NURS 6050 Discussion 2: The Role of the RN/APRN in Policy-Making
Challenges Within Policy-Making
As we have discussed before, nurses have the ability to get involved with by joining a professional nursing organization such as American Nurses Association (ANA) or American Association for Critical Care Nurses (AACN) for RNs and American Association of Nurse Practitioners for APRNs and so many others for every specialty within the nursing profession. RNs and APRNs also have the opportunity to run for office, whether it is for the local board, state legislation or being present at a federal level. “Nurses’ policy influence is nurses’ ability in the influencing decisions and affairs related to health through political knowledge, effective communication, and collaboration with other members of the health team, which results in the improvement of nurses’ job environment and increases patient outcomes” (Arabi et al., 2014).
With presenting new policies there will always be challenges needing to be overcome in order to implement the proposition at hand. One of those challenges seem to be within the first step of introducing the bill to the House of Representatives and Senate for it to be passed on to the appropriate committee. In order to avoid this challenge, getting involved with lobbyists and constituents to obtain endorsements from legislators, influential community leaders and professional associations allows the presenting individuals to go in with support of those who are more familiar with congress (Milstead & Short, 2019). Another challenge may be in the verbiage of the presented policy, which is why it is important that it is “drafted into the proper legislative language” (Milstead & Short, 2019).
Nurses at all levels deserve to know that their voice matters, and their voice can make a difference. The importance of ANA relative to policies needs to be expressed more intensely so nurses can see the hard work being done “behind the scenes” when it comes to policies. “ANA believes that advocacy is a pillar of nursing. Nurses instinctively advocate for their patients, in their workplaces, and in their communities; but legislative and political advocacy is no less important to advancing the profession and patient care” (ANA, n.d.). Another strategy I would implement would be starting a policy making team or suggestion box within my hospital organization so that those who have concerns or suggestions to better the work environment and patient care can truly feel like the propositions they are presenting are being considered instead of feeling like they are falling on the deaf ears of administration. Nurses need to feel that they are appreciated and in order for that to happen, changes need to be made to improve the issues they are presenting.
References
American Nurses Association (ANA). (n.d.). Advocacy. Retrieved September 20, 2018, from
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.
Milstead, J. A., & Short, N. M. (2019). Health policy and politics: A nurse’s guide (6th ed.). Burlington, MA: Jones & Bartlett Learning.
DEBRA
MAIN POST RE: Discussion – Week 8
Top of Form
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 21st 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
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.
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.
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.
Bottom of Form
RESPOND HERE (150 WORDS, 3 REFERENCES)
LAXMI
RE: Discussion – Week 8 Initial Post
Top of Form
Nurses in Policy-Making
Nurses have become the heart of the health care system in the United States. Nurses engage in advocacy every day on behalf of their patients and promote wellness in their community (American Nurse Association [ANA], n.d). Nurses also advocate for the nursing profession and professional standards of practice through educating the public, mobilizing resources, and joining nursing organizations. Furthermore, nurses are involved in policy-making to promote patient care safety and quality (Benton et al., 2020).
Opportunities that exist for RNs and APRNs to participate in policy-making
The first opportunity that nurses can actively engage in policy-making is by joining professional nursing organizations. Nurses can make their voice heard through the organization they are involved. Several professional nursing organizations across the States are striving to support nurses. The American Nurse Association (ANA) is one of the largest professional nursing association organizations in the United States. The ANA plays a significant role in keeping member nurses informed about legislation on both the Federal and State levels that affect nurses and the profession as a whole. It also has a political action committee that helps elect nurses to Congress (ANA, n.d.). The second opportunity that nurses can actively participate in policy-making activity is through voting. More than 3.8 million registered nurses (RNs) in the country, and nurses are among the largest workforces across the United States (American Association of Colleges of Nursing, 2019). About one in 100 nurses are voters, and collectively, nurses can sway policy just through their votes (Schaeffer & Haebler, 2019).
Challenges that these opportunities may present
Factors that challenge nursing leaders participation in policy-making include lack of involvement, knowledge gaps, lack of motivation, and participation in politics. Lack of adequate time allocation, resources, and support from employers are also contributing factors that hinder nurses from participating in politics (Rasheed et al., 2021). Nurse leaders are expected to exemplify role modeling, mentoring, supporting, and developing strategies for the novice and future nurses to participate in policy-making activities (Benton et al., 2020).
