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

Walden University NURS 6050 Discussion 2 The Role of the RN/APRN in Policy-Making SAMPLE-Step-By-Step Guide

 

This guide will demonstrate how to complete the Walden University NURS 6050 Discussion 2 The Role of the RN/APRN in Policy-Making SAMPLE assignment based on general principles of academic writing. Here, we will show you the A, B, Cs of completing an academic paper, irrespective of the instructions. After guiding you through what to do, the guide will leave one or two sample essays at the end to highlight the various sections discussed below.

 

How to Research and Prepare for NURS 6050 Discussion 2 The Role of the RN/APRN in Policy-Making SAMPLE                     

 

Whether one passes or fails an academic assignment such as the Walden University NURS 6050 Discussion 2 The Role of the RN/APRN in Policy-Making SAMPLE depends on the preparation done beforehand. The first thing to do once you receive an assignment is to quickly skim through the requirements. Once that is done, start going through the instructions one by one to clearly understand what the instructor wants. The most important thing here is to understand the required format—whether it is APA, MLA, Chicago, etc.

 

After understanding the requirements of the paper, the next phase is to gather relevant materials. The first place to start the research process is the weekly resources. Go through the resources provided in the instructions to determine which ones fit the assignment. After reviewing the provided resources, use the university library to search for additional resources. After gathering sufficient and necessary resources, you are now ready to start drafting your paper.

 

How to Write the Introduction for NURS 6050 Discussion 2 The Role of the RN/APRN in Policy-Making SAMPLE                     

The introduction for the Walden University NURS 6050 Discussion 2 The Role of the RN/APRN in Policy-Making SAMPLE is where you tell the instructor what your paper will encompass. In three to four statements, highlight the important points that will form the basis of your paper. Here, you can include statistics to show the importance of the topic you will be discussing. At the end of the introduction, write a clear purpose statement outlining what exactly will be contained in the paper. This statement will start with “The purpose of this paper…” and then proceed to outline the various sections of the instructions.

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How to Write the Body for NURS 6050 Discussion 2 The Role of the RN/APRN in Policy-Making SAMPLE                     

 

After the introduction, move into the main part of the NURS 6050 Discussion 2 The Role of the RN/APRN in Policy-Making SAMPLE assignment, which is the body. Given that the paper you will be writing is not experimental, the way you organize the headings and subheadings of your paper is critically important. In some cases, you might have to use more subheadings to properly organize the assignment. The organization will depend on the rubric provided. Carefully examine the rubric, as it will contain all the detailed requirements of the assignment. Sometimes, the rubric will have information that the normal instructions lack.

 

Another important factor to consider at this point is how to do citations. In-text citations are fundamental as they support the arguments and points you make in the paper. At this point, the resources gathered at the beginning will come in handy. Integrating the ideas of the authors with your own will ensure that you produce a comprehensive paper. Also, follow the given citation format. In most cases, APA 7 is the preferred format for nursing assignments.

 

How to Write the Conclusion for NURS 6050 Discussion 2 The Role of the RN/APRN in Policy-Making SAMPLE                     

 

After completing the main sections, write the conclusion of your paper. The conclusion is a summary of the main points you made in your paper. However, you need to rewrite the points and not simply copy and paste them. By restating the points from each subheading, you will provide a nuanced overview of the assignment to the reader.

 

How to Format the References List for NURS 6050 Discussion 2 The Role of the RN/APRN in Policy-Making SAMPLE                     

 

The very last part of your paper involves listing the sources used in your paper. These sources should be listed in alphabetical order and double-spaced. Additionally, use a hanging indent for each source that appears in this list. Lastly, only the sources cited within the body of the paper should appear here.

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Sample Answer for NURS 6050 Discussion 2 The Role of the RN/APRN in Policy-Making SAMPLE Included After Question

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:

  • 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.

