 16 of the NMC Code
B. Chris’ story case notes
History
Chris admitted as a patient with Guillain-Barré syndrome
Chris was an inpatient in the hospital for four months, experiencing care in several settings during his patient journey: A & E Cardiac Care Stroke / Neurological rehabilitation (medical ward)
Chris experienced “locked in syndrome” during the initial phase of his recovery
C. Roxy’s Story Case Notes
History
Roxy was born with a condition called Orofacial Syndrome with Mesomelic limb shortening. For an article published in 1984 in the Journal of Medical Genetics by doctors who treated Roxy and her sister.
Roxy has written her case notes here; I am a self-advocate, I have a learning disability, I use a wheelchair, I have physical disabilities and mental health problems, and I am deaf, I use hearing aids. I have asthma. I have lived independently for 14 years. I go to Dance East on Monday nights, I do Bollywood Dance, I like Indian films, I go to the gym, and I like to see my family and friends they are very important to me. My mum and dad are from Pakistan and they are first cousins. I have 6 sisters and 1 brother. I work as a self-advocate; I teach at University and I am a Green Light Champion. I have helped to write easy-read information and interviews for Nurses.