Strategies to better advocate for or communicate these opportunities to participate in policy-making
Several strategies can be used to advocate for the nursing profession as well as for patients. One strategy could be networking. Nurses can use their networking skills within their interdisciplinary teams for dialogue and knowledge sharing. The current social media platforms are an essential venue that nurses can use for networking, recruiting members with similar ideas, and collaborative efforts. Networking helps nurses get involved and engaged in advancing the nursing profession (ANA, 2015).
Another important strategy that nurses can use to influence policy at the organization, state, or National level is knowledge brokering. Politicians are very receptive to the nurses’ skills and experience in policy-making. According to the Press Ganey (2020) report, the nursing profession has been the most trusted profession for 19 years in the raw. For example, nurses can reach out to their local or state elected officials to inform their needs during the policy strategy session. They can also volunteer during public health discussions, hearings, and community leaders’ meetings to bring updated information to the discussion table. Education is also an essential element that can change the status quo in the current health care system. Courses about Policy development and advocacy in health care should be taught early at the undergraduate level. Furthermore, continuing education and adequate training help nurses understand their roles and responsibilities in the scope of practice (Turale & Kunaviktikul, 2019).
Lastly, nursing leaders can use multifaceted social media platforms and organize other nursing leaders across the state to inform novice and future nurses on policy development. By using social media platforms, nursing leaders can disseminate the necessary information throughout the country (O’Connor, 2017).
References
American Association of Colleges of Nursing. (2019). Nursing fact sheet
American Nurses Association (ANA). (n.d.). Advocacy.
American Nurse Association. (2015). Professional Networking for Nurses.
Benton, D., Ferguson, S., & Gómez del Pulgar, M. (2020). Exploring the influence of the nursing and medical professions on policy and politics. Nursing Management – UK, 27(1), 33–41.
OʼConnor, S. (2017). Using social media to engage nurses in health policy development. Journal of Nursing Management, 25(8), 632–639.
Press Ganey (2020) Nursing Special Report.
Rasheed, S. P., Younas, A., & Mehdi, F. (2020). Challenges, Extent of Involvement, and the Impact of Nurses’ Involvement in Politics and Policy Making in in Last Two Decades: An Integrative Review. Journal of Nursing Scholarship, 52(4), 446. https://doi-org.ezp.waldenulibrary.org/10.1111/jnu.12567
Schaeffer, R., & Haebler, J. (2019). Nurse Leaders: Extending Your Policy Influence. Nurse Leader, 17(4), 340–343. https://doi-org.ezp.waldenulibrary.org/10.1016/j.mnl.2019.05.010
Turale, S., & Kunaviktikul, W. (2019). The contribution of nurses to health policy and advocacy requires leaders to provide training and mentorship. International Nursing Review, 66(3), 302-304. https://doi.org/10.1111/inr.12550
RE: Discussion – Week 8
For healthcare legislation to be successful and be evidenced based it is imperative that RNs and APRNs be involved in the policy-making process. By being involved in the initial stages of policy-making, nurses advocate for improvements that benefit both themselves and patients, i.e., policies that increase the scope of practice for APRNs to increase patient access to primary care providers (Milstead & Short, 2019).
One avenue that nurses can use to be a part of the policy-making process is their participation in a professional nursing organization such as the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP). AANP members are involved in political advocacy committees that advocate policies like H.R 8812 ICAN Act which promotes improving patient access to health care by eliminating Medicaid and Medicare barriers to ARNP practice (AANP, 2022). Another way nurses can affect the policy-making process is through community advocacy in local groups or within their own organizations. By being involved at a local level in healthcare issues nurses draw public attention and can positively influence public perception (Milstead & Short, 2019).
While nurses are great advocates for patients, they face challenges in inserting themselves at the table of policy-making. The biggest challenge to overcome is the historically subservient nature of the nurse-physician relationship. Nurses report feelings of powerlessness within political spheres related to a perceived preference for male voices over nurses’ opinions (Rasheed, Younas & Mehdi, 2020). Another challenge for nurses is our perception as good implementers of policy which is a passive role and not as a policymaker which is an active role. Nurses have historically had low participation as policymakers and as members of committees that affect policy, however through education and empowerment that could be changed.
To improve nurses’ ability to be effective policymakers, nurse leaders should promote participation in professional organizations and organizational committees to their fellow nurses. Nurses should be educated on the importance of their voices and views and how they can be used for the betterment of others. When I first started with the VA, I didn’t participate in committees, and I wasn’t a part of a professional organization. However, as I moved to other positions within the organization, I came into contact with nurse leaders who both empowered and educated their nurses to be active in the policy-making process within our organization and would conduct training events to spread the word.