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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

A Sample Answer For the Assignment: NURS 6050 Discussion 2 The Role of the RN/APRN in Policy-Making SAMPLE
Title: NURS 6050 Discussion 2 The Role of the RN/APRN in Policy-Making SAMPLE

Nurses are the members of the largest profession in the health system with a comprehensive care approach. Nevertheless, they play a minor role in health policy advocacy in the United States (Lewinski & Simmons, 2018). Nurses significantly impact the health system’s effectiveness and play an essential role in health promotion, disease prevention, treatment, and care. The potential opportunities that may exist for RNs and APRNs to participate in the policymaking process is by creating a suitable platform and engaging in the legal issues to increase the legal powers of nurses and writing to federal and states policy maker representatives about improving the economic growth of societies and achieving social justice and equality in access to health services policy bills that nurses have filed. Nurses must be trained in politics, participate in city committees and assemblies, nominate for local office, and even practice the right to vote can affect healthcare policy (Welliver, 2016). Nursing has always been affected by the health sector’s federal or state-level policymaking process. Therefore, RNs and APRNs must be members of nursing organizations to actively participate in policymaking since nursing organizations can lobby on behalf of patients for patient advocacy.

Challenges that opportunities may present 

The significant challenges in the policymaking of the nursing profession at federal or state levels can be named defective upstream policies and lack of mutual dialogs and understanding of the requirements of the nursing profession by the legislators, and weakness in the implementation of policies. The challenges in policymaking at an organizational level include policymakers’ need for knowledge and skill competency, lack of understanding between health policy and health advocacy, and limited healthcare policy education (Welliver, 2016).

Two strategies to better advocate and participate in policymaking 

Appropriate strategies are necessary to solve these challenges, such as periodic review and identification of required policies which increases the effectiveness and implementation capability of the policy. Another strategy nurses might overcome these challenges is by improving society’s public image to ensure and accept nursing services by strengthening the inner confidence of nurses and increasing their presence in scientific societies and healthcare organizations. Nurses have more opportunities to participate in policymaking. Another strategy to better advocate and communicate the existence of opportunities would be paying attention to efficient policies in the nursing field and active interaction with the media, such as Facebook and Twitter, to achieve a positive professional identity and public belief (ANA Social Media Principles, 2017). For instance, by using social media, nurses can approach other nurses and engage in policy discussion debates with their colleagues to inform them about nurses’ role in policymaking health strategy development.

 References:

ANA Social Media Principles. (2017, October 14). ANA. https://www.nursingworld.org/social/

Links to an external site.

Lewinski, A. A., & Simmons, L. A. (2018). Nurse Knowledge and Engagement in Health Policy Making: Findings From a Pilot Study. Journal of Continuing Education in Nursing, 49(9), 407–415. https://doi.org/10.3928/00220124-20180813-06

Links to an external site.

Welliver, M. (2016, September 22). The nursing profession’s potential impact on policy and politics. American Nurse. https://www.myamericannurse.com/nursing-professions-potential-impact-policy-politics/

 

The nursing profession has undeniable strength in numbers; however in order for our powerful presence to inform policy-making we must accept political presence as a cornerstone of nursing culture and discipline. Health care policy indeed has been a large variable in the nursing science and discipline from the time Florence Nightingale made nursing and advocacy one in the same. Furthermore, I believe some might argue that the term advocating can be swapped out with policy-making in various discussions with no changes in the end result of the conversation. Can you imagine the health care reform and policy-making efforts of Florence Nightingale in modern time? Nightingale-care doesn’t have the same ring as Obama-care, but surely it would be impactful.

A Sample Answer 2 For the Assignment: NURS 6050 Discussion 2 The Role of the RN/APRN in Policy-Making SAMPLE
Title: NURS 6050 Discussion 2 The Role of the RN/APRN in Policy-Making SAMPLE

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In an age of credentialism, technology, and scientific advancements, how does an RN or APRN follow in the footsteps of Nightingale to advocate for patients with policy-making involvement? In the nineteenth century, workhouse infirmaries were established in England to house the aged, infirm, and the occasional lunatic was allowed to stay for no longer than a fortnight (Rivett, 2021). Nursing care in workhouses was provided by untrained or “pauper” nurses, who were workhouse inmates themselves. Nightingale believed in the institution of professional nursing services, and the nursing services provided in the workhouses did not align with her vision or drive. Nightingale teamed up with philanthropist William Rathbone in a project that would provide a workhouse in Liverpool with a trained nursing staff and a nursing leader, Agnes Jones (McDonald, 2001).

