Discussion 2: The Role of the RN/APRN in Policy-Making NURS 6050

Nurses should be a component of the policy review process to enhance their careers, care delivery, and better their organizations’ ability to offer primary care interventions. Imperatively, the first opportunity for nurse to be part of the policymaking is through participation in meetings to discuss policy matters. Through these fora, RNs and APRNs can influence other stakeholders to understanding healthcare issues better and existing challenges so that they can develop frameworks to address any shortcomings or improve on better practiced for quality care delivery (Joel, 2017). Through the meetings, nurses can offer insights on what should be done to reduce cost of healthcare among other issues. The second opportunity is through being members of professional organizations like the American Nurses Association. These entities collect data and disseminate it through giving information and knowledge to their members to improve policies and patient outcomes (Milstead & Short, 2019). Professional organizations give nurses the opportunity to review policies and apply evidence-based practice research to inform of the best practice interventions to enhance care delivery.

Challenges in these opportunities include the limited time that may constraint nurses from going for professional meetings and conferences to horn new trends and nursing skills. Secondly, joining professional associations like the ANA poses challenges to nurses and one among these is the availability of diverse opinions that one may not agree with and find not compatible to their perspective (Schaeffer & Haebler, 2019). Evaluation of health policies may also encounter limited resource allocation. More fundamentally, lack of knowledge on the use of EBP among nurses may hinder its effectiveness.

Strategies to communicate better and advocate for policy reviews are important. These include deployment of research on health policy to help determine ways to improve care. Nurses can also use available resources to ensure that they are effective in their communication and interactions with other stakeholders (Milstead & Short, 2019). Training and education can also help them understand policies much better and disseminate knowledge to stakeholders.

Also Read:

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References

Joel, L. A. (2017). Advanced Practice Nursing: Essentials for Role Development. F.A. Davis.

Milstead, J. A., & Short, N. M. (2019). Health policy and politics: A nurse’s guide (6th ed.).

Burlington, MA: Jones & Bartlett Learning.

Schaeffer, R., & Haebler, J. (2019). Nurse Leaders: Extending your policy influence. Nurse

Leader, 17(4), 340-343. doi 10.1016/j.mnl.2019.05.010

Word cloud generators have become popular tools for meetings and team-building events. Groups or teams are asked to use these applications to input words they feel best describe their team or their role. A “word cloud” is generated by the application that makes prominent the most-used terms, offering an image of the common thinking among participants of that role.

Therefore, as requested in Discussion 2 The Role of the RN APRN in Policy-Making NURS 6050, what types of words would you use to build a nursing word cloud? Empathetic, organized, hard-working, or advocate would all certainly apply. Would you add policy-maker to your list? Do you think it would be a very prominent component of the word cloud?

Nursing has become one of the largest professions in the world, and as such, nurses have the potential to influence policy and politics on a global scale. When nurses

influence the politics that improve the delivery of healthcare, they are ultimately advocating for their patients. Hence, policy-making has become an increasingly popular term among nurses as they recognize a moral and professional obligation to be engaged in healthcare legislation.

To Prepare for Discussion 2 The Role of the RN APRN in Policy-Making NURS 6050:

Revisit the Congress.gov website provided in the Resources and consider the role of RNs and APRNs in policy-making.
Reflect on potential opportunities that may exist for RNs and APRNs to participate in the policy-making process.

By Day 3 of Week 8 of Discussion 2 The Role of the RN APRN in Policy-Making NURS 6050

Click here to ORDER NOW FOR AN ORIGINAL PAPER ASSIGNMENT: Discussion 2: The Role of the RN/APRN in Policy-Making NURS 6050

Post an explanation of at least two opportunities that exist for RNs and APRNs to actively participate in policy-making. Explain some of the challenges that these opportunities may present and describe how you might overcome these challenges. Finally, recommend two strategies you might make to better advocate for or communicate the existence of these opportunities to participate in policy-making. Be specific and provide examples.

