On What Policy Issues Might Nurses Lobby Congress? What Strategies Might Nurse Use To Have Their Voices Heard?
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Minimum of two (2) scholarly references in APA format within the last five years published
Nurses play a crucial role in the healthcare system, advocating for the best interests of patients and promoting policies that improve healthcare outcomes. When it comes to policy issues, nurses can lobby Congress on various fronts to advance their profession and address healthcare challenges. Two key policy issues that nurses might lobby Congress on are staffing ratios and expanded scope of practice.
One policy issue that nurses may advocate for is legislation to establish mandatory staffing ratios in healthcare facilities. Nurses understand firsthand the impact of staffing levels on patient safety and quality of care. They can provide evidence-based arguments, highlighting research that demonstrates the correlation between adequate nurse staffing and positive patient outcomes. By lobbying Congress to pass laws mandating specific nurse-to-patient ratios, nurses aim to ensure that patients receive safe and effective care. They can emphasize the potential benefits of improved staffing ratios, such as reduced medical errors, lower mortality rates, and enhanced nurse job satisfaction. Nurses may collaborate with nursing organizations, patient advocacy groups, and other healthcare professionals to amplify their voice and gain support for this policy change.
Another policy issue that nurses may focus on is expanding their scope of practice to improve access to care and meet the growing healthcare demands. Many states have restrictive regulations that limit the full utilization of nursing skills and expertise. Nurses can advocate for federal legislation that grants them the autonomy to practice to the fullest extent of their education and training. They can provide evidence of successful models from states that have expanded nursing practice, demonstrating improved patient outcomes and increased access to care. Nurses can also emphasize the potential cost savings associated with utilizing advanced practice nurses in areas such as primary care, where there is a shortage of physicians. By lobbying Congress to remove barriers and expand their scope of practice, nurses aim to improve healthcare access, enhance patient outcomes, and address workforce shortages.
To have their voices heard, nurses can employ various strategies. First, they can establish relationships with their elected representatives by meeting them in person, attending town hall meetings, or participating in legislative visits. Building personal connections allows nurses to share their expertise, experiences, and concerns directly with lawmakers. Second, nurses can utilize grassroots advocacy, engaging their colleagues, patients, and communities in letter-writing campaigns, phone calls, or social media campaigns to express support for specific policies. This collective effort amplifies the nursing voice and demonstrates widespread support for the proposed changes. Third, nurses can collaborate with professional nursing organizations and advocacy groups to leverage their resources and influence. These organizations can provide guidance, policy briefs, and opportunities for nurses to participate in advocacy training programs. Additionally, nurses can contribute to the policy-making process by participating in expert panels, testifying at hearings, or submitting written comments during the rule-making process.
In conclusion, nurses can lobby Congress on policy issues such as staffing ratios and expanded scope of practice. By advocating for mandatory staffing ratios, nurses aim to improve patient safety and outcomes. Through efforts to expand their scope of practice, nurses seek to enhance access to care and address workforce shortages. To have their voices heard, nurses can employ strategies such as building relationships with elected representatives, engaging in grassroots advocacy, and collaborating with professional organizations. Through these actions, nurses can influence policy decisions, shape the healthcare landscape, and advocate for the best interests of patients and the nursing profession.
References:
American Nurses Association. (2015). Advocacy toolkit for nurses. Retrieved from https://www.nursingworld.org/~4af38a/globalassets/docs/ana/ethics/advocacy-toolkit.pdf
Buerhaus, P. I., DesRoches, C. M., & Dittus, R. (2020). Nursing: An at-risk profession. Journal of the American Medical Association, 323(20), 2061-2062. doi:10.1001/jama.2020.4578