Nightingale and Rathbone believed that if care provided in workhouses by trained nursing professionals yielded improved patient outcomes, authorities would be forced to extend the practice standard to all workhouses. Unfortunately, immediate reform did not result from Nightingale and Rathbone’s project- .NURS 6050 Discussion 2 The Role of the RN/APRN in Policy-Making SAMPLE Consequentially, legislation associated with workhouses would not take place until healthcare costs of communicable diseases began to drastically have a negative impact on England’s economy (McDonald, 2001). Imagine the impact Nightingale could have on modern healthcare reform with the support of a board of nursing, professional nursing organizations, and the use of social media.

The nursing profession in itself is a significant health care resource, and we make up more than 50% of the national health workforce in many countries (Jokiniemi et al., 2020). Professional nursing organizations like the American Nurse Association (ANA) and the American Academy of Nursing (AAN) offers RN’s and APRN’s opportunities to be involved in policy-making via fellowships, health care policy forums and conferences. APRN’s and APRN students can get involved in their local chapter of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) to become involved and stay up to date on APRN practice authority and prescriptive authority legislation: NURS 6050 Discussion 2 The Role of the RN/APRN in Policy-Making SAMPLE. RN’s and APRN’s can also become involved in their states board of nursing to influence policy-making as well.

The downside of these opportunities is unfortunately time and money. Fellowships and BON applications involve collecting references, nominations, personal statements, and of course there are always fees, not to mention the time you are committing if selected. Becoming a member of a professional nursing organization has several benefits; however, the cost can be a deterrent. Annual ANA memberships can range from $200.00 to over $500.00, and despite the scholarly benefits, I would like more bang for my buck. I would rather spend $1500.00 for an annual ANA membership with two guaranteed conferences,… I would take one out of town conference.

Circling back to the influence nurses can have on policy-making by sheer numbers alone, the social media platform has the reach to command policy change if used correctly. President Trump can attest to the power of the Twitter; however, one study researched the power of the Twitter to engage nursing students in health care policy. According to the American Association of Colleges if Nursing (AACN) and Gazza (2019), baccalaureate-prepared nurses have a professional responsibility to engage in the political process of creating and influencing health care policy.

Nurses are needed to serve on boards where they can improve health care practices and outcomes, but nurse educators face the challenge of engaging students in health care policy education when students are otherwise engaged in “more exciting” undergraduate courses like anatomy and physiology or pharmacology. Thus, Gazza (2019) decided to take an innovative step to engage student in health care policy education by using a teaching medium the students are overly familiar with, the Twitter. In this study, students were required to create a Twitter account and follow the instructor. Although students could contribute tweets of their own, it was not a graded assignment- NURS 6050 Discussion 2 The Role of the RN/APRN in Policy-Making SAMPLE. Over the seven week course, the instructor would post and reports relevant tweets related to weekly course material. The instructor would also follow stakeholders and political members and parties to augment course material. The major two themes that emerged from the study were (1) staying up to date and (2) opening my eyes (Gazza, 2019). Students found that the use of social media provided ease of access to real time health care policy agendas, debates, and pending legislation (Gazza, 2019). Student also reported feeling more involved and like actual participants in health policy via disseminations of re-tweets.

The ANA advocates for nursing have a seat at the table for all healthcare discussions. We have the numbers, but our contributions in the policy-making arena do not reflect our presence. We have learned thus far in the course that political funding from interest group, stakeholders, and professional organizations carries a lot of weight in the policy-making arena. I believe nursing professional organizations and state board of nursing leaders need action plans for bringing in more members. Leadership in these nursing organizations needs to brainstorm on how to improve nurse engagement and increases memberships for professional nursing organizations.

