The Role of the RN/APRN in Policy-Making Walden University
The Role of the RN/APRN in Policy-Making
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.
Resources
Be sure to review the Learning Resources before completing this activity.
Click the weekly resources link to access the resources.
WEEKLY RESOURCES
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.
Opportunities that exist for RNs and APRNs in
policy-making.
Registered Nurses (RN) and Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRN) have various opportunities to engage in policy-making that can be crucial in influencing healthcare practices and systems. One of these opportunities is participation in professional nursing organizations, such as the American Nurses Association (ANA) or the National Association of Nurse Practitioners (NANP). These organizations often advocate for policy changes and provide platforms for members to participate in discussions on influence regulations affecting nursing practice, healthcare legislation, and engage in lobbying efforts (American Nurses Association, 2021). Another important opportunity is serving on governmental health advisory boards, where RNs and APRNs can provide expert insights on patient care standards, healthcare regulations, and public health initiatives (American Nurses Association, 2021). For example, nurses can apply to serve on boards at the state or federal level, such as task forces addressing healthcare disparities, or health department committees. By leveraging their clinical experience and patient-centered perspective, RNs and APRNs can play a significant role in creating policies that improve healthcare systems and outcomes.
Challenges that these opportunities and overcoming these challenges.
Policy-making as RNs and APRNs can come with several challenges, such as limited knowledge of the political process, time constraints, and possible resistance from established policymakers. Nurses often face demanding work schedules and can potentially struggle to find time to actively participate in attending meetings. In this case, this can hinder their ability to consistently engage in policy-making activities (DeSantis & McCaffrey, 2020). Another challenge is that nurses may lack the confidence to navigate political environments, making it difficult to effectively advocate for policy changes (DeSantis & McCaffrey, 2020). Additionally, established policymakers may sometimes view nurses as less influential compared to other stakeholders, which can result in their input being undervalued or overlooked.
To overcome the challenges of participating in policy-making as a nurse, I would focus on time management and enhancing my advocacy skills. One approach is to set aside specific times each month for advocacy work, such as attending virtual meetings of nursing organizations. This ensures consistent involvement without overwhelming my schedule. Additionally, I would seek out educational opportunities, such as policy training workshops to improve my understanding of the legislative process and build confidence in navigating political environments. To address potential undervaluing of my input, I would collaborate with experienced nurse advocates who can guide me on how to effectively communicate with policymakers. However, by building a strong professional network, I can amplify my voice, increasing the impact of my contributions to healthcare policy.
Strategies to advocate for these opportunities
One of these strategies is to develop and distribute educational materials that focus on the importance of nursing involvement in advocacy. This could include creating a comprehensive resource guide that outlines several boards, organizations, and committees where nurses can participate (McGowan & Keane, 2020). For example, the guide will be detailed on how to join local chapters of professional organizations, participate in advocacy training programs and attend relevant webinars. In this case, distributing this guide through hospital newsletters, nursing schools, and social media platforms to raise awareness and encourage participation.
Another strategy is to organize regular advocacy workshops within healthcare settings, where nurses can learn about current policy issues and engage in discussions on how to influence change. These events could feature experienced nurse advocates or representatives from professional organizations, who can share insights and provide practical tips for effective advocacy (McGowan & Keane, 2020). For instance, a workshop focuses on how to effectively communicate with legislators, and present case studies of successful nursing advocacy efforts. By empowering nurses with knowledge and skills, these strategies can help increase participation in policy-making and ensure that the voices of RNs and APRNs are represented in important healthcare discussions.
Reference
American Nurses Association. (2021).
Nursing advocacy and the role of the nurse.
https://www.nursingworld.org/~49a83d/globalassets/our-initiatives/advocacy/advocacy-toolkit.pdf
Cohn, S. (2019).
Nurses as change agents: A practical guide to advocacy in health care.
Sigma Theta Tau International.
DeSantis, L. J., & McCaffrey, R. (2020).
The role of nursing in health policy: How nurses can shape healthcare policy
. Nursing Management, 51(7), 14-18. https://doi.org/10.1097/01.NUMA.0000682173.22038.7c
McGowan, J. J., & Keane, D. J. (2020).
