In the Module 4 Discussion, you considered how professional nurses can become involved in policy-making. A critical component of any policy design is evaluation of the results. How comfortable are you with the thought of becoming involved with such matters?
Some nurses may be hesitant to get involved with policy evaluation. The preference may be to focus on the care and well-being of their patients; some nurses may feel ill-equipped to enter the realm of policy and political activities. However, as you have examined previously, who better to advocate for patients and effective programs and polices than nurses? Already patient advocates in interactions with doctors and leadership, why not with government and regulatory agencies?
In this Discussion, you will reflect on the role of professional nurses in policy evaluation.
To Prepare:
- In the Module 4 Discussion, you considered how professional nurses can become involved in policy-making.
- Review the Resources and reflect on the role of professional nurses in policy evaluation.
By Day 3 of Week 9
Post an explanation of at least two opportunities that currently exist for RNs and APRNs to actively participate in policy review. Explain some of the challenges that these opportunities may present and describe how you might overcome these challenges. Finally, recommend two strategies you might make to better advocate for or communicate the existence of these opportunities. Be specific and provide examples.
Expert Solution Preview
Introduction:
As a medical professor, I strongly believe that professional nurses play a pivotal role in policy evaluation. Nurses are at the forefront of patient care and have first-hand experience of the challenges faced by patients and healthcare providers. Nurses can leverage their knowledge and experience to advocate for effective programs and policies that benefit patients.
Opportunities for RNs and APRNs to participate in policy review:
There are two primary opportunities for RNs and APRNs to actively participate in policy review:
1. Joining professional associations: Professional associations provide a platform for nurses to learn about policy developments and advocate for policies that benefit patients. Nurses can also participate in local and national advocacy efforts to influence policy decisions. One example is the American Nurses Association, which provides nurses with opportunities to participate in policy development and review.
2. Serving on healthcare committees: Nurses can participate in healthcare committees that review policies and provide feedback on their effectiveness. For instance, nurses can serve on patient safety committees, infection control committees, or quality improvement committees. These committees provide an avenue for nurses to bring their clinical expertise to bear on policy decisions.
Challenges and strategies:
One significant challenge that nurses face when participating in policy review is a lack of time and resources. Nurses often work long hours and have busy schedules, which can make it difficult to participate in advocacy efforts. One strategy to overcome this challenge is to prioritize policy initiatives that align with the nurse’s clinical practice or areas of interest. Nurses can also leverage technology to participate in virtual meetings or advocacy efforts.
Another challenge is a lack of knowledge or understanding of policy issues. Nurses may not be familiar with the policy-making process or the implications of policies for patient care. To overcome this challenge, nurses can access educational resources or training sessions provided by professional organizations such as the ANA. Nurses can also collaborate with colleagues or mentors who have experience in policy advocacy to learn from their expertise.
In terms of advocating for or communicating the existence of these opportunities, nurses can use various strategies. For example, they can organize educational events or workshops to raise awareness about policy issues and opportunities for advocacy. Nurses can also use social media platforms to share information about policy developments, encourage participation in advocacy efforts, and mobilize support for policy initiatives. Lastly, nurses can communicate with their elected representatives or policymakers to advocate for policies that impact patient care positively.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, nurses have a critical role to play in policy evaluation. By participating actively in policy review, nurses can advocate for effective policies that benefit patients and healthcare providers. The challenges of participating in policy review can be overcome by prioritizing policy initiatives, accessing educational resources, and leveraging technology. Nurses can better advocate for or communicate the existence of these opportunities by organizing educational events, using social media to mobilize support, and communicating with elected representatives.
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