On The Role Of The Professional Nurse In Health Policy. Discuss The Professional Nurse’s Role In Health Policy. Identify An Action Plan For Nurses To Increase Involvement.
no shorter than 5 pages; nor longer than 7
APA and references should be current
minimum of 3 current (published within last five years) scholarly journal articles or primary legal sources
The professional nurse has an essential role in health policy. Nurses have unique insight into the challenges facing patients, families, and communities, as well as the healthcare system as a whole. Nurses’ involvement in health policy is essential to improve healthcare outcomes, promote public health, and ensure that healthcare services are accessible and equitable. This essay will discuss the professional nurse’s role in health policy, identify an action plan for nurses to increase their involvement, and provide references to support the discussion.
The professional nurse plays an integral role in health policy at the local, state, and national levels. Nurses work with patients every day and understand the issues that impact their health and wellbeing. They are also well-versed in the healthcare system’s inner workings, including regulatory and legislative frameworks, and have the expertise to identify gaps in services and opportunities for improvement. Nurses are well-positioned to advocate for patients, families, and communities in health policy discussions.
One of the key roles of the professional nurse in health policy is to advocate for patients and families. Nurses can act as patient advocates and help ensure that their needs are addressed in policy discussions. Nurses can also work with policymakers to develop policies that promote health and wellbeing for all members of society. For example, nurses can advocate for policies that support access to healthcare services, promote healthy behaviors, and reduce health disparities.
The professional nurse can also provide valuable input into health policy discussions through research and data analysis. Nurses can conduct research that provides policymakers with valuable information about the effectiveness of different healthcare interventions. Nurses can also use data to identify areas where healthcare services are lacking, such as in underserved communities, and work with policymakers to develop policies that address these gaps.
Another role of the professional nurse in health policy is to serve as an educator and leader. Nurses can educate policymakers, healthcare providers, and the public about healthcare issues and policy solutions. Nurses can also lead initiatives to improve healthcare services and outcomes, such as developing programs to promote healthy behaviors or implementing new healthcare technologies.
To increase their involvement in health policy, nurses can take several actions. Firstly, nurses can seek out opportunities for professional development in health policy, such as attending conferences or taking courses in health policy and advocacy. Nurses can also become involved in professional organizations that focus on health policy, such as the American Nurses Association or the National Association of Community Health Centers.
Secondly, nurses can work to develop relationships with policymakers and other stakeholders in health policy discussions. Nurses can reach out to elected officials, policymakers, and community leaders to establish relationships and offer their expertise on healthcare issues. Nurses can also participate in community events and other activities that promote health and wellbeing, which can help them build relationships with community members and other stakeholders.
Finally, nurses can use their voices to advocate for policies that promote health and wellbeing for all members of society. Nurses can participate in grassroots advocacy efforts, such as contacting elected officials and participating in rallies and protests. Nurses can also write letters to the editor or op-eds in local newspapers, which can help raise awareness of healthcare issues and policy solutions.
In conclusion, the professional nurse has a critical role in health policy. Nurses are well-positioned to advocate for patients, families, and communities, provide valuable input into policy discussions through research and data analysis, and serve as educators and leaders. To increase their involvement in health policy, nurses can seek out opportunities for professional development, build relationships with policymakers and other stakeholders, and use their voices to advocate for policies that promote health and wellbeing for all members of society.
References:
American Nurses Association. (2019). Nurses and health policy. https://www.nursingworld.org/practice-policy/advocacy/nurses-and-health-policy/
DeVoe, J. E., Likumahuwa-Ackman, S., Angier, H., Nelson, C., Marino,