Nurses in Policy-Making

In addition to providing rapid treatment and diagnostic support, nurses should be included in the policy-making process. First, the 21st century exhibits a rise in public health work, as the conversation between medical professionals and communities expands in breadth. According to Wichaikhum et al. (2019), the establishment of new policies in this area will certainly impact nursing practice; therefore, their expertise is necessary to design evidence-based solutions that will achieve the desired outcomes. Without nurses’ participation, public health strategies lack accuracy and engagement. Consequently, public health development is the greatest opportunity for nurses as policymakers.

https://nursingpaperslayers.com/discussion-2-the-role-of-the-rn-aprn-in-policy-making-nurs-6050/

Expertise is necessary, but so is a desire for the public health agenda’s best interests at heart. There are organized possibilities for nurses to improve and acquire new competencies. There are new chances for policy-making in the form of programs like the Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP) (Gardenier, 2017). To demonstrate its belief in nurses’ abilities to make a significant impact on health care and related policy, the system uses these awards. There are, of course, a number of obstacles associated with these potential. Those who wish to earn a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree will have to begin their professional careers later in life (Vance et al., 2020). From my perspective, this problem can be countered by taking advantage of every opportunity to gain real-world experience while still in school. Another roadblock is the lack of confidence in nurses as policymakers. It’s not easy to change conservative attitudes about healthcare, but by actively participating in discussions and displaying your abilities to tackle complicated problems, you can succeed.
References

Gardenier, D., Schreibman, A., & Henrich, R. (2017). Does a Doctorate of Nursing practice make a difference in patient care? Journal for Nurse Practitioners, 13(6), 392-393. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nurpra.2017.02.014

Vance, D. E., Heaton, K., Antia, L., Frank, J., Moneyham, L., Harper, D., & Meneses, K. (2020). Alignment of a PhD program in nursing with the AACN report on the research-focused doctorate in nursing: A descriptive analysis. Journal of Professional Nursing, 36(6), 604-610. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.profnurs.2020.08.011

Wichaikhum, O., Abhicharttibutra, K., Nantsupawat, A., Kowitlawakul, Y. & Kunaviktikul, W. (2020). Developing a strategic model of participation in policy development for nurses. International Nursing Review, 67, 11– 18. https://doi.org/10.1111/inr.12571

By Day 6 of Week 8

Respond to at least two of your colleagues’* posts by suggesting additional opportunities or recommendations for overcoming the challenges described by your colleagues.

RE: Discussion – Week 8 response 2

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Solange, you made an interesting point about nurses and policymaking in your post. I had no idea how detached nurses felt about policymaking and how frequently their voices were lost in translation with politicians. If COVID has taught us anything, it is that we have a voice, albeit a very loud one. As nurses, we have the opportunity to define, shape, and implement real policies that affect health care delivery. I also found it interesting that more baccalaureate programs were incorporating policy development courses into their curricula; this is incredible because when I graduated years ago, there were no classes in my program that discussed policy making and how to get involved in it. Moving nurses from being recipients and implementers of health policy decisions to leaders with a strong voice in policy development or reform will require a concerted, strategic effort in the future (Turale, 2019), which we should be pursuing with the support of our professional organizations.

Joining a professional organization will help lay the groundwork for nurses to become involved in policymaking by providing a toolkit. Nurses all over the world must reclaim their rightful place at decision-making tables, and nurse leaders must provide them with access to well-planned policy training programs (Turale, 2019). Our voices must be heard if we are to advance the nursing profession.

Standing up for what nurses are already aware of can have a significant impact on health-care policy. According to the Journal for Nurse Practitioners, nurses have a significant impact on changing health policy on multiple levels, including on-the-job quality improvement projects (Regis College, n.d.). Nurses should participate in all aspects of policymaking and should join local, state, and federal organizations that will help promote their voices. Some organizations, such as the Association of Public Health Nurses, will have a toolkit on their websites that encourages RNs to advocate for health care policies while also providing resources on how to do so (Regis College, n.d.).

As a nurse in this innovative, exciting, and chaotic era of health care, I was disheartened when you mentioned the difficulties nurses face in actively participating in policy change, such as not believing they will be heard (Dodron, 2020). We have a wealth of knowledge as a profession, and we should embrace it and be heard so that our patients and families receive the best possible care.