References

American Academy of Nursing. Fellowships. Retrieved October 20, 2021.

https://www.aannet.org/about/fellows

Gazza, E. A. (2019). Using Twitter to Engage Online RN-to-BSN Students in Health Care Policy. Journal of

Nursing Education, 58(2), 107–109. https://doi-org.ezp.waldenulibrary.org/10.3928/01484834-20190122-08

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

McDonald, L. (2001). Florence Nightingale and the early origins of evidence-based nursing. Evidence-

Based Nursing, 4(3), 68–69. https://doi-org.ezp.waldenulibrary.org/10.1136/ebn.4.3.68

Rivett, Geoffrey. “The Poor Law Infirmaries”. NHS History. Retrieved October 20, 2021.

https://www.nuffieldtrust.org.uk/health-and-social-care-explained/the-history-of-the-nhs

A Sample Answer 3 For the Assignment: NURS 6050 Discussion 2 The Role of the RN/APRN in Policy-Making SAMPLE
Title: NURS 6050 Discussion 2 The Role of the RN/APRN in Policy-Making SAMPLE

Hello P,

This is insightful. RNs, and APRNs are always given opportunities to participate in decision-making. For most healthcare institutions, the contribution of registered nurses and advanced registered nurses is significant given the knowledge and experiences they possess in the provision of different healthcare services (Gazza, 2019). Nurses are needed to serve on boards where they can improve health care practices and outcomes. Both RNs and APRNs have different platforms where they can express their ideas and participate in the policy-making processes (Moore et al., 2020).

One of these platforms is the professional nursing organization, where they can contribute significantly to improving the healthcare process. Research and education are some other platforms where nurses can participate to ensure improvement in different healthcare processes. Unlike RN nurses, APRN has advanced roles that make them considered in the decision-making processes (Kooienga & Wilkinson, 2017). First, they have advanced knowledge and experiences, which allow them to participate as nurse advocates and in administrative positions. The ANA advocates for nursing have a seat at the table for all healthcare discussions.

References

Gazza, E. A. (2019). Using Twitter to Engage Online RN-to-BSN Students in Health Care Policy. Journal of Nursing Education, 58(2), 107–109. https://doi-org.ezp.waldenulibrary.org/10.3928/01484834-20190122-08

Kooienga, S., & Wilkinson, J. (2017, January). RN prescribing: an expanded role for nursing. In Nursing forum (Vol. 52, No. 1, pp. 3-11). https://doi.org/10.1111/nuf.12159

Moore, A., Parks, K., & Mello, I. (2020). Transitioning from RN to APRN. Nursing made Incredibly Easy18(2), 51-54. https://journals.lww.com/nursingmadeincrediblyeasy/Citation/2020/03000/Transitioning_from_RN_to_APRN.9.aspx

When talking about the healthcare professionals, the roles of nurses, either the registered nurses (RNs) or the advanced nurse practitioners APRNs) can not be underrated. Nurses offer a unique, expert perspective on every aspect of the health care system and have an important voice in efforts to improve health (American Nurses Association [ANA], n.d.). Based on this, their involvement in the policy-making process is very paramount. The participation of the nurses in policy-making will facilitate patient care delivery. RNs’ and APRNs’ influence in health policies protects patient safety, increases the quality of care, facilitates their access to the required resources, and promotes quality health care (Arabi et al., 2014).

Nursing organizations promote active participation by nurses in policymaking. For instance, the American Association of Colleges of Nursing emphasizes the role of nursing in the policy. For example, many educational programs incorporate policymaking into their curriculum. The National League for Nursing and the American Nurses Association also expect nurses to address policy as part of their professional role (Burke, 2016a).

A Sample Answer 4 For the Assignment: NURS 6050 Discussion 2 The Role of the RN/APRN in Policy-Making SAMPLE
Title: NURS 6050 Discussion 2 The Role of the RN/APRN in Policy-Making SAMPLE

How Nurses Can Partake in Policy-Making Process

A few of the numerous ways a nurse can partake in policymaking process are reading through pieces of literature and learning how policy is developed. Also, one should seek out policy areas one wants to influence, search the internet, research, and contact nursing organizations that participate in policy development. Nursing organizations and organizations such as AARP have multiple user-friendly internet sites that provide information about participating in policymaking activities (Burke, 2016b). Another way to become actively involved in policymaking is to meet with both local and state legislatures. Also, nurses can become actively involved in policymaking by becoming a nursing organization member such as American Nurses Association (ANA) or any other nursing professional organization (ANA, n.d.).

