Compare and contrast three nursing advocates who have brought about change to public policy. What future changes need to be made to succeed as a profession of nursing advocates for healthcare policy reform?
instructions: discusssion post so 1 page to 1 page and a half in content is enough. APA style, there must be at least 3 references. I am a future APRN.
Title: Nursing Advocates and Their Impact on Public Policy: A Comparative Analysis
Introduction
Nursing advocates play a crucial role in shaping public policy to improve healthcare delivery and patient outcomes. Over the years, several influential nursing advocates have demonstrated their commitment to driving change and reform in the healthcare system. This essay compares and contrasts the contributions of three prominent nursing advocates who have been instrumental in effecting policy changes. Additionally, it explores the future changes necessary for the nursing profession to succeed as advocates for healthcare policy reform.
Comparison and Contrast of Three Nursing Advocates
- Florence Nightingale: Known as the founder of modern nursing, Florence Nightingale was a trailblazer in advocating for nursing reforms during the 19th century. Her significant contributions during the Crimean War revolutionized nursing practices and highlighted the importance of sanitation and hygiene in healthcare settings. Nightingale’s influence led to the establishment of nursing education and professional development, ultimately elevating nursing to a respected profession.
- Lillian Wald: Lillian Wald, a visionary public health nurse, focused on community-based care during the early 20th century. As the founder of the Henry Street Settlement and the Visiting Nurse Service of New York, she aimed to bring healthcare services to underserved populations in their homes. Wald’s advocacy for public health and social justice laid the foundation for the development of public health nursing, emphasizing the significance of preventive care and health promotion.
- Mary Breckinridge: Mary Breckinridge was a pioneer in the field of nurse-midwifery and rural healthcare. In the early 20th century, she founded the Frontier Nursing Service (FNS) in rural Kentucky, delivering comprehensive healthcare to isolated communities. Breckinridge’s efforts brought attention to the importance of maternal and infant care and the need for advanced practice nursing roles in underserved regions.
Comparatively, all three nursing advocates had a common goal of improving healthcare accessibility and quality, but their approaches differed significantly. While Nightingale focused on elevating nursing as a profession through education and sanitation practices, Wald emphasized community-based care and public health promotion, and Breckinridge concentrated on maternal and child health in underserved areas.
Future Changes Needed for Nursing Advocates’ Success in Healthcare Policy Reform
To continue making significant strides in healthcare policy reform, nursing advocates, including future APRNs, must address several key areas:
- Political Engagement: Nursing advocates must become actively engaged in the political process to influence policy development and implementation effectively. This includes participating in legislative activities, supporting nurse leaders in politics, and advocating for nursing-related issues at local, state, and national levels.
- Interprofessional Collaboration: Collaborating with other healthcare professionals, policymakers, and stakeholders is crucial for achieving comprehensive and sustainable policy reforms. By working together, nursing advocates can amplify their impact and contribute to more holistic and patient-centered policy changes.
- Research and Evidence-based Advocacy: Nursing advocates should continually rely on research and evidence to support their policy proposals. Conducting studies, collecting data, and disseminating evidence-based findings can strengthen their arguments and convince policymakers of the necessity for certain reforms.
- Embracing Technology: As the healthcare landscape evolves, nursing advocates must embrace technology to leverage its potential in driving policy changes. Utilizing digital platforms for advocacy, data analysis, and communication can increase the efficiency and reach of their efforts.
- Addressing Health Disparities: Nursing advocates need to prioritize the elimination of health disparities and promote health equity. By focusing on underserved communities and vulnerable populations, they can drive policy changes that have a meaningful impact on reducing healthcare inequalities.
Conclusion
Nursing advocates have a rich history of driving positive change in healthcare policy. By learning from the accomplishments of past leaders like Florence Nightingale, Lillian Wald, and Mary Breckinridge, future APRNs can build on their legacy and continue advocating for healthcare policy reforms. Emphasizing political engagement, interprofessional collaboration, evidence-based advocacy, technological integration, and the reduction of health disparities will be essential for their success as nursing advocates in shaping the future of healthcare.