NURS 6050 Week 7 Discussion Role of RNs and APRNs in Policy-making Example
The Role of the RN/APRN in Policy-making
In nursing practice, RNs and APRNs may have opportunities that enable them to participate in the policy-making process. One of the opportunities is through their engagement in professional organizations. Nurses and advanced practice registered nurses can influence healthcare policy by becoming members of organizations that push for reforms in the field. These groups work tirelessly to improve patient care and the nursing profession. Involvement in these groups provides RNs and APRNs with opportunities to advocate for their profession, learn about policy issues, and work with others in the healthcare industry to propose solutions to other problems (Ferrier, 2022). While utilizing the opportunity through engagement in professional organizations, they can clearly shape the future of healthcare. Further, they can advocate for better policies that influence patient care using health literacy guidelines.
Secondly, nurses can serve on government committees to increase their chances of participating in the policy-making process. By sitting on government committees addressing healthcare-related problems, RNs and APRNs can have a voice in policy-making. Government authorities might visit these committees for advice and recommendations on healthcare policy, law, and regulation (Ferrier, 2022). Registered and advanced practice registered nurses see the healthcare system and patient requirements from a special perspective. Patients’ safety and care quality can both be enhanced by their participation in these panels. By establishing themselves in these networks, nurses can increase their influence in the policy-making process. When nurses participate in government committees, they often get new perspectives on policy-making, implementation, and evaluation, thus improving their chances of participation in the policy-making process.
Becoming involved in policy-making might be difficult because of the time and energy it usually takes. It can be challenging for RNs and APRNs to juggle their work with policy-related initiatives. They may also encounter pushback from interested parties who oppose policy shifts or have competing interests. Other challenges that can arise include limited knowledge and experiences, different perception and understanding of roles, lack of unity in the organization, and unwillingness to lead (Schaeffer & Haebler, 2019). Because of these obstacles, it may be hard for nurses and APRNs to have their opinions taken seriously and their suggestions adopted.
When RNs and APRNs face these challenges, there are some strategies that would be adopted to overcome them for them to better advocate for policy-making opportunities. One of the ways is through ensuring the RNs and APRNs stay informed. In order to advocate for policy changes, RNs, and APRNs must be abreast of emerging concerns and trends in the field. They can do this by being involved with policy-focused professional organizations, reading policy periodicals, and attending policy briefings (Scott & Scott, 2021). When they build their knowledge, they will be certain about what they will be advocating for and have the required courage and skills to influence others. In addition, they would build strong relationships among themselves, the organizations, and healthcare providers. Building relationships with policymakers and other stakeholders can help registered nurses and advanced practice registered nurses boost their influence and overall effectiveness. Attending events such as meetings, conferences, and networking functions where key stakeholders and decision-makers will be present is one way to accomplish this goal.
RNs and APRNs can use appropriate strategies to better advocate for and communicate the existence of these opportunities in policy making. One of the ways is through participation in training and education programs. Education and training programs are available for RNs and APRNs to acquire the knowledge and abilities necessary to participate in the policy-making process. They can get the information and training from these programs that will help them effectively lobby for policy changes and interact with decision-makers (Myers, 2020). In addition, they can lobby for policy changes and inform their peers about policy-making opportunities through social media. They may inform and inspire their followers to take action on policy issues by regularly posting relevant content.
Registered nurses and advanced practice registered nurses both have significant contributions to make to the formulation of healthcare policies. They can contribute to the formation of policies that improve the standard of care and the safety of patients if they join professional organizations or serve on committees within the government. Despite the fact that there may be obstacles to engaging in the process of policy-making, such as time limits and opposition from stakeholders, establishing relationships with policymakers and remaining educated can assist in overcoming these obstacles. In order to better advocate for policy-making opportunities or advertise their existence to other healthcare professionals, registered nurses and advanced practice registered nurses should make use of social media and participate in education and training programs.
NURS 6050 Week 7 Discussion Role of RNs and APRNs in Policy-making References
Ferrier, C. (2022). Engaging Nurses in Public Policy. https://scholars.unh.edu/scholarly_projects/71/
Myers, C. R. (2020). Promoting population health: Nurse advocacy, policy making, and use of media. Nursing Clinics, 55(1), 11–20. DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cnur.2019.11.001
Schaeffer, R., & Haebler, J. (2019). Nurse leaders: extending your policy influence. Nurse Leader, 17(4), 340-343. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mnl.2019.05.010
Scott, S. M., & Scott, P. A. (2021). Nursing, advocacy, and public policy. Nursing Ethics, 28(5), 723-733. https://doi.org/10.1177/0969733020961823
NURS 6050 Week 7 Discussion Role of RNs and APRNs in Policy-making Instructions
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Word cloud generators have become popular tools for meetings and team-building events. Groups or teams are asked to use these applications to input words they feel best describe their team or their role. A “word cloud” is generated by the application that makes prominent the most-used terms, offering an image of the common thinking among participants of that role.
What types of words would you use to build a nursing word cloud? Empathetic, organized, hard-working, or advocate would all certainly apply. Would you add policy-maker to your list? Do you think it would be a very prominent component of the word cloud?
Nursing has become one of the largest professions in the world, and as such, nurses have the potential to influence policy and politics on a global scale. When nurses influence the politics that improve the delivery of healthcare, they are ultimately advocating for their patients. Hence, policy-making has become an increasingly popular term among nurses as they recognize a moral and professional obligation to be engaged in healthcare legislation.
To Prepare:
- Revisit the Congress.gov website provided in the Resources and consider the role of RNs and APRNs in policy-making.
- Reflect on potential opportunities that may exist for RNs and APRNs to participate in the policy-making process.
By Day 3 of Week 8
Post an explanation of at least two opportunities that exist for RNs and APRNs to actively participate in policy-making. 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 to participate in policy-making. Be specific and provide examples.
By Day 6 of Week 8
Respond to at least two of your colleagues’* posts by suggesting additional opportunities or recommendations for overcoming the challenges described by your colleagues.
*Note: Throughout this program, your fellow students are referred to as colleagues.