Challenges in Policy-Making Process

            As there are many opportunities to get involved in the policymaking process, so are some challenges. One of those challenges includes difficulty in getting the ideas/agenda to the floor of the house. To overcome this challenge, one must be sure that he/she is knowledgeable with evidence-based facts regarding the issue before presenting to the policymakers. Involving the media is another way to get one’s agenda to the floor of the house and finally passed into law. Disseminating the information through social media brings the issue to the public’s awareness, which in turn pressurizes the law makers. Social media can support nursing campaigns and help the profession build relationships with key stakeholders to influence policy and political processes (O’Connor & Holloway, 2019).

 

References

American Nurses Association. (n.d.). Health Policy. Retrieved January 17, 2021 from https://www.nursingworld.org/practice-policy/health-policy/

Arabi, A., Rafii, F., Cheraghi, M. A., & Ghiyasvandian, S. (2014). Nurses’ policy influence: A concept analysis. Iranian journal of nursing and midwifery research, 19(3), 315–322.

Burke S. (2016). Influence through policy: Nurses have a unique role. Retrieved January 17, 2021 from https://nursingcentered.sigmanursing.org/commentary/more-commentary/Vol42_2_nurses-have-a-unique-role

Getting involved with a professional nursing organization is one of the simplest ways for a nurse to become involved in public policy. According to the American Nurses Association (n.d.), joining a professional organization leads to the creation of a unified voice on policy. This is vital, as changing policy involves multiple opinions that are established under one voice. Participating in policy-making can be overwhelming for an individual, so becoming a part of a larger organization can aid in overcoming that barrier. However, this advocation opportunity can present a financial hurdle as professional organizations operate under a for-profit membership model.

Additionally, time constraints and a lack of inclusion are challenges when joining a professional nursing organization. The potential lack of diversity among members and leadership may create a sense of not belonging. To assure that I actively participate in this opportunity, I would do my research to ensure that I was joining an organization that aligned with my personal and political values. Additionally, I would explore what my maximum time commitment could be.

The purpose of public policy involvement is to direct problems to the government’s attention (Milstead & Short, 2019). At a local level, nurses can become involved in policy-making by contacting their elected officials about potential legislation that affects the healthcare field. This is an opportunity that takes minimal time, and resources. Additionally, this allows nurses to communicate about the issues that truly matter and will impact them. However, this method of policy involvement may require some nurses to move outside their comfort zone. For those that are uncomfortable talking on the phone, reaching out to policymakers via email or mail may be preferable. The transformation of nursing practice is commonly done through the construction of shared professional governance infrastructure and distributive decision-making (Porter-O’Grady, 2019). As legislators hear nurses’ voices directly, laws will be changed and created to favor their opinions.

Communication is required to increase advocacy in our professional field (Barton, 2018). When joining a professional organization, I would discuss the membership process with coworkers and friends. I would regularly elaborate on the opportunities that the organization has afforded me while encouraging those around me to get involved in a professional organization themselves. Moreover, I would advocate for others to get involved in policy-making by encouraging conversation related to the current issues within our professional field. By openly discussing the need for or impact of potential legislation more nurses will be encouraged to reach out to their local representatives.

American Nurses Association. (n.d.). Practice & advocacy. Retrieved from https://www.nursingworld.org/practice-policy/

Barton, A. J. (2018). Leadership and communication competencies in nursing: What are we missing?. The Journal of Nursing Education, 57(5), 259–260. https://doi.org/10.3928/01484834-20180420-01

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

Porter-O’Grady, T. (2019). Principles for sustaining shared/professional governance in nursing. Nursing Management, 50(1), 36-41. https://doi.org/10.1097/01.NUMA.0000550448.17375.28

Great post. I agree that RNs and APRNs can participate in policymaking by donating to organizations with PACs that lobby for legislation supporting nursing interests. Because nurses need to be involved in policymaking, nurses should not only make donations but endeavor to contribute knowledge in their expertise to legislations that can influence healthcare. The ANA also encourages RNs and APRNs to be involved in policymaking at various levels because it is the foundation for better patient outcomes. Moreover, because the ANA has significant lobbying power, it can effect a change (ANA, n.d.).