Advocacy in nursing: A strategy to advance nursing in policy and practice
. Journal of Nursing Administration, 50(3), 135-141. https://doi.org/10.1097/NNA.0000000000000857
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Eric M Arutyunyan
Oct 16, 2024 10:16pm
| Last reply Oct 18, 2024 12:55pm
Reply from Eric M Arutyunyan
Policymaking is an important aspect of the healthcare profession. There are opportunities where RNs and APRNs can be involved actively in making policies. The first opportunity exists in nursing organizations and professional bodies such as the American Nurses Association, where RNs and APRNs can be involved in providing expert advice on health policies. In this case, RNs and APRNs will examine health issues while in these organizations and contribute to the development of sustainable policies and solutions and also influence changes in the current policies to align with the healthcare needs (Hajizadeh et al., 2021). Besides, RNs and APRNs will sit on the boards of nursing organizations where health policies are made and reviewed. For instance, they can be engaged in serving on committees and advisory boards at local and state levels. The second opportunity that exists is for nurses engaging in elective offices, where they can engage in policy-making through legislation. In this opportunity, RNs and APRNs can have a direct influence on the legislation of health policies that can enhance patient care and improve the nursing profession.
Challenges that may present and how to Overcome them
One of the challenges that the identified opportunities may present is a lack of knowledge and skills in developing policies. RNs and APRNs can be unfamiliar with the policy-making processes due to the complexity of the systems, which can be confusing, and entails different committees and stakeholders (Foster & Flanders, 2021). Besides, nurses may not have a deep understanding of the procedures, timeliness and terms that are involved in policy making. This challenge can be addressed by encouraging nurses to pursue further education and training in policy-making, particularly in the field of health. For instance, RNs and APRNs can be actively involved in health workshops and attending seminars, which will give them knowledge and skills in policy making.
The other challenge is time constraints and workload, which can prevent nurses to engage in elective positions or get involved in legislative roles. Normally, RNS and APRNs have heavy patient workloads due to demanding schedules, which limits their availability to engage in policy-making (Hajizadeh et al., 2021). Besides, administrative tasks for nurses that involve huge paperwork and documentation can consume a significant of their time; thus, limiting their chances of participating in policymaking. This challenge can be addressed by seeking support from employers to consider allocating them time that they can use in engaging in policy making. Besides, employers can allow RNs and APRNs to join professional nursing organizations that can offer nurses with resources and support that make them engage in policy making.
Recommended Strategies
The first strategy to advocate for these opportunities is through proper education and training of RNs and APRNs for self-sufficiency. Chiu et al. (2021) provide that nursing organizations and professional nursing bodies should prepare programs such as workshops, seminars and professional conferences to train and educate RNS and APRNs on policy-making, especially on matters of health to make them good advocates and implementers of healthcare decisions. Exposing RNs and APRNs to nursing training and education on issues of healthcare policy will develop their knowledge and interest in getting involved in policymaking (Chiu et al., 2021). The other strategy is engaging employers of RNs and APRNs such as hospitals and other health organizations. In this case, employers can develop health policy committees in their organizations that can be involved in discussing the potential benefits of nurse advocacy (Matthews, 2019). Also, employers can create awareness for nurses on the need to engage in policymaking through legislation and provide the needed resources for the nurses to engage in policy development.
References
Chiu, P., Cummings, G. G., Thorne, S., & Schick-Makaroff, K. (2021). Policy advocacy and Nursing Organizations: A scoping review.
Policy, Politics, & Nursing Practice
,
22
(4), 276-296.
https://doi.org/10.1177/15271544211050611
Links to an external site.
Foster, J., & Flanders. (2021, March 3).
Challenges in Clinical Nurse Specialist Education and practice
. OJIN: The Online Journal of Issues in Nursing. Retrieved October 16, 2024, from
https://preprodojin.nursingworld.org/table-of-contents/volume-19-2014/number-2-may-2014/challenges-in-cns-education-and-practice/
Links to an external site.
Hajizadeh, A., Zamanzadeh, V., Kakemam, E., Bahreini, R., & Khodayari-Zarnaq, R. (2021). Factors influencing Nurses’ Participation in the Health Policy-Making Process: A systematic review.
BMC Nursing
,
20
(1).
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12912-021-00648-6
Links to an external site.
Matthews, J. (2019). Role of Professional Organizations in advocating for the Nursing Profession.
OJIN: The Online Journal of Issues in Nursing
,
17
(1).
https://doi.org/10.3912/ojin.vol17no01man03
Links to an external site.
