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

Want create site? With Free visual composer you can do it easy.

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

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

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.

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:

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

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.

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.

*Note: Throughout this program, your fellow students are referred to as colleagues.

Submission and Grading Information

Grading Criteria

To access your rubric:

Week 8 Discussion Rubric

Post by Day 3 and Respond by Day 6 of Week 8

To participate in this Discussion:

Week 8 Discussion

RE: Discussion – Week 8
Collapse

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
Collapse
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

Collapse

Health policy is a combination of decisions, plans, and actions taken with a common healthcare goal in society. One group of people and professionals that can influence health policy considerably are Registered Nurses and Advance Practice Registered Nurses. According to Arabi, Rafii, Cheraghi, and Ghiyasvandin, the influence Nurses have over health policy protects the quality of care through access to resources and opportunities presented (2014). One possibility that Registered Nurses and APRNs have to participate in policy-making actively is to be in touch with the police makers and educate them about the issues that need to be addressed and policies and regulations that will impact our practice (Laureate Education, 2018). One opportunity RN and APRNs have to participate in policy-making is being part of healthcare associations, where they can influence the politics and policy-making by engaging in the political process and making their ideas and voices heard (Laureate Education, 2018).

Challenges

Registered Nurses and APRNs can also have challenges that might prevent them in influencing policy-making. One significant challenge I believe these healthcare providers have is educating the policymakers and legislators about what needs to be changed to benefit patients and healthcare practice. According to Dr.Levi, politicians have a significant say on what happens in healthcare and on the policies that influence healthcare (Laureate Education, 2018). The lack of involvement of nurses in the policy-making process is another challenge they can have. Registered Nurses and APRNs can see themselves as lacking the opportunity to participate in these decisions at various levels (Shariffi, 2014). Not having enough experience and knowledge can be barriers in engaging with associations and organizations that influence legislators to make policies change positively.

Strategies and Solutions

These challenges need to be surpassed by implementing some modifications. One of the most prominent strategies a nurse can have is to be knowledgeable and skilled to participate in the health policy process. Knowing the issues that need attention will help them educate legislators and lay down the benefits and factors to increase patient safety and quality of care (Arabi, Rafii, Cheraghi, & Ghiyasvandin, 2014). Another strategy that can be used is the support nurses have from role models, mentors, and networks, so their knowledge and expertise can influence legislators and policies (Shariffi, 2014). One example of this was the support my colleagues and I had at our place of work had from our Manager in advocating for a security presence in our unit at all times to decrease assaults, improving this way patient and staff safety. Her support was essential for the implementation of this new policy. I believe that as a healthcare provider, our voices need to be heard, and working side by side with policymakers will impact our healthcare system significantly, benefiting our patient population.

References

Arabi, A., Rafii, F., Cheraghi, M., & Ghiyasvandin, S. (2014). Nurse’s policy influence: A concept analysis. Retrieved on April 11, 2020, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4061635/

Shariff, N. (2014). Factors that act as facilitators and barriers to nurse leaders’ participation in health policy development. Retrieved on April 11, 2020, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4105513/

Laureate Education (Producer). (2018). Health policy and politics [Video file]. Baltimore, MD: Author.

RE: Discussion – Week 8

Collapse

In the height of what is currently happening in our country nurses are in an ideal situation to advocate for effective policy making. COVID-19 hit our country with an unrelenting attack in March 2020 and with the initial reports that this was going to be a short endeavor policymaking was not initially thought of. As the COVID-19 pandemic has entered its tenth month nurses have felt the pressure of not having enough personal protective equipment (PPE) to protect themselves and their patients. Several organizations have gained momentum in helping to introduce legislation that would help end the lack of PPE and improve patient and health provider outcomes. On April 21, 2020 nurses protested in front of the White House demanding resolution to the lack of PPE available which led to the death of over 50 nurses. Nurses have always advocated for their patients sometimes at the expense of their own safety. One nurse at the protest reported “we are here because our colleagues are dying, I think that right now people think of us as heroes, but we’re feeling like martyrs (The Hill, 2020). Nurses want to invoke change to improve outcomes and nurses and APRN’s are a great resource to improve policymaking. Nurses have always been challenged with finding solutions to perplexing questions that involve safe and effective healthcare delivery. As healthcare providers we invest so much time into caring for our patients and finding solutions to help them that we often do not step back to look at our own safety and that has recently changed in light of the current situation. Many congressmen and women have openly spoke about the potential devastating outcome if nurses and providers start contracting COVID-19 and are no longer able to care for the public. Due to these events happening nurses have no longer decided to stay quiet and have openly voiced their concerns and demand for proper PPE and equipment to safely and efficiently care for patients.