It is also true that nurses need more resources and time to fully engage in the policymaking process due to the nature of their work. However, taking some steps toward this domain can make a difference. For example, writing letters to legislators and attending legislative sessions when can go a long way to advance healthcare-related legislation because nurses are equipped with a unique understanding of the healthcare system’s challenges and can bring that knowledge to the table. This will enable the exchange of information, keep an RN or APRN up to date with related information, and open the way for future participation in policymaking.

A Sample Answer 5 For the Assignment: NURS 6050 Discussion 2 The Role of the RN/APRN in Policy-Making SAMPLE
Title: NURS 6050 Discussion 2 The Role of the RN/APRN in Policy-Making SAMPLE

References

American Nurses Association (n.d.). Member benefits. ANA. https://www.nursingworld.org/membership/member-benefits

Firstly, it is true that the Affordable Care Act (ACA) has led to more individuals being insured, contributing to a decrease in unnecessary ER usage. However, this has yet to translate to a reduced demand for nurses. The aging population, coupled with increased access to healthcare, is projected to lead to an increased demand for nurses across all specialties.

Regarding the shortage of nurses, while it may be true that there is a shortage of nurses willing to work in some regions of the highest need, there is also a more general nursing shortage that is expected to worsen over time. Working in a psychiatric hospital, the nursing shortage has been a significant challenge. Psychiatric nursing requires specialized skills and knowledge to care for individuals with mental health disorders. The need in my facility has led to many negative consequences for patients, including decreased access to care, longer wait times, and lower quality of care. It has also increased nurses’ stress and burnout, further exacerbating the shortage.

In conclusion, the nursing shortage has significantly impacted the healthcare industry, including psychiatric facilities. While there may be some nuance to the shortage, the overall trend is increasing demand and a limited supply of qualified nurses.

  Policy evaluation is an activity that uses principles and methods to examine the content, implementation, or impact to understand the merit, worth and utility of a policy. (Milstead & Short, 2019). As nurses we are familiar with the nursing process, which includes assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation, and evaluation. (Butler & Thayer, 2021). Like the nursing process, policy evaluation follows the same basic guidelines. In my opinion, allowing persons who are not medical professionals propose policies regarding healthcare seems asinine.  Nurses and medical professionals are by far the most knowledgeable, well versed, hands on advocates for policy review. RN’s and APRN’s have several opportunities to participate in policy evaluation such as joining a professional nursing organization such as the American Nurses Association (ANA), or volunteer to participate in policy meetings related to health care issues.  

               Some of the challenges associated with policy review include lack of resources, lack of a champion, lack of stakeholders, lack of comparative results, social media, public opinion and campaigning. (Milstead & Short, 2019). Medical professionals involved in policy review must be dedicated, committed, an excellent communicator, and not give up easily.  One strategy that could better advocate for the existence of opportunities for policy evaluation is to present legislatures and community members with the report of findings of the evaluation. Nurses must understand that policies must be both efficient and effective. (WGU video file, 2018). Another strategy to better advocate for policy evaluation is to develop a well thought out plan for the evaluation prior to starting the process. Determining key stakeholders or team members is key to ensuring the process is thorough and effective. Being an active voice throughout the policy review process helps to present policy makers with evidenced based strategies for the betterment of health care.  

Resources 

Butler, Toney TJ., Thayer, Jennifer M., July 9, 2021. The Nursing Process, Retrieved July 26, 2021 from https:www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. 