References
Milstead, J. A. & Short, N. M. (2019). Health policy and politics: A nurse’s guide (6th ed.). Jones & Bartlett Learning
Rasheed, S. P., Younas, A., & Mehdi, F. (2020). Challenges, extent of involvement, and the impact of nurses’ involvement in politics and policy making in in last two decades: An integrative review. Journal of Nursing Scholarship, 52(4), 446–455.
| Excellent | Good | Fair | Poor | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Main Posting |
45 (45%) – 50 (50%)
Answers all parts of the discussion question(s) expectations with reflective critical analysis and synthesis of knowledge gained from the course readings for the module and current credible sources.
Supported by at least three current, credible sources. Written clearly and concisely with no grammatical or spelling errors and fully adheres to current APA manual writing rules and style. |
40 (40%) – 44 (44%)
Responds to the discussion question(s) and is reflective with critical analysis and synthesis of knowledge gained from the course readings for the module.
At least 75% of post has exceptional depth and breadth. Supported by at least three credible sources. Written clearly and concisely with one or no grammatical or spelling errors and fully adheres to current APA manual writing rules and style. |
35 (35%) – 39 (39%)
Responds to some of the discussion question(s).
One or two criteria are not addressed or are superficially addressed. Is somewhat lacking reflection and critical analysis and synthesis. Somewhat represents knowledge gained from the course readings for the module. Post is cited with two credible sources. Written somewhat concisely; may contain more than two spelling or grammatical errors. Contains some APA formatting errors. |
0 (0%) – 34 (34%)
Does not respond to the discussion question(s) adequately.
Lacks depth or superficially addresses criteria. Lacks reflection and critical analysis and synthesis. Does not represent knowledge gained from the course readings for the module. Contains only one or no credible sources. Not written clearly or concisely. Contains more than two spelling or grammatical errors. Does not adhere to current APA manual writing rules and style. |
| Main Post: Timeliness |
10 (10%) – 10 (10%)
Posts main post by day 3.
|
0 (0%) – 0 (0%)
|
0 (0%) – 0 (0%)
|
0 (0%) – 0 (0%)
Does not post by day 3.
|
| First Response |
17 (17%) – 18 (18%)
Response exhibits synthesis, critical thinking, and application to practice settings.
Communication is professional and respectful to colleagues. Responses to faculty questions are fully answered, if posed. Provides clear, concise opinions and ideas that are supported by at least two scholarly sources. Demonstrates synthesis and understanding of learning objectives. Response is effectively written in standard, edited English. |
15 (15%) – 16 (16%)
Response exhibits critical thinking and application to practice settings.
Communication is professional and respectful to colleagues. Responses to faculty questions are answered, if posed. Provides clear, concise opinions and ideas that are supported by two or more credible sources. Response is effectively written in standard, edited English. |
13 (13%) – 14 (14%)
Response is on topic and may have some depth.
Responses posted in the discussion may lack effective professional communication. Responses to faculty questions are somewhat answered, if posed. Response may lack clear, concise opinions and ideas, and a few or no credible sources are cited. |
0 (0%) – 12 (12%)
Response may not be on topic and lacks depth.
Responses posted in the discussion lack effective professional communication. Responses to faculty questions are missing. No credible sources are cited. |
| Second Response |
16 (16%) – 17 (17%)
Response exhibits synthesis, critical thinking, and application to practice settings.
Communication is professional and respectful to colleagues. Responses to faculty questions are fully answered, if posed. Provides clear, concise opinions and ideas that are supported by at least two scholarly sources. Demonstrates synthesis and understanding of learning objectives. Response is effectively written in standard, edited English. |
14 (14%) – 15 (15%)
Response exhibits critical thinking and application to practice settings.
Communication is professional and respectful to colleagues. Responses to faculty questions are answered, if posed. Provides clear, concise opinions and ideas that are supported by two or more credible sources. Response is effectively written in standard, edited English. |
12 (12%) – 13 (13%)
Response is on topic and may have some depth.
Responses posted in the discussion may lack effective professional communication. Responses to faculty questions are somewhat answered, if posed. Response may lack clear, concise opinions and ideas, and a few or no credible sources are cited. |
0 (0%) – 11 (11%)
Response may not be on topic and lacks depth.
Responses posted in the discussion lack effective professional communication. Responses to faculty questions are missing. No credible sources are cited. |
| Participation |
5 (5%) – 5 (5%)
Meets requirements for participation by posting on three different days.
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0 (0%) – 0 (0%)
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0 (0%) – 0 (0%)
|
0 (0%) – 0 (0%)
Does not meet requirements for participation by posting on 3 different days.
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| Total Points: 100 |
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