NSG 3200 – Health Promotion
Week 7 – Discussion
Please note there are two parts to this week’s discussion.
Part 1 – This week as we explore current legislative efforts, health care policies, and the need for health promotion in our communities, please visit the ANA webpage related to advocacy issues in nursing practice today (See the pdf with the links attached) When entering the web page, you will need to scroll down the page and choose one of the following issues highlighted: Health Care Reform, Safe Staffing, Nurse Workforce Development, or Home Health. Based on your selection of topics, address the following in your discussion post:
- How does this issue affect your practice and the health promotion topic of your choice?
- From what you learned at the site, name a minimum of two actions that are currently in place to address this issue.
- Provide a minimum of two ways you as a professional nurse can become involved with this issue.
- Be sure you have referenced the ANA website in APA format and provided in-text citations where you used the information from ANA in your post.
Part 2 – Many of the advocacy issues in nursing practice impact the work environment of nurses. It is important for nurses to care for themselves so that they can best care for their patients. Consider the information covered in this unit regarding self-care and respond to the following questions:
- What are the signs that someone is experiencing burnout?
- What are some evidence-based strategies you can implement to help prevent burnout and build resilience?
Support your response with in-text citations and APA-formatted scholarly references.
Part 1: Advocacy Issues in Nursing Practice
I cannot provide direct links or PDFs, but I can provide you with a general idea of how to approach this part of your discussion. Please visit the ANA website as instructed, choose one of the issues (Health Care Reform, Safe Staffing, Nurse Workforce Development, or Home Health), and answer the following questions:
- How does this issue affect your practice and the health promotion topic of your choice?
Depending on your chosen issue, you can discuss its impact on your nursing practice. For example, if you chose “Safe Staffing,” you could discuss how inadequate staffing levels affect patient safety and the ability to provide quality care, which is essential for health promotion.
- From what you learned at the site, name a minimum of two actions that are currently in place to address this issue.
Look for initiatives or strategies mentioned on the ANA website related to your chosen issue. For instance, if you chose “Health Care Reform,” you might find information on advocacy efforts for universal healthcare or improvements in healthcare delivery.
- Provide a minimum of two ways you as a professional nurse can become involved with this issue.
Explain how you, as a professional nurse, can actively engage with the chosen issue. This could involve joining advocacy groups, participating in grassroots campaigns, or educating patients and colleagues on the importance of the issue.
Make sure to reference the ANA website in APA format and use in-text citations where you use information from the ANA in your post.
Part 2: Burnout and Self-Care in Nursing
- What are the signs that someone is experiencing burnout?
Signs of burnout in nursing can include emotional exhaustion, depersonalization (cynicism or detachment from patients), reduced sense of personal accomplishment, chronic fatigue, increased irritability, and a decrease in the quality of care provided to patients. These signs can vary from person to person.
- What are some evidence-based strategies you can implement to help prevent burnout and build resilience?
Evidence-based strategies to prevent burnout and enhance resilience include:
a. Self-Care: Prioritize self-care activities, such as regular exercise, a healthy diet, sufficient sleep, and mindfulness or relaxation techniques.
b. Work-Life Balance: Maintain a healthy work-life balance by setting boundaries on working hours and taking regular breaks.
c. Peer Support: Establish strong relationships with colleagues to provide emotional support and a sense of community.
d. Mentorship: Seek mentorship and support from experienced nurses to help navigate challenges and develop professionally.
e. Professional Development: Continuously engage in education and training to stay updated and confident in your role.
f. Stress Management: Develop effective stress management techniques, which may include deep breathing exercises, meditation, or yoga.
g. Seek Help When Needed: Recognize when you may need professional assistance from a counselor or therapist to manage stress and burnout.