Laureate Education (Producer). (2018). The Importance of Program Evaluation [Video File]. Baltimore, MD: Author 

Milstead, J. A., & Short, N.M. (2019). Health policy and politics: A nurse’s guide (6th ed.). Burlington, MA: Jones & Bartlett Learning. (pp. 116-124)

Thank you for your post. I agree with you that joining professional organizations enables nurses to help in policy making. Nursing organizations such as the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) and the American Nurses Association (ANA) lobby extensively for policy change and advocacy for all nurses. These organizations often have lobbyists that bring nursing issues to legislators. According to Koehn (2020), these lobbyists can also act resource for nurses to get connected to legislators to present the concerns they would like to address. Besides, with their background in direct patient care, advance practice registered nurses (APRNs) offer a wealth of knowledge and clinical insight to help inform the development of new health policies and improve existing policies.

You briefly mentioned nurses lacking awareness about legislative processes and their hesitancy to engage with lawmakers. In addition to the strategy you provided to overcome this challenge, a strategy that can be used to promote nursing professionals involvement in policy making is to do so through nursing employers. For example, hospitals or healthcare facilities that have a policy committee (my hospital have one and I use to be a member) can empower nurses to learn and discuss the benefits of advocacy and contribute to policy decision making at the organizational level. With doing so, their proposals for policy change can be taken to the regional or state level through their lobbyist. In addition, social media platforms can be used to promote health policy. There are millions of people that use social media on a daily basis, hence health policy advocacy messages can be easily disseminated using social media platforms. Also, any professional nursing organizations use social media platforms to promote health policy  (Waddell, 2019).

Sample Answer for THE ROLE OF THE RN APRN IN POLICY-MAKING NURS 6050

Amber Juzwiak  

Dr. Robin & classmates, 

    Nurses have frontline experience and expertise in patient care. Our insight into healthcare challenges, patient needs, and best practices is valuable when shaping policies prioritizing patient safety, quality of care, and positive health outcomes. 

Policy-Making Opportunities 

    Registered Nurses (RNs) and Advance Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) have numerous opportunities to participate actively in policy-making. RNs and APRNs can join and actively engage with professional nursing associations and organizations. These groups often advocate for local, state, and national nursing-related policy changes. RNs and APRNs can also participate in legislative and regulatory processes by voicing their opinions and expertise to policymakers (American Nurses Association, 2017). This can involve meeting with elected officials, attending public hearings, and contributing to public comment periods on proposed healthcare-related policies. Active involvement in these processes helps ensure that the voices and perspectives of nurses are considered in shaping healthcare policies. By actively participating in policy-making through these opportunities, RNs and APRNs can play a vital role in shaping the future of healthcare and improving patient care. 

Challenges to Opportunities 

    Some challenges to these opportunities include limited policy knowledge and understanding the intricacies of policy-making can be difficult for those unfamiliar with the process. To overcome this, nurses can attend workshops or training sessions on policy advocacy (Chiu et al., 2021). Nurses may also need more support and progress on their proposals. To overcome this, persistence is essential in policy advocacy, and nurses should continuously refine their messaging, engage in discussions, and seek alternative pathways (Chiu et al., 2021).  By recognizing some challenges and taking proactive steps to overcome them, nurses can be more effective advocates for positive policy changes that advance healthcare and nursing practice. 

Strategies to Better Advocate 

    To better advocate for these opportunities, nurses need to participate in networking and collaborating. Establish strong partnerships between nursing organizations, policy advocacy groups, and other healthcare stakeholders to amplify nurses’ collective voices in policy discussions. Facilitate networking events, online forums, and virtual meet-ups to connect nurses with policymakers, allowing them to share their expertise and insights directly (NurseJournal, 2022). Another strategy is to showcase accomplishments by highlighting the achievements of nurses who have made significant contributions to policy-making and showcase their success stories through articles, videos, and social media (NurseJournal, 2022). Sharing real-life examples of how nurses’ involvement in policy-making has led to positive changes in patient care, healthcare systems, and nursing practice. 