Resources

Doldron, S. (2020, January 16). Discussion Week 8 Forum. [Online forum post]. Thread: Discussion – Week 8 – NURS-6050-3/NRSE-6050C-3-… (waldenu.edu)

Regis College, (n.d.). How Does Nursing Influence Health Care Policy? Retrieved from How Does Nursing Influence Health Care Policy? | Regis College Online

Turale, S. (2019). The contribution of nurses to health policy and advocacy requires leaders to provide training and mentorship. International Nursing Review, 66(3), 302-304. The contribution of nurses to health policy and advocacy requires leaders to provide training and mentorship – Turale – 2019 – International Nursing Review – Wiley Online Library

RE: Discussion – Week 8

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One opportunity that a registered nurse (RN) and an advanced practice nurse (APRN) has to participate in policymaking is through advocacy. Nurses are the leading group of the United States (US) healthcare workforce. Through education, RNs and APRNs learned the skill of patient advocacy. Advocacy can be carried over into the political arena and is essential for informing and influencing healthcare policy. Although nurses can have a significant impact on policymaking, many nurses do not speak up due to a lack of confidence or knowledge. Some ways to overcome these challenges include; becoming confident by valuing your experience, joining a professional organization, interacting with policymakers, getting to know your legislators, perusing policy website to become familiar with bills, and giving expert testimony (Abbott, 2019).

Lobbying is another way in which RNs and APRNs can influence policymaking. The Virginia Nurses Association (VNA) hosts a few Lobby Days a year; you do not need to be a VNA member to participate in Lobby Day. During Lobby Day, the VNA meets with political figures to discuss issues that impact nursing, such as full practice authority for APRNs. One challenge to participating in Lobby Day is inexperience in speaking with a legislator. To overcome this challenge, the VNA offers talking points and webinar training (Virginia Nurses Association VNA, 2018).

Although lobbying and advocating seem alike, they are different. Lobbying is persuading a political figure to support legislation or regulation (Milstead & Short, 2019). While advocating is providing education related to the bill or law (Schaeffer & Haebler, 2019).

To strengthen the role of nurse advocate, I recommend joining the American Nurses Association (ANA). To help nurses become successful advocates, the ANA offers tools and resources through membership in their organization (American Nurses Association ANA, n.d.). To participate in policymaking as a lobbyist, the VNA has a list of Lobby Days with the schedule available on their website. They have experienced staff, some of which are nurses that will help guide you in the lobbying process.

References

Abbott, P. (2019). When nurses speak: Advocacy described. Colorado Nurse, 119(4), 4.

American Nurses Association ANA. (n.d). Advocacy. Retrieved April 12, 2020, from https://www.nursingworld.org/practice-policy/advocacy/

Milstead, J. A., & Short, N. M. (2019). Health policy and politics: A nurse’s guide (6th ed.). Burlington, MA: Jones & Bartlett Learning

Schaeffer, R., & Haebler, J. (2019). Nurse Leaders: Extending your policy influence. Nurse Leader, 17(4), 340-343. doi 10.1016/j.mnl.2019.05.010

Virginia Nurses Association VNA. (2018). Lobby Days. Retrieved April 12, 2020, from https://virginianurses.com/page/LobbyDays

RE: Discussion – Week 8

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Hi J…

You bring up some great points in ways nurses can influence the policy-making process. Advocacy is a great tool because nurses spend the most time at the bedside. We know our patient’s needs and many times are the eyes and ears of physicians. With our knowledge base, we can inform politicians how something might affect patients and the practitioners delivering the care. House and state representatives oftentimes lack experience in health care. “Government policy identifies clinicians, including nurses, as having a key leadership role in shaping and driving forward policy reform and quality improvement” (Hughes, 2010). By leading them in means of patient advocating, we can shape a better system for everyone involved. We can be the beginning of the change we want to see, or the constant in keeping a system that works. In regard to joining a national association such as the ANA, I think that is a great idea. The American Nurses Association serves as a wonderful resource for many organizations and will provide the evidence-based research politicians will need to combat their healthcare agendas. “Evidence-informed policy-making is an effective, interactive way to work collaboratively in achieving consensus and translating knowledge into practice” (Jokiniemi et al., 2020). I think having creditable sources will alleviate concerns of many when policies come into place. Great post!