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Lorrissa Lingen
Oct 16, 2024 9:53pm
| Last reply Oct 19, 2024 10:32pm
Reply from Lorrissa Lingen
Two opportunities
Conducting research and implementing pilot programs to gather data is important. By running a pilot program, you can collect valuable data that serves as evidence when creating policies. This data can justify the need for new policies or highlight necessary changes. At my previous facility, we held meetings to express concerns and ran pilot programs. Nurses collected information and data on what worked and what didn’t. We then discussed these findings in follow-up meetings to determine if changes were needed and whether new policies should be implemented.
The ANA represents nurses’ interests at local, state, and national levels. As a member, your voice gains strength through a united group that effectively advocates for legislative and police changes. Nurses are known for advocating for advancements in their profession, patient care, health systems, and public policy. Nursing organizations having become vital platforms for pushing for changes that benefit entire communities. They actively engage in political processes to initiate, implement and enforce policies that improve overall health outcomes (Chiu et al., 2021).
Challenges
Healthcare policies are constantly changing and evolving, and this can lead to challenges when individuals believe change isn’t necessary. People often struggle with change, especially when they feel their current methods are correct. By presenting factual evidence and demonstrating the benefits of these changes, we can address the concerns of some individuals and help ease the transition.
Evidence-based changes are about using science methods to guide changes within an organization. Planned changes are more successful when they’re driven by science. Also, by incorporating insights from scientific research, understanding the organization’s concerns, and listening to patients and practitioner experiences, we can enhance the quality of decisions related to change. This approach ensures that changes aren’t just random but are thoughtfully planned and more likely to be successful (Have & Rousseau, 2022).
Two Strategies
Two strategies I would use to help create policies are running pilot programs and examining the plain facts along with proven research. By showcasing statistics and factual evidence on specific policy proposals, it becomes easier to counter any arguments against them. If the data can demonstrate improvements in services and patient care, it strengthens the case for implementing those policies. Research is essential for guiding and shaping effective policy making. Evidence based insights from research improve policy formulating, implementation and evaluation. By working together on policy-focused research and sharing findings, people can connect research with policy changes more effectively (
The importance of research for effective policy making
2023).
References:
Chiu, P., Cummings, G. G., Thorne, S., & Schick-Makaroff, K. (2021, November 17).
Policy advocacy and nursing organizations: A scoping review
. Policy, politics & nursing practice. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8600587/
Have, S., & Rousseau, D. M. (2022, March 12).
Evidence-based change management
. Organizational Dynamics. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0090261622000067
The importance of research for effective policy making
. The Importance of Research for Effective Policy Making. (2023, July 8). https://www.edmond.in/opinions/the-importance-of-research-for-effective-policy-making/
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Tracy M Chaves
Oct 16, 2024 9:08pm
| Last reply Oct 20, 2024 11:33am
Reply from Tracy M Chaves
As we have been learning through this course, RNs and APRNs presence in policy making is important to ensure changes to policies are both beneficial to patients and professionals (Sharpnack, 2022).
One strategy that RNs and APRNs can use to participate in policy making is joining committees that have power to make changes, for example the Federal Advisory Committees (FAC) created by the CDC. Per the CDC this committee gives participants the opportunity to participate in decision-making and offer recommendations to the federal government (n.d.)
Another opportunity RNs and APRNs have for participating in policy-making is by joining a nurses association such as the American Nurses Association (ANA) or the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP). These organizations have many resources for nurses and one of those is nurse advocacy (ANA, n.d.).
A challenge one might face when trying to participate in policy-making is lack of time due to heavy workload on implementation versus development (Rasheed et. al., 2020). Another challenge presented in this research is that nurses may lack the knowledge and confidence in influencing political decision making. Nurses should be confidence as they have the power to educate, develop, and shape healthcare agendas (Sharpnack, 2022).
Two ways to better advocate the opportunities of participating in policy-making is by having those discussions with colleagues. Joining an organization such as the ANA and vocalizing it to colleagues can incentivize others to join. Another strong avenue of communication and display of community and activity is social media. Sharing posts about events, changes, and opportunities can shed light onto the importance of policy-making. However, a nurse must want to be active and want to dedicate time to participate in policy-making.
References
ANA. (n.d.) Federal Advocacy. Retrieved on October 16, 2024 from
https://www.nursingworld.org/practice-policy/advocacy/
Links to an external site.