References 

American Nurses Association. (2017). Federal advocacy. https://www.nursingworld.org/practice-policy/advocacy/federal/ 

Chiu, P., Cummings, G. G., Thorne, S., & Schick-Makaroff, K. (2021). Policy advocacy and nursing organizations: A scoping review. Policy, 

    politics & nursing practice. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8600587/ 

NurseJournal. (2022). Professional networking in nursing. https://nursejournal.org/resources/networking-in-nursing/ 

Sample Response for THE ROLE OF THE RN APRN IN POLICY-MAKING NURS 6050

Response to Amber 

Despite nursing being one of the most trusted professions, we need more voice in Congress. Occupations of the House of Representatives show only three nurses, while the Senate has 0 nurses represented (Gartley, 2022). As we learn, nurses could contribute to politics with distinct points of view, abilities, and knowledge that can start to mend our differences (Gartley, 2022). More confidence is needed to show up and have our voices heard. The writer has learned that a nurse is asked at least seven times before taking the initiative to run for a political seat. Nurses need reinforcement that they can improve public policy because they place health at the center of all decisions. The writer agrees that nurses can participate in seminars or classes on policy advocacy to build their skills to improve patients’ mental health and fuel social transformations within our legislation (Chiu et al., 2021). 

Reference 

Chiu, P., Cummings, G. G., Thorne, S., & Schick-Makaroff, K. (2021). Policy Advocacy and  

     Nursing Organizations: A Scoping Review. Policy, politics & nursing practice, 22(4), 271–291.  https://doi.org/10.1177/1527154421105061

Gartley, C. E. (2022). Is there a nurse in the House? Or the Senate? American Nurse.  https://www.myamericannurse.com/is-there-a-nurse-in-the-house-or-the-senate

Sample Response for THE ROLE OF THE RN APRN IN POLICY-MAKING NURS 6050

Hi Amber, great post. 

It is baffling to understand that although there are numerous opportunities for nurses in policymaking, relatively few nurses still choose health policy as a career path. However, most nurses could shape health policy if they decided to be involved in health policy decisions. As the single largest group in healthcare worldwide, nurses are in an advantageous position to access the impacts of the policies firsthand on the patients they care for. In addition, nurses are positioned to witness the daily effects of politics on healthcare and the results of the policies implemented. Nurses are known to advocate for the needed change inside their nursing organizations, workplace, government agencies, through nursing organizations, or directly with elected officials and policymakers. As nurses, we all have a voice, and together we could enormously influence creating and enforcing health policies. Nurses from all states all over the US come together every year on Capitol Hill Days to sway the legislative environment in a way conducive to nurses and their course (How Nurses Can Shape Health Policy, 2021). 

Several factors are limiting the participation of nurses in policy and politics. Some of these factors are inadequate skills, limited education in health policy, lack of awareness, etc. Regardless of those limitations, nurses are vital to developing and implementing healthcare policy. While nurses advocate individually at the bedside for the benefit of their patients, nurses should continue to be encouraged to extend their reach and influence to include policymaking decisions. To accomplish such milestones, nurses must be well-trained and educated to understand the basics of policymaking and act as advocates for healthcare policy. Nurses confident with their speaking abilities are more likely to involve themselves in policy advocacy roles and would be able to address their legislature when the opportunity arises. Such nurses also tend to understand their establishments’ daily policy activity and may know how policy is created in their organization. Policymaking is undoubtedly not easy; it is formidable, requiring all hands on deck from the design, development, and implementation. However, contributing one’s part in ensuring a conducive patient care environment and an effective workplace environment through policy change is worthwhile and rewarding for the nurse and their patients (Policy Advocacy Motivators and Barriers: Research Results and Applications | OJIN: The Online Journal of Issues in Nursing, n.d.) 

References 

How nurses can shape health policy. (2021b, March 15). University of North Carolina Wilmington Online. https://onlinedegree.uncw.edu/articles/nursing/how-nurses-shape-health-policy.aspx  

Links to an external site. 

Policy Advocacy Motivators and Barriers: Research Results and Applications | OJIN: The Online Journal of Issues in Nursing. (n.d.). https://ojin.nursingworld.org/table-of-contents/volume-24-2019/number-3-september-2019/articles-on-previously-published-topics/policy-advocacy-motivators–barriers/  

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