References

Hughes, A. (2010). The challenge of contributing to policy making in primary care: the gendered experiences and strategies of nurses. Sociology of Health & Illness, 7, 977.

Jokiniemi, K., Suutarla, A., Meretoja, R., Kotila, J., Axelin, A., Flinkman, M., Heikkinen, K., & Fagerström, L. (2020). Evidence‐informed policymaking: Modelling nurses’ career pathway from registered nurse to advanced practice nurse. International Journal of Nursing Practice (John Wiley & Sons, Inc.), 26(1), N.PAG. https://doi-org.ezp.waldenulibrary.org/10.1111/ijn.12777

RE: Discussion – Week 8

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When the different roles of an RN or APRN are thought of, policy making is not something that comes to mind first. We forget that we have a voice in health care and can have an impact on policy’s that are created. Joining the ANA and becoming a member gives an RN the opportunity to actively participate in policymaking. The ANA makes an effort directed at those creating the modern health care environment the policy makers and agencies whose decisions will affect patients and those who care for them (ANA, 2020). By paying to become a member of this organization, your voice as a nurse can be heard. Standing in alignment with different policies you have an opinion on gives you the advocacy you need to be heard at the Federal level. The ANA is dedicated to ensuring that the voice of nursing is heard at all levels where these decisions are being made (ANA, 2020).

Another opportunity for practitioners to actively participate in policymaking is a little broader. Health policies address health concerns through laws, regulations, or programs that focus on health determinants including behavioral choices, the physical environment in which people live and work, and social factors (Milstead & Short, 2019). What better person to provide information to our local legislators than the voice of our local nurses. We know what we need, so we can provide that information to a politician who can help us make the changes we need. Even if a nurse is hesitant to bring an opinion straight to a legislator, bringing ideas and suggestions backed by evidence to your health care administrators is a great starting point.

An example of some challenges that these opportunities may present would be maybe a nurse doesn’t have the financial means to join the ANA. To overcome this, you can apply for a scholarship to become a member, or maybe talk to your own health care administrators and they may provide the means for you to be able to join so you can have access to this political advocacy. Another barrier would be the influence the media has on legislators and what actually makes it to the agenda and how it is viewed (Laureate Education, 2018). It is important to try and identify problems ahead of time so you can already have a solution paired with it.

A good strategy to better advocate for your voice being heard by local legislators would be building relationships with the media and policymakers (Laureate Education, 2018). By doing that you can have an influence what is projected to the community and can try and sway them to sway towards what you want them to say. Another strategy would be to just empower the nurses and colleagues you currently work with. Many times, people don’t believe their voice or opinions will matter. If you can educate them on how a policy gets made, they might believe more that they can make a difference in our own health care system.

Nurses in Policy-Making

In addition to the immediate treatment and diagnostics assistance, nurses are rightfully admitted into the circle of policy-making. First of all, the 21^st century demonstrates an increase of public health work, as the dialogue between medical experts and communities grows in scope and scale. According to Wichaikhum et al. (2019), the development of new policies in this area inevitably affects nursing practice, which is why their insight is required to design evidence-based solutions that will attain the required results. Without the participation of nurses, public health policies lack engagement and precision. Thus, public health development is the key opportunities for nurses as policy-makers.

However, they should demonstrate the required level of expertise to make a positive contribution to public health agenda. In this regard, nurses are provided with the institutionalized opportunities to develop their competencies and acquire new ones. The very existence of such programs as the Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP) reflects the emerging opportunities of policy-making (Gardenier, 2017). Through them, the system proclaims that it recognizes the ability of nurses to make large-scale contributions to healthcare and related policies for the benefit of the community. Evidently, there opportunities are associated with certain challenges. For example, those who aspire to complete a DNP program will have to start their professional path at an older age (Vance et al., 2020). From my side, this challenge can be counteracted by seizing all opportunities to obtain practical experience before the full completion of all stages of education. Another barrier is represented by the lack of trust in nurses as policy-makers. These conservative views are not easily eradicated, but it is possible through active participation in healthcare discussion and demonstrating the ability to solve complex issues.