CDC. (n.d.). Federal Advisory Committees (FAC): Committees. Retrieved on October 16 2024 from
https://www.cdc.gov/faca/committees/index.html
Links to an external site.
Rasheed, S. P., Younas, A., & Mehdi, F. (2020). Challenges, Extent of Involvement, and the Impact of Nurses’ Involvement in Politics and Policy Making in in Last Two Decades: An Integrative Review.
Journal of nursing scholarship : an official publication of Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing
,
52
(4), 446–455
Sharpnack, P. (2022). Overview and summary: Nurses’ impact on advocacy and policy.
The Online Journal of Issues in Nursing 27
(2). https://www.doi.org/10.3912/OJIN.Vol27No02ManOS
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John Dulko
(He/Him)
Oct 16, 2024 8:11pm
| Last reply Oct 18, 2024 8:31pm
Reply from John Dulko
Introduction
“Nursing is the profession that leads on the delivery of care 24 hours a day, and it is nurses who have the experience, the expertise and the research evidence that gives them a unique insight into issues such as patient safety, and the coordination, effectiveness, efficiency and integration of services” (Catton & Shamian, 2023). Therefore, “Nurses’ political participation is required to optimize the quality and equity of health services provided to patients and to improve their working environments” (Han & Kim, 2024). But “Despite the frequent call for nurses to advocate, there is evidence of a nursing practice gap in the policy arena (Jurns, 2019). Two opportunities for nurses to participate in policy will be introduced along with their challenges, how to overcome them, and strategies for promoting these opportunities.
Two Opportunities for Nurses to Participate in Policymaking
Two opportunities for registered nurses (RNs) and advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) to actively participate in policymaking are professional nursing organization participation and patient safety advocacy. “State and national nurses’ associations have groups responsible for lobbying legislators and impacting policy that affects the administration of healthcare … Nursing associations maintain a list of members who agree to write letters and make phone calls to their state and federal representatives” (Morris, 2023). These are more specific actions nurses can take to actively participate in policymaking. Nurses can advocate for patient safety by providing “… the evidence-based information they [lobbyists] need to convince legislators of the positions they should take to help improve the healthcare system” (Morris, 2023) and interpreting “… research for their state and federal senate and house representatives” (Morris, 2023).
Challenges
Two challenges for professional organization participation are the two most invaluable resources: time and money. Joining a professional organization often requires an annual fee, or dues, to help keep the organization running. For example, it is 150 dollars annually for members of the American Nurses Association to maintain their membership. Nurses who recommend changes to current policy often meet resistance, not because the suggestion is outright unfavourability, but because of the financial hardship it would require to change and implement it. Time is another challenge. Some nurses have a genuine interest and would like to participate but are not afforded the time because they work full-time, maintain their licenses and certifications, and support their personal lives. Adding more committee meetings or hearings on top of that is a lot for a nurse to do.
Two challenges for advocating patient safety are professional barriers and the implementation of accepted policies. Professional barriers “… such as stereotypes of the nursing profession, a lack of political nursing education for nurses, the political power of nursing representative organizations, and the limited support for nurses from these organizations (Han & Kim, 2024) impede this nursing opportunity in policymaking. Also, “… the adoption of an innovation does not ensure implementation; adopted policies may never be put into action, and adopted technologies may sit in unopened crates on the factory floor” (Klein & Sorra, 1996).
Ways to Overcome the Challenges
To address the time, nursing leadership should support nurses who have an interest in and potential in policy by allotting them time at work to contribute to these important issues. To address the finances, nursing leadership should also sponsor nurses to join professional nursing organizations to increase participation, even if that offers nurses to budget part of their paycheck to annual dues. To address the professional barriers and implementation challenges, nursing education and professional development need to include more healthcare politics so that nurses have the knowledge and resources to confidently tackle these tasks and have the finesse to support seeing their implementation.
Two Strategies to Advocate for these Opportunities
Two strategies for advocating for these opportunities are leading by example and supporting peers. “Families and friends of nurses need to encourage political activism. Nursing schools need to include healthcare policy education as part of the curriculum, as well as encourage some level of political involvement from nursing students. Furthermore, the faculty of nursing schools should also participate in policy changes, thereby acting as role models for their students. Finally, employers need to provide staff nurses with the time, resources, and opportunities to influence local, state and federal policy. After all, healthcare legislation ultimately affects us all” (Brokaw, 2016).
