Discussion 1leigh Ashleyre Discussion Week 9collapsetop Of Formmain ✓ Solved

DISCUSSION 1 Leigh Ashley RE: Discussion - Week 9 COLLAPSE Top of Form Main Discussion Post Many nursing professionals hesitate to get involved in either policy-making or policy evaluation due to the lack of confidence in preparedness or knowledge. In opposition, the Institute of Medicine believes that “nurses were vital to the redesign of healthcare systems, needed to be viewed as partners of physicians and other healthcare providers, and needed to be “at the table†to ensure effective planning, implementation, and ongoing evaluation of healthcare policies†(Milstead, J.A., Short, N.M., (2019). Even though nurses struggle with assurance, many opportunities are offered to become educated in policy evaluation.

Opportunities for policy evaluation in the nursing profession are presented at the state and national levels. Joining state nursing associations presents nurses with the opportunity to gain knowledge of policymaking and evaluation. Through attending conferences, connecting with other members throughout your state, lobbying, speaking to the media on nurses' behalf, protecting your states' Nursing Practice Act, and advocating allows nurses to advance their policy evaluation knowledge (Arkansas Registered Nurses Association (ARNA), (2020). Even though there are many benefits, challenges are also exposed. Due to an increased workload of Advanced Practicing Registered Nurses (APRNs) and Registered Nurses (RNs), being apart of either state or national level associations presents challenges that may be overcome with proper time management.

Another opportunity for the professional nursing community is the ability to reach out the local and federal legislation. “Working with your elected representatives on smaller nursing issues related to your experience builds credibility so they'll be more likely to turn to you when they're looking for resources for larger nursing issues (Oestberg, Fredrik MSN, RN. (2013). By sharing personal experiences and evidence-based practice research with members of legislation allows nurses to assist in policy evaluation through checking the value, effectiveness, and impact (Oestberg, Fredrik MSN, RN. (2013). Challenges that may be presented are the inabilities to contact local and federal legislation and the differences of opinion.

If unable to contact members of legislation, forming relationships with either your organization policy-makers, members of your organization's administration, or even your educational coordinator may assist in communication. In order for the knowledge and confidence of nursing professionals to grow, they have to be informed of the available opportunities. By the encouragement of the administration, management, and educational coordinators, practicing RN’s and APRN’s would have the opportunity to advocate for their healthcare profession. Bottom of Form GUY Discussion 2 There are opportunities that exist for RNs and APRNs to actively participate in policy review.. One opportunity that exists for RNs and APRNs is to become a member of a professional nursing organization such as the American Nurses Association or the American Cancer Society.

Often times, nurses are not motivated to participate in policy because there are many individuals writing policies that do not have health care knowledge and it can be intimidating to work with them. According to Matthews (2012), "Members and experts from many specialty organizations work with ANA lobbyists in the U.S. Congress and the various state legislatures to inform and persuade legislators concerning the needs of nursing and the general public regarding healthcare issues and quality care. Another opportunity that exists to become involved in policy review for RNs and APRNs is to become a member of your state nurses association. Many state nurses associations hold positions for nurses to be a part of reviewing different health care policies.

The challenge that is posed by this type of involvement in policy review is that it is a time consuming position and it can be difficult to balance that and a full time RN or APRN job. According to the Delaware Nursing Association (n.d), "DNA takes appropriate action whenever necessary to recommend and/or promote legislation (including statutory and administrative laws, executive policies standards, regulations, rulings, and legal decisions) which affect the interest of healthcare consumers, the nursing professional and support the mission and goals of DNA. The advocacy committee is charged with monitoring and participating in policy related to health care, the workplace, patient care, and many other areas where nurses are engaged".

I believe that the opportunities that are available for RNs and APRNs to become more involved in policy review should be advocated by employers and by state boards of nursing. Employers should promote and foster the relationship of its nursing staff becoming more involved in health care policy making and review. After all, nurses are on the front lines and have a great deal of knowledge to share when it comes to policies in health care. According to Burke (2016), "More than ever, nurses are present in every healthcare setting and possess a unique role in formulating policy". References Burke, S. (2016).

Influence through policy: Nurses have a unique role. Retrieved October 23, 2020 from Delaware Nurses Association (n.d). Advocacy Committee. Retrieved October 23, 2020 from Matthews, J., (January 31, 2012) "Role of Professional Organizations in Advocating for the Nursing Profession" OJIN: The Online Journal of Issues in Nursing Vol. 17, No. 1, Manuscript 3.

Paper for above instructions

Introduction

The nursing profession occupies a pivotal role in healthcare, particularly in the realms of patient advocacy and policy-making. Despite their significant position in the healthcare ecosystem, many nursing professionals often express hesitancy regarding their participation in policy evaluation and advocacy. Underlying this reluctance are concerns related to knowledge deficiency, preparedness, and overall confidence. However, organizations such as the Institute of Medicine have posited that nurses are integral to the redesign of healthcare systems, emphasizing the critical need for nurses to be involved in policy-making processes (Milstead & Short, 2019). This narrative posits that not only do opportunities exist for nurses in policy evaluation and advocacy, but it also highlights the challenges they face and potential strategies to overcome these hurdles.

Opportunities for Nurses in Policy Evaluation

Professional Nursing Organizations

One significant opportunity for RNs and APRNs to expand their involvement in healthcare policy is through their membership in professional nursing organizations, such as the American Nurses Association (ANA) or the American Academy of Nursing (Matthews, 2012). Such organizations engage with legislators at the local and national levels to provide informed perspectives on healthcare issues. Active participation in these organizations enables nurses to contribute their expertise, thus facilitating the creation of policies that better serve both nursing professionals and patients.

