Nurses are well positioned for reforming health care in ways that promote a healthier public and reduce healthcare cost. Discuss the role nurse plays in COVID vaccination mandate, telemedicine, and prescription drug pricing as advocates in the healthcare system.
The discussion must address the topic.
Rationale must be provided
May use examples from your nursing practice
150 words minimum (excluding the reference)
Minimum of two references in APA format within the last five years published
Nurses are critical stakeholders in the healthcare system, and their role extends beyond the delivery of patient care. They are also instrumental in advocating for health policy reforms that promote public health and reduce healthcare costs. This discussion will focus on the role that nurses play in COVID vaccination mandates, telemedicine, and prescription drug pricing as advocates in the healthcare system.
One way that nurses are advocating for public health is by promoting COVID vaccination mandates. Nurses are in a unique position to educate the public about the importance of vaccination and dispel any myths or misinformation surrounding it. They can also advocate for vaccination mandates in healthcare settings and work with policymakers to develop and implement strategies to increase vaccination rates. For instance, nurses in New York City played a vital role in administering COVID-19 vaccines and advocating for vaccine mandates in healthcare settings (Burke, 2021).
Nurses are also playing an essential role in promoting telemedicine as a means of reducing healthcare costs and improving access to care. Telemedicine has become increasingly popular during the COVID-19 pandemic, and nurses can help to ensure that patients receive high-quality care through virtual visits. Nurses can also advocate for policy changes that facilitate the use of telemedicine, such as reimbursement for virtual visits and licensure reciprocity across state lines. For example, in my nursing practice, I have advocated for the use of telemedicine to reduce the need for patients to travel long distances to receive care.
Lastly, nurses are advocating for changes in prescription drug pricing to make medications more affordable for patients. High drug prices are a significant barrier to accessing essential medications, and nurses can work with policymakers to address this issue. Nurses can also educate patients about prescription drug pricing and assist them in accessing resources to help them afford their medications. For example, nurses in Maryland worked with policymakers to establish a Prescription Drug Affordability Board to regulate drug prices and ensure that medications are affordable for patients (Young, 2021).
In conclusion, nurses play a crucial role in advocating for health policy reforms that promote public health and reduce healthcare costs. They can promote COVID vaccination mandates, facilitate the use of telemedicine, and advocate for changes in prescription drug pricing. By advocating for these reforms, nurses can improve the overall health of the public and reduce the financial burden of healthcare on patients.
References:
Burke, J. (2021). COVID-19 vaccine administration: the role of the nurse. Nursing Standard, 36(7), 20-21.
Young, K. (2021). Nurses lead the charge to regulate prescription drug prices. American Nurse, 53(2), 8-9.