References

Opportunities for Policymaking as RNs and APRNs

Health care is a complex subject that involves many layers with factors affecting it. Professionals in nursing should take part in policymaking to provide substantial evidence, tell real-life stories, and bring awareness to certain issues. Nurses have the ability and knowledge to aid in the design of improving patient outcomes, refining quality care, and reducing costs of health care through the process of policy (Milstead & Short, 2019, p. 90). Registered nurses (RNs) and advanced practice nurses (APRNs) are encouraged and welcomed to be a part of a professional organization where they can participate in the design and construction of policy.

Two examples of professional organizations that stand out to me are the American Nurses Association (ANA) and the Oncology Nursing Society (ONS). Advocacy is ANA’s most important component in the base of the organization’s foundation. ANA works with lawmakers at a federal level to advocate for nursing priorities (ANA, n.d.). In example, the ANA advocated for the Nurse and Health Care Worker Protection Act, to protect nurses from musculoskeletal disorders and injuries (Milstead & Short, 2019, p. 91). This act required the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to create and put a standard of safe patient handling and mobility (SPHM) put into place. This standard of SPHM was enforced to abolish manual lifting, require the purchase of adequate equipment, and provide education and training for employees to understand the importance of SPHM for patients and staff members (Milstead & Short, 2019, p. 91). As a nurse working on the floor, I am confident my back would be dislocated or broken without the establishment of safe patient handling and mobility policies. This organization creates a platform for nurses to speak their truth and shed light on issues that need a solution.

In addition to ANA, I wanted to discuss ONS, which is an organization I have been involved in for years. Their most recent health policy was called on congress to enact the Palliative Care and Hospice Education and Training Act, where this provides education in hospice and palliative nursing and initiates programs for advanced practice nurses to train and teach in that area (2019). This gives nurses the opportunity to share their experiences and discuss end-of-life care and palliative services that are needing refinement. Sadly, some do not know the difference between palliative care and hospice. Additional education for nurses would be beneficial in the improvement of care and expansion of knowledge for those who need end-of-life and palliative care nursing.

A second opportunity for RNs and APRNs to become involved in policymaking is at a local or state level. For example, I work at a small, independent facility, where there are nurses who are actively breastfeeding. One nurse advocated and brought forth her experiences with supporting evidence to persuade our hierarchy of policymakers to make a change. In return, a new policy was established where a room for nursing was furnished to create a positive and safe environment and time is set aside in effort to support nursing mothers. RNs and APRNs have a significant role in policymaking where their presence is required. Without participation of nursing in this process, policymakers do not have the data, personal experiences, or insight to become aware of issues that need to be addressed. Nurses can persuade and influence a policymaker to oppose or be in favor of a policy (Milstead & Short, 2019, p. 95).

Obstacles and Challenges in Policymaking

Obstacles hinder the involvement of nurses in policymaking such as insufficient participation in professional organizations and lack of knowledge. To overcome these challenges, it would be impactful to spread the word of professional organizations through marketing and word of mouth. Personally, I would have never joined the Oncology Nursing Society if it was not for my colleagues to educate me on the significance of nursing in this professional organization. This organization provides opportunities for nurses to become involved at a state and federal level in policymaking.

Strategies for Participation in Policymaking

Two strategies to communicate the existence of these opportunities is the use of social media marketing for professional organizations and education on health policy in undergraduate nursing programs. Social media has a great impact on today’s society, therefore, the utilization of posting to Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat, and Tiktok would be beneficial in grabbing the public’s attention. Professional organizations can use influencers or impactful people to make known the importance of nursing and policymaking in these organizations. A health policy class would equip undergraduate students with better knowledge of the involvement nursing has on policymaking. The education of health policy would help students build confidence, gain expertise, and develop persuasive skills. These are two of many strategies that can be used to better advocate for opportunities to participate in policymaking. Health policy and advocacy continues to enlighten me with the significant work and influence nursing professionals have on healthcare.

References

American Nurses Association (ANA). (n.d.). Advocacy. Retrieved July 21, 2021, from https://www.nursingworld.org/practice-policy/advocacy/

H.R. 647—116th Congress (2019-2020): Palliative Care and Hospice Education and Training Act. (2019, October 29). https://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/house-bill/647

Milstead, J.A., & Short, N.M. (2019). Health policy and politics: A nurse’s guide (6th ed.). Burlington, MA: Jones & Bartlett Learning.