State Nursing Associations

Additionally, state nursing associations provide platforms for nurses to engage in policy review. As noted by the Delaware Nursing Association (n.d), these organizations play a crucial role in recommending legislative actions that safeguard the interests of healthcare consumers and the nursing profession. Nurses who join these associations often have opportunities to take on leadership roles, participate in advocacy initiatives, and engage in collective bargaining efforts to affect change at the state level.

Education and Training Opportunities

Educational undertakings such as workshops, seminars, and conferences can also equip nurses with the necessary skills to engage in policy evaluation effectively. These training sessions often address themes such as healthcare legislation, advocacy strategies, and data analysis, facilitating a deeper understanding of how policy impacts practice (Arkansas Registered Nurses Association (ARNA), 2020). As nurses gain knowledge and confidence through these educational programs, they can better articulate their positions in policy discussions.

Collaboration with Legislators

Nurses are encouraged to build relationships with local and federal legislators to facilitate their participation in policy review. This might involve advocating for smaller, specific nursing-related issues based on their own clinical experiences. Such grassroots engagement can enhance their credibility with legislators, making it more likely that they will seek nurses' insights on larger policy issues (Oestberg, 2013). Engaging directly with policymakers provides an opportunity for nurses to advocate for evidence-based practices and demonstrate their role as stakeholders in healthcare reform.

Challenges to Nurse Participation in Policy Evaluation

Despite the existing opportunities, several challenges hinder nurses from participating in policy advocacy.

Time Constraints

One of the primary barriers nurses face is the time required to partake in advocacy and policy development activities. Many RNs and APRNs juggle full-time employment with personal responsibilities, leaving them little bandwidth to engage in policy work. The demands placed on healthcare professionals can be overwhelming, particularly for those in advanced practice roles (Burke, 2016). Fortunately, effective time management strategies can help mitigate this challenge, enabling nurses to carve out dedicated periods for advocacy.

Lack of Confidence and Knowledge

A frequent concern expressed by nursing professionals is a deficiency in knowledge related to healthcare policy and legislation. This sense of inadequacy can lead to feelings of intimidation, especially when interacting with individuals who are not healthcare professionals but are involved in policy-making. To combat this challenge, nurses must pursue ongoing education and mentorship opportunities, as this can bolster both confidence and competence in policy discussions (Oestberg, 2013).

Resource Limitations

Limited access to resources can also impede nurse involvement in policy-making. Building relationships with legislators and stakeholders often requires financial resources and institutional support that may not always be available. Advocacy initiatives necessitate funding for travel, training, and other related activities. To address this limitation, collective workers' associations may need to collaborate more effectively with healthcare organizations to secure funding and resource-sharing agreements (Milstead & Short, 2019).

Strategies to Foster Nurse Involvement in Policy Evaluation

Support from Healthcare Organizations

Healthcare organizations can foster an environment that encourages nurses to participate actively in policy review by providing administrative support and funding for participation in professional organizations or educational programs. Encouragement from leadership can instigate a culture of involvement and advocacy across nursing staff, thus multiplying the impact of their voices in policy discussions (Burke, 2016).

Networking and Mentorship Programs

Peer mentorship offers an invaluable opportunity for nurses to learn about policy involvement from more experienced colleagues. Creating networks that facilitate peer-to-peer mentorship can help build confidence and increase engagement in policy discussions. Organizations can enhance mentorship programs that match seasoned nurses with those new to advocacy, facilitating knowledge transfer and fostering professional relationships (Matthews, 2012).

Recognition of Advocacy Work

Promoting a culture that recognizes and rewards involvement in policy advocacy can serve as a motivator for nurses to participate. By acknowledging nurses’ contributions to policy evaluation, healthcare organizations can reinforce the importance of their roles and incentivize involvement (Arkansas Registered Nurses Association (ARNA), 2020).

Conclusion

In summary, while a range of opportunities exists for RNs and APRNs to engage in policy evaluation and advocacy, barriers such as time limitations, lack of confidence, and resource constraints must be addressed to enable meaningful participation. The involvement of nursing professionals in healthcare policy not only enhances the quality of patient care but also strengthens the nursing profession's collective voice. By pursuing educational opportunities, forging connections with legislators, and fostering support from healthcare organizations, nurses can dismantle barriers to effective advocacy, ultimately leading to more robust healthcare policies that prioritize patient outcomes.

References

1. Arkansas Registered Nurses Association (ARNA). (2020). Retrieved from https://www.arkansasrn.org
2. Burke, S. (2016). Influence through policy: Nurses have a unique role. Retrieved from https://www.delawarenurses.org
3. Delaware Nursing Association. (n.d). Advocacy Committee. Retrieved from https://www.delawarenurses.org/advocacy-committee
4. Matthews, J. (2012). Role of Professional Organizations in Advocating for the Nursing Profession. OJIN: The Online Journal of Issues in Nursing, 17(1).
5. Milstead, J.A., & Short, N.M. (2019). Health Policy and Politics: A Nurse's Guide. Jones & Bartlett Learning.
6. Oestberg, F. (2013). Nurses in Advocacy: Creating Alliances with Legislators. Journal of Nursing Regulation, 5(2), 17-24.
7. American Nurses Association. (n.d). Advocacy. Retrieved from https://www.nursingworld.org/our-certifications/advocacy
8. American Academy of Nursing. (n.d). Policy Solutions. Retrieved from https://www.aannet.org
9. Institute of Medicine. (2011). The Future of Nursing: Leading Change, Advancing Health. National Academies Press.
10. National League for Nursing. (2022). Advocacy in Nursing Education. Retrieved from https://www.nln.org.