Conclusion
“By knowing how the system works and which strategies can effectively influence policy, any nurse can become an advocate at the local, state, or federal level” (Fredrik, 2013).
References
Brokaw, J.J. (2016 September 22). The nursing profession’s potential impact on policy and politics.
American Nurse
. https://www.myamericannurse.com/nursing-professions-potential-impact-policy-politics/
Catton, H. & Shamian, J. (2023 August 25). ‘Nurses and policy making: You have a seat at the table, so what?’
Nursing Times
. https://www.nursingtimes.net/opinion/nurses-and-policy-making-you-have-a-seat-at-the-table-so-what-25-08-2023/
Han, N.K. & Kim, G.S. (2024 June 28). The barriers and facilitators influencing nurses’ political participation or healthcare policy intervention: A systematic review and qualitative meta-synthesis.
Journal of Nursing Management
. https://doi.org/10.1155/2024/2606855
Jurns, C. (2019 September 6). Policy advocacy motivators and barrier: Research results and applications.
OJIN: The Online Journal of Issues in Nursing
, 24(3). 10.3912/OJIN.Vol24No03PPT63
Klein, K.. & Sorra, J. (1996 October). The challenge of innovation implementation.
Academy of Management Review
, 21(4), 1055-1080.
Morris, G. (2023 November 10). 10 ways nurses can get involved in policy.
NurseJournal
. https://nursejournal.org/articles/ways-nurses-can-get-involved-in-policy/
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Amy Simmons
Oct 16, 2024 5:47pm
| Last reply Oct 18, 2024 8:38pm
Reply from Amy Simmons
Main Post
Policy-Making Roles
There are approximately 4 million nurses in the United States alone, making nursing the largest medical profession in the world. Nurses can leverage insight to create empowering initiatives that enhance their effectiveness and engagement in health policy development. Nurses play a critical role in shaping, influencing, and implementing health policies, making sure they reflect patient-centered care (Hajzadeh et al., 2021). Additionally, nurses are capable of transforming policy-making processes simply with their experiences of working closely with patients and as stated in the Health Policy and Politics video, “we are the experts” (Walden University, 2018). Nurses can get involved in policy-making by joining professional organizations such as the American Nurses Association (ANA), getting involved with their local and state representatives, attending town hall meetings, or collaborating with other health care professionals.
Challenges
While challenges exist, nurses’ involvement in policy-making is crucial for ensuring that the healthcare system works effectively and fairly for all. Their contributions are needed more than ever to ensure that healthcare policies are aligned with the realities of patient care and the workforce’s needs. According to Han & Kim (2024), challenges come from a lack of political interests, a lack of political nursing education, and personal beliefs and values. Participation is required to improve the quality and fairness of patient care while also improving nurses’ working conditions.
Strategies
To overcome the challenges of nurses being involved in policymaking, first and foremost, the nurse must be willing and committed to learn about political nursing education, join a professional organization, and get involved in various political activities. Morris (2023), reviews ways to get involved in policy-making, she makes a valid statement “without a seat at the table, legislators inexperienced in healthcare are making health-related decisions” (para 3.).
References
Hajizadeh, A., Zamanzadeh, V., Kakemam, E., Bahreini, R., & Khodayari-Zarnaq, R. (2021). Factors influencing nurses participation in the health policy-making process: a systematic review.
BMC nursing
,
20
(1), 128. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12912-021-00648-6
Han, N. K., & Kim, G. S. (2024). The barriers and facilitators influencing nurses’ political participation or healthcare policy intervention: A systematic review and qualitative meta‐synthesis.
Journal of Nursing Management
,
2024
(1). https://doi.org/10.1155/2024/2606855
Morris, G. (2023, October 11).
10 ways nurses can get involved in policy
. NurseJournal. https://nursejournal.org/articles/ways-nurses-can-get-involved-in-policy/
Walden University, LLC. (Producer). (2018).
Health policy and politics
[Video file]. Baltimore, MD: Author.