RE: Discussion – Week 8

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“Nurses’ influence on health policy protects the quality of care by access to required recourses and opportunities” (Arabi et al., 2014). Registered nurses (RNs) and advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) have an important role in policy-making. Nurses involved in policy-making are influential, professional, responsible, and are advocates for people and the healthcare system (Burke, 2016).

There are ways that RNs and APRNs can get involved in policy-making. Per Milstead and Short (2019), nurses and APRNs develop contact with legislators by groups such as the House Nursing Caucus and the Senate Nursing Caucus. These groups have the responsibilities of educating legislators on the issues important and impacting issues impacting America’s health system and nursing as a profession (American Organization for Nursing Leadership, n.d.). One international caucus nurse’s or APRNs can join is the American Organization for Nursing Leadership (AONL). These nurses or APRNs are shaping health care through innovation and expert nursing leadership, giving nurses the opportunity to work directly with legislators and voice their opinions and experience in policies impacting nurses throughout the United States (American Organization for Nursing Leadership, n.d.). A state level way for Missouri nurses or APRNs to get involved in policy making is to join the Missouri Nurses Association (MONA). MONA gives RNs and APRNs in Missouri the ability to speak and act for the nursing profession to promote and enhance safe and accountable nursing practice (Missouri Nurses Association, n.d.). These nurses or APRNs work as a group to contact their local legislators and supply testimony in expert insight to advocate in support or opposition to policies affecting Missouri nurses, nurse practice, or healthcare.

While being able to get involved with legislation and policy making as an RN or APRN, there are obstacles. Some of these challenges may include schedule, money, personal afflictions, varying education levels of the nurses involved, lack of diversity among the nurses involved, or lack of opportunities for advancement (Denker et al, 2014). Although there are barriers for these nurses or APRNs, there are ways to overcome these barriers. If schedule, money, or lack of opportunities for advancement is an issue, these nurses could seek out a job that directly involves them in the policy making process, making it a career for these nurses. If these barriers were an issue for me, I would try to seek out a position within my current hospital that would directly involve me in policy implementation within the hospital system. This would give me the opportunity to focus on policy making within legislation and be more up-to-date and relevant with the information. Nurses involved in policy making need to have a single, strong voice. To overcome personals afflictions, it is important to work as a strong coalition (Denker et al., 2014). Considering everyone has their own personal opinions, it is important to consider what is best for all nurses, not just one. As David Benton said, “If each nurse would take every opportunity to learn from the experiences of colleagues throughout the world and to initiate and influence policy development, we would have the expertise, strength, and knowledge to lead the world to better health” (Denker et al., 2014). To overcome diversity and varying education level issues, these positions need to be inclusive with well-defined roles for all people, men, women, people of other races, and those of different education levels.

To advocate or communicate these opportunities for nurses or APRNs to be involved in policy making, I would help to advertise for MONA and recommend MONA and getting involved with these organizations. Many people do not know about these opportunities for involvement. When I was in nursing school obtaining my bachelor’s, we were required to join MONA for a day. I had no idea what MONA was or the purpose of it, but getting involved and speaking with legislators, I understood the importance for nurses to get involved. MONA is not well advertised in Missouri. Promoting MONA beyond colleges and schools would be to advertise it at nursing facilities and have the Missouri State Board of Nursing continue to add information about MONA in their newsletter and their website. Next, I would promote these opportunities to nurses who are uncomfortable with new legislation or requirements for nurses. Those who feel directly affected by legislation should become involved so they can feel like they are helping with adequate policy for nurses.

References

American Organization for Nursing Leadership. (n.d.). Congressional nursing caucus. https://www.aonl.org/advocacy/resources/congressional-nursing-caucus

Arabi, A., Rafii, F., Cheraghi, M.A., and Ghiyasvandian, S. (2014). Nurses’ policy influence: A concept analysis. Iranian Journal of Nursing and Midwifery Research 19(3), 315-322.