Nurses have fought hard over the past year to secure access to PPE and S. 4210 was introduced in response to that. S. 4210-Securing Healthcare and Response Equipment Act of 2020 and H.R. 6406- American-Made Protection for Healthcare Workers and First Responders Act both look to improve access and delivery of PPE for current and future pandemics. H. R. 6406 is an amendment to the Public Health Services Act that serves to coordinate with the Secretary of Homeland Security to ensure that the supplies of the strategic national stockpile include personal protective equipment in a quantity that is sufficient for a 1-year supply during a nationwide pandemic (Congress.gov, 2020) whereas S. 4210 is legislation that would require the Secretary, at the request of the Secretary of Health and Human Services, to transfer to the Department of Health and Human Services, on a reimbursable basis, excess personal protective equipment or medically necessary equipment for emergency use (Congress.gov, 2020). There are several other bills that also support the delivery of PPE to healthcare providers and the necessity to have it readily available such as the Medical Supply Transparency and Delivery Act of 2020.

Professional experts such as registered nurses are often asked to serve as panel members of consultants or to serve on committees that provide input to policymakers (Milstead & Short, 2019 p 90) which help policymakers design legislation that is functional and serves to public the best. Nursing organizations have played a crucial role in helping establish policies during the COVID-19 pandemic that has improved the health and safety of patients and providers caring for COVID-19 patients. Emergency Nurses Association (ENA), American Nurses Association (ANA), and the American Association of Nurse Practitioner s(AANP) have all joined forces with many other professional organizations to bring light to a critical time. Each organization has had opportunities to meet with top officials to strengthen, educate and advocate for the health and safety of providers. David Herbert, JD, Chief Executive Officers of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners met with top officials from the White House in March 2020 to convey the priorities of the nation’s 29,000 nurse practitioners serving on the frontlines of our national response to the pandemic and to express that not only NP’s but all healthcare providers urgently need personal protective equipment, such as masks and gowns , to ensure their safety and that of all health care providers treating patients with COVID-19 (2020). ENA has also met with top officials and offered letters of support to pass bills that improve access to lifesaving equipment such as PPE. In a letter from ENA, PPE including N95 respirator masks, surgical masks, latex gloves, surgical gowns and face shields are critical, yet often overlooked and is the first line of defense in protecting healthcare workers (ENA, 2020).

RN’s and APRN’s are in a unique situation currently to improve the overall outcome of patient care and help with the development and implementation of policymaking while maintaining their own safety. PPE is a critical first line defense in combating COVID-19 and RN’s and APRN’s have a voice through their organizations and being active in policy making to help improve legislation. I have personally been a part of my own professional organizations fight to improve PPE through the signing of petitions, filling out surveys and writing letters of support to improve the availability and distribution of PPE. I would urge any new nurse or APRN to join their state and federal associations and stand up and be heard. Letters of support, petitions, joining committees that support and develop legislation, and active participation on capital campaigns like Day on the Hill are all ways to overcome the unique barriers we face in getting the government to support unique healthcare situations like this.

Resources

American Association of Nurse Practitioners. (2020). AANP Statement on Administration Meeting Supporting Nursing Community Coronavirus Response. Retrieved from AANP Statement on Administration Meeting Supporting Nursing Community Coronavirus Response

American-Made Protection for Healthcare Workers and First Responders Act, H.R. 6406, 116^th Cong. (2020). Text – H.R.6406 – 116th Congress (2019-2020): American-Made Protection for Healthcare Workers and First Responders Act | Congress.gov | Library of Congress

Emergency Nurses Association. (2020). Support the Medical Supply Transparency and Delivery Act of 2020 (H.R 6711/S. 3627). Retrieved from dohppe (ena.org)

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

Securing Healthcare and Response Equipment Act of 2020, S. 4210, 116^th Cong. (2020). Text – S.4210 – 116th Congress (2019-2020): Securing Healthcare and Response Equipment Act of 2020 | Congress.gov | Library of Congress

Moreno, J. E. (2020). Nurses protest at White House over lack of protective gear. The Hill. Retrieved from Nurses protest at White House over lack of protective gear | TheHill

Rubric Detail

Select Grid View or List View to change the rubric’s layout.
Content
Name: NURS_6050_Module04_Week08_Discussion_Rubric

Grid View
List View

Excellent Good Fair Poor
Main Posting
Points Range: 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.

Points Range: 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.

Points Range: 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.

Points Range: 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
Points Range: 10 (10%) – 10 (10%)
Posts main post by day 3.

Points Range: 0 (0%) – 0 (0%)

Points Range: 0 (0%) – 0 (0%)
Does not post by day 3.
First Response
Points Range: 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.

Points Range: 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.

Points Range: 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.

Points Range: 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
Points Range: 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.

Points Range: 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.

Points Range: 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.

Points Range: 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
Points Range: 5 (5%) – 5 (5%)
Meets requirements for participation by posting on three different days.

Points Range: 0 (0%) – 0 (0%)

Points Range: 0 (0%) – 0 (0%)
Does not meet requirements for participation by posting on 3 different days.
Total Points: 100
Name: NURS_6050_Module04_Week08_Discussion_Rubric

Order Now 5555555

Did you find apk for android? You can find new Free Android Games and apps.