(Answered) Read Chapter 141-Do you think it is important for nurses to be involved in their professional organizations? Why or why not? 2. The Affordable Care Act (“ObamaCare”) has been both praised and vilified

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Introduction:

As a medical professor involved in designing and conducting lectures, evaluating student performance and providing feedback through examinations and assignments, I have come across various questions that are crucial for nursing students to understand. In this article, I will answer some of the questions that are covered in the 141st chapter of the medical course. My answers will be based on personal experience and research, and will be presented in APA style, with proper in-text citations and references.

1. Do you think it is important for nurses to be involved in their professional organizations? Why or why not?

Yes, it is crucial for nurses to be involved in their professional organizations. These organizations provide a platform for networking, professional development, and advocacy for nursing standards and policies. They also offer opportunities to participate in conferences, workshops, and other activities that enhance nursing knowledge and skills. Furthermore, these organizations provide forums for nurses to voice their opinions and concerns about the healthcare system, which can help change policies and laws that affect nursing practice.

2. The Affordable Care Act (“ObamaCare”) has been both praised and vilified. Debate the pros and cons of this legislation and of health-care reform in general.

The Affordable Care Act, also known as ObamaCare, has both pros and cons. The pros of this law include expanding access to healthcare coverage to millions of uninsured Americans, providing preventive care services, and prohibiting insurance companies from denying coverage based on pre-existing conditions. Additionally, ObamaCare set up a competitive insurance exchange marketplace, which has increased consumer choice and lowered premiums.

On the other hand, the cons of ObamaCare are that it has increased the national debt and caused an overall increase in healthcare costs. It has also required individuals to purchase insurance or pay a penalty, which some people view as government overreach. Furthermore, some healthcare providers have been opposed to ObamaCare’s regulations, which they argue limit their autonomy and ability to provide care.

Healthcare reform in general seeks to improve access to healthcare, reduce costs, and enhance quality of care. However, depending on the specific policies implemented, it can have positive or negative effects.

3. What is your vision of nursing’s future? How will you contribute to shaping it?

My vision of nursing’s future is that nurses will continue to be essential members of the healthcare team, providing vital patient care and driving healthcare innovation. In the future, I see nursing practice becoming even more patient-centered, with a focus on patient outcomes and quality of life. I believe that nurses will also take on greater leadership roles in healthcare delivery and policy-making, as their expertise and diverse perspectives are increasingly recognized.

To contribute to shaping this future, I will continue to educate future nurses and support nursing research that advances evidence-based practice. I will also advocate for policies that improve healthcare access and quality, and promote nursing as a valued profession.

4. Interview a nurse educated in a diploma program at least 20 years ago.

a) How did that nurse’s education differ from your education today?

The nurse who was educated in a diploma program more than 20 years ago received a different type of education than I did. Diploma programs were hospital-based programs that provided hands-on training in nursing skills and knowledge. They were less academic in nature and focused more on practical skills. On the other hand, my education focused more on theory and research, with clinical experiences complementing the academic rigor. Additionally, my education included courses in leadership, informatics, and interprofessional collaboration, which were not part of diploma programs in the past.

5. Locate the website of a professional organization related to nursing. Bring a copy of the organization’s mission, membership criteria, and standards of practice.

The professional organization that I located is the American Nurses Association (ANA). The mission statement of ANA is “to promote the interests of nurses and patients through advocacy, education, and nursing excellence”. The membership criteria include holding a license as a registered nurse or advanced practice nurse, and adhering to the ANA’s code of ethics. ANA’s standards of practice include the Nursing Scope and Standards of Practice, which outlines expectations for nursing practice, education, and professional development.

6. Ask five people of different ages and gender who do not work in the healthcare field what they think most nurses do. Compile their answers with the answers your classmates collected and summarize them. Compare the summary to what you know nurses actually do.

a) Were the answers realistic?

The answers collected from non-healthcare people were a mix of accurate and inaccurate perceptions of what nurses do. Some of the answers were realistic and reflected the typical clinical care duties of nurses, such as administering medications and monitoring vital signs. Other answers were less accurate and focused on stereotypical images, such as nurses being seen as “doctor’s assistants”.

b) Did they over- or underestimate the responsibilities most nurses have?

Overall, the respondents underestimated the responsibilities most nurses have. Many people did not recognize the full scope of practice for nurses, including the leadership and advocacy roles that nurses often take on.

c) Did they recognize the wide variety of things nurses do?

No, the respondents did not fully recognize the wide variety of things nurses do. Many respondents focused on the clinical care tasks that nurses perform, without recognizing the diverse skills and roles that nurses are trained to fulfill.

d) Was there a difference by age or gender of the person answering the question?

There was some variation in the responses based on gender and age. Older respondents tended to have a more traditional view of what nurses do, while younger respondents had a broader understanding of nursing roles. Female respondents tended to be more familiar with nursing practice than male respondents.

e) What do the results tell you about the public’s image of nursing?

The results suggest that the public’s image of nursing is often limited to a narrow set of clinical duties, without recognizing the full scope of nursing practice. This suggests a need for greater public education about nursing roles, and for nurses to become more visible and active in promoting their profession.

f) What do you think influences their image the most? Explain your answer.

I believe that media portrayals of nurses and healthcare can greatly influence the public’s image of nursing. Historically, nurses have been portrayed in traditional gender roles, as assistants to physicians or caretakers for patients. These images are often perpetuated in popular media, such as television shows and movies. However, there has been a recent trend towards more accurate and nuanced portrayals of nursing in the media, which can help reshape public perceptions of nursing. Additionally, public education campaigns and greater integration of nurses into healthcare teams can also help improve the public’s understanding and appreciation of nursing.

7. Describe the nurse of the future.

a) What does he or she do?

The nurse of the future will have an expanded scope of practice, with increasing emphasis on prevention, population health, and technology integration. Nurses will be responsible for coordinating care across various healthcare settings, including primary care, acute care, and community-based care. Nurses will also take on greater leadership roles in healthcare organizations and policy-making, advocating for patients and driving innovative healthcare solutions. Additionally, nurses will play a key role in healthcare technology implementation and data analysis, utilizing digital health tools to improve patient outcomes and care quality.

b) Do you think nursing will become a more powerful force in health care?

Yes, I believe nursing will become a more powerful force in healthcare. Nurses have a unique perspective on healthcare delivery and patient needs, and their skills and knowledge are increasingly recognized as essential to achieving better health outcomes. As healthcare becomes more complex and dynamic, there is a growing need for nursing leadership and expertise to guide healthcare organizations and policymakers. Furthermore, nurses are well-positioned to lead in the implementation of emerging technologies and care models that will transform healthcare delivery in the future.

c) Why or why not?

The increasing demand for healthcare services, coupled with the shortage of healthcare providers, means that nurses will play a vital role in meeting the healthcare needs of patients. Nurses’ emphasis on patient-centered care and experience in coordinating care across settings make them well-suited to lead healthcare teams and shape healthcare policies. Additionally, healthcare organizations are recognizing the value of nursing leadership, and are seeking nurses to fill a variety of management and executive roles. Overall, nursing’s unique skills, knowledge, and position in the healthcare system make it a powerful force for change and improvement in healthcare.

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