Burke, S.A. (2016). Influence through policy: Nurses have a unique role. https://nursingcentered.sigmanursing.org/commentary/more-commentary/Vol42_2_nurses-have-a-unique-role#:~:text=Through%20policy%20work%2C%20nurses%20can%20and%20should%20influence,impact%20resource%20allocation%20to%20support%20delivery%20of%20healthcare.

Denker, A., Medina, P., Yore, M., Leonard, T. (2014). Addressing barriers in leadership for nurses: A toolkit for nurses to shape the future of healthcare through nursing leadership. https://campaignforaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Addressing-Barriers-in-Leadership-for-Nurses-FL.pdf#:~:text=not%20present%20%20%20Question%20%20%20,%205.57%25%20%20%2012%20more%20rows%20

Milstead, J.A., and Short, N.M. (2019). Health policy and politics: A nurse’s guide (6^th ed). Burlington, MA: Jones & Bartlett Learning.

Missouri Nurses Association. (n.d.). Welcome to the Missouri nurses association! https://missourinurses.org/

RE: Discussion – Week 9

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Nurses’ have been advocating for patients regarding evidence-based care, communication with health care teams, and safe staffing ratio. Nurses’ influence on health policy protects the quality of care. Nurses have personal views on health care issues and influence health care policies in different ways. (Arabi, 2014). Many would argue that our current healthcare system needs to change. Moving nurses from being the recipients and implementers of health policy decisions to being leaders with a strong voice in the development or reform of policy will take concerted, strategic effort into the future (Turale S., 2019).

Insurance companies are allowed to have the final say in what medications are covered and not. A growing number of states are implementing or considering prescription drug affordability review boards or commissions to reduce drug spending. Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, and Ohio enacted this legislation (Morgan, 2021). As APRNs, prescribing the proper medications can be challenging without adding in the insurance aspect. APRNs and RNs must advocate for the patients to legislators for changes to happen. Nurses can use the media as a tool for policy change.

Securing airtime to articulate the needed change can increase awareness to the public. Nurses can get the local government and the local state representative involved to create an urgency for the policy.

APRNs and RNs must understand the current crisis to advocate for changes. Strategic plans are needed to develop increased awareness to the public, interventions, treatment, and recovery. Through policy research, nurses can gain skills to be accepted, respected, and better informed, where it matters, to be recognized as health professionals with policy and advocacy skills (Turale S., 2019).

References

Arabi, A. R. (2014). Nurses’ policy influence: A concept analysis. Iranian journal of nursing and midwifery research, 19(3), 315-322.

Morgan, V. O. (2021, June 17). Health Care Policy Trends from the 2021 State Legislative Session. (Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP) Retrieved October 25, 2021, from JDSUPPRA: https://www.jdsupra.com/legalnews/health-care-policy-trends-from-the-2021-5698415/

Turale S., K. W. (2019). The contribution of nurses to health policy and advocacy requires leaders to provide training and mentorship. Int. Nurse Rev, 66(3), 302-304. doi:10.1111/inr.12550.

Sasha,

Thank you for your informative post. Professional nursing organizations are a

great option for nurses to utilize for policymaking. (ANA, n.d.) There are so many to choose. The American Nurses Association is a popular one, however, some are specific to the nursing specialty that one has experience in. Professional organizations empower nurses by keeping them up to date with the most current education. (Gaines, 2019) Opportunities are also provided that can be used to create policies. Members of professional nursing organizations have a better chance at policy making.

American Nurses Association. (n.d.) Member Benefits. Retrieved January 21, 2022, from https://www.nursingworld.org/membership/member-benefits/

Gaines, K. (2019). You Should Join a Nursing Organization. Here’s Why. Retrieved January 21, 2022, from https://nurse.org/articles/benefits-of-nursing-organizations/

Milstead, J. A., & Short, N. M. (2019). Health policy and politics: A nurse’s guide (6th ed.). Burlington, MA: Jones & Bartlett Learning.

Also Read:

Discussion 1: Evidence Base In Design NURS 6050

Assignment: Regulation For Nursing Practice Staff Development Meeting NURS 6050

Discussion: Professional Nursing And State-Level Regulations NURS 6050

Assignment: Legislation Grid And Advocacy Statement NURS 6050

Discussion: Politics And The Patient Protection And Affordable Care Act NURS 6050