Nurses Policy Influencepaula Andrea Estradast Thomas Universitynur 41 ✓ Solved

Nurse’s Policy Influence Paula Andrea Estrada St Thomas University NUR 415 Professor Price 3/25/2021   Nurse’s Policy Influence Health-care services are evolving and changing at a rapid pace. Nurses, as members of healthcare system, should embrace these changes. Nurses must influence the development of health policies rather than only implementing them to achieve policy objectives. Nurses may participate in policy and politics at the state and federal levels by joining a professional nursing association (Kurnat-Thoma et al., 2021). These associations also engage lobbyists to introduce nursing concerns to Congress.

Nurses may also appeal to their state legislators to voice their displeasure about healthcare policy (Schaeffer & Haebler, 2019). Internships with officials are available for nurses who choose to work directly on healthcare issues. Nurses may become involved in politics on a local level by engaging in leadership responsibilities in the nursing profession or lobbying elected representatives about industry-related legislation. Nurses may pursue formal political preparation, engage on city councils and committees, and even run for local office (Kurnat-Thoma et al., 2021). Even basic things like exercising individual right to vote may affect healthcare policy.

On the other hand, nurses need assistance to affect improvement (Schaeffer & Haebler, 2019). And it all begins with the love of one's kin and family. Democratic participation should be encouraged by nurses' families and friends. Nursing schools should integrate healthcare policy education into their syllabuses and allow nursing students to participate in politics. Additionally, nursing school faculty members should assist in reforms as role models for their learners.

Finally, employers must have time, money, and staff nurses' opportunities to influence local, state, and federal policy (Wichaikhum et al., 2020). After all, healthcare reform impacts us all in the end. Therefore, nurses must be trained in patient care, interdisciplinary collaboration, informatics and technology, applying evidence-based practice, and quality assurance for this to happen.

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Nurse’s Policy Influence
The healthcare landscape is continually evolving due to various factors, including technological advancements, demographic shifts, and public health needs. As critical stakeholders in healthcare delivery, nurses have a decisive role in shaping policies that affect patient care and the overall functioning of health systems. The necessity for nurses to transition from a role of passive implementers of policies to active influencers of health policies is more pressing than ever. This paper explores the avenues through which nurses can influence healthcare policy, emphasizing the importance of their involvement in political processes, the need for education in policy issues, and the essential support structures required for effective participation.
The Role of Nurses in Shaping Health Policies
Nurses are positioned uniquely within the healthcare system, interacting daily with patients and healthcare processes (Kurnat-Thoma et al., 2021). Therefore, they possess valuable insights that can inform and improve healthcare policies. Engaging in health policy discourse allows nurses to advocate not only for patients but also for the nursing profession, addressing such issues as staffing, working conditions, and healthcare accessibility.
1. Professional Associations and Political Advocacy
One effective way for nurses to influence policy is through professional nursing associations. These organizations serve as a collective voice for nurses, representing their interests on a broader platform (Kurnat-Thoma et al., 2021). By joining these associations, nurses can participate in lobbying efforts, contributing to discussions that bring nursing concerns to the attention of policymakers and legislators.
2. Local and State Engagement
Nurses can influence healthcare policies not only at federal levels but also at local and state levels. By engaging directly with state legislators, nurses can express concerns and insights about various healthcare issues that affect their communities (Schaeffer & Haebler, 2019). This process may involve advocacy efforts associated with specific legislation or broader healthcare initiatives, emphasizing the importance of grassroots movements in shaping policy.
3. Educational Pathways to Effective Engagement
To effectively influence policy, it is crucial for nursing education programs to incorporate courses that focus on health policy and political engagement (Kurnat-Thoma et al., 2021). Learning about the legislative process, healthcare economics, and the impact of policy on patient care can empower nursing students to advocate for necessary changes. Faculty members play an important role here by not only teaching these subjects but also modeling active engagement in health policy themselves.
4. Running for Office and Community Leadership
Beyond advocacy, nurses can significantly affect policy by holding positions in local governance or community organizations. By participating in city councils, committees, and even contesting for elected office, nurses can ensure that the voice of the nursing profession is heard during budgeting and decision-making processes (Wichaikhum et al., 2020). This involvement not only allows nurses to influence current policies but also contributes to the prestige and visibility of the nursing profession in the healthcare arena.
5. Empowerment through Democratic Participation
Encouraging nurses and their families to participate in the democratic process fundamentally supports the influence they can exert over health policies. Voting is a significant tool for nurses, enabling them to support representatives who align with their professional values and priorities (Schaeffer & Haebler, 2019). By turning out to vote and encouraging others to do the same, nurses can send a clear message about the importance of health policy to elected officials.
Challenges and Support Structures
Despite the critical role nurses can play in shaping health policies, several barriers need addressing. The nursing profession often faces challenges such as inadequate time, limited financial resources for advocacy efforts, and a lack of understanding of political processes (Wichaikhum et al., 2020). Therefore, for nurses to effectively influence policies, several structural supports must be put in place.
1. Institutional Support for Nurses
Employers and healthcare organizations must establish supportive environments that allow nurses the time and resources to engage in policy advocacy (Wichaikhum et al., 2020). This could involve offering professional development opportunities focused on policy engagement or providing funding for participation in advocacy-related events.
2. Family and Community Involvement
As previously mentioned, fostering a supportive environment at home and in the community can help encourage nurses to advocate for health policy changes. Families can support nurses in this endeavor by participating with them, fostering discussions about healthcare issues and the importance of civic engagement.
3. Mentorship and Role Models
Nurses interested in becoming politically active can benefit from mentorship from experienced nurse leaders who have successfully engaged in policy advocacy (Kurnat-Thoma et al., 2021). Building a network of support can enhance confidence and provide resources to navigate the complexities of the political landscape.
Conclusion
The influence of nurses on healthcare policy is vital to improving patient care and the overall efficiency of health services. By actively participating in the formation of policies, nurses can ensure that their unique insights and experiences are incorporated into decision-making processes. To facilitate this, educational institutions must teach nursing students about health policy while professional organizations need to continue lobbying efforts at various government levels. Additionally, the essential support systems within the workplace and the community can empower nurses to take active roles in advocating for meaningful health policy changes. By embracing these strategies, nurses can better prepare for the challenges ahead, fostering a healthier society for all.
References
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