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Lailat Andu
Oct 16, 2024 4:24pm
| Last reply Oct 19, 2024 8:29pm
Reply from Lailat Andu
Two Opportunities
Registered Nurses and Advanced Practice Registered Nurses often play multiple roles in shaping health policy through active participation in community health initiatives. These initiatives provide RN with the opportunity to advocate for health improvements and address social determinants of health within our communities. I believe that by engaging in community health programs, nurses can gather data, identify health disparities, and work collaboratively with community organizations to implement evidence-based interventions. This grassroots involvement not only enhances community health outcomes but also empowers nurses and APRN to influence local health policy (Hollander et al., 2018). Opportunity for RNs and APRNs to participate in policymaking can be through their involvement in professional organizations and associations. These organizations often engage in lobbying efforts, policy advocacy, and the development of position statements that guide health policy at various levels. By becoming active members, nurses and APRN can contribute their clinical expertise and firsthand knowledge of patient care to inform policy discussions and legislative initiatives. This participation allows RNs and APRNs to advocate for essential issues such as workforce development, access to care, and the integration of nursing perspectives into healthcare reform (American Nurses Association, 2020).
Community health initiatives and professional organizations, RNs and APRNs can also influence policy through research and academic partnerships. By conducting research on healthcare practices and patient outcomes, we nurses can provide valuable evidence to support policy changes. Collaborating with academic institutions enables nurses to translate their findings into actionable recommendations for policymakers. This evidence-based approach ensures that health policies are grounded in current research, ultimately leading to improved healthcare delivery and patient outcomes (Melnyk & Fineout-Overholt, 2019). Through these avenues, RNs and APRNs can significantly impact health policy and drive positive change within the healthcare system.
Challenges
Engaging in policymaking poses several challenges for RNs and APRNs. One significant hurdle is the limited time and resources available to nurses, who often juggle demanding work schedules with personal responsibilities (Pettit, 2019). This lack of time can hinder their ability to participate in advocacy activities or attend training sessions that enhance their policy-making skills. Additionally, many nurses may feel unprepared to navigate the complexities of legislative processes due to insufficient training in health policy and advocacy (Brous & Humes, 2020). These barriers can discourage nurses from taking an active role in shaping health policy, limiting their influence on critical issues affecting their profession and patient care.
To overcome these challenges, nurses can adopt several strategies. First, prioritizing advocacy efforts by scheduling specific times dedicated to policy engagement can help manage their time effectively (Pettit, 2019). Professional organizations can offer workshops and resources to enhance knowledge and skills in policy advocacy, equipping nurses with the necessary tools (Brous & Humes, 2020). Also, fostering interprofessional collaborations can facilitate access to diverse perspectives and strengthen advocacy efforts (Labrador et al., 2018). By creating a supportive culture within healthcare organizations, where open discussions about policy issues are encouraged, nurses can feel more empowered to advocate for change without fear of repercussions (Harris et al., 2021). Engaging in these practices not only addresses the challenges but also enhances the collective voice of nurses in policymaking.
Strategies Recommendation
To effectively advocate for the existence of policy-making opportunities for RNs and APRNs, one effective strategy is to develop targeted educational workshops and seminars within healthcare organizations. These sessions can focus on the importance of nurse involvement in policy advocacy, outlining specific avenues such as legislative advocacy, participation in professional organizations, and local health initiatives. For instance, a workshop could include guest speakers from professional nursing organizations who can share firsthand experiences of successful advocacy efforts and provide practical tips on navigating the legislative process (Brous & Humes, 2020). By creating a platform for knowledge sharing, nurses can feel empowered and informed about the various ways they can engage in policymaking.
Another strategy involves leveraging social media and digital platforms to create a dedicated campaign that highlights advocacy opportunities and success stories from nurses who have actively participated in policymaking. By utilizing platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn, nurses can share articles, resources, and personal narratives that illustrate the impact of nurse advocacy on health policy. For example, a series of posts could spotlight individual nurses who have influenced legislation or participated in public health initiatives, effectively showcasing their journeys and encouraging others to get involved (American Nurses Association, 2020). This approach not only raises awareness but also fosters a sense of community and support among nurses, inspiring collective action toward greater involvement in health policy.
References
American Nurses Association. (2020). Advocacy in nursing: A guide for nurses. Retrieved from https://www.nursingworld.org/practice-policy/health-policy/
Brous, E., & Humes, C. (2020). Advocacy training for nurses: Enhancing policy engagement. Nursing Outlook, 68(3), 329-336.
Harris, H., Craft, J., & Sargent, C. (2021). Creating a supportive environment for nurse advocacy. Journal of Nursing Management, 29(5), 1324-1330.
Labrador, A., Vargas, M., & Ortega, M. (2018). Interprofessional collaboration in health care: A systematic review. Journal of Interprofessional Care, 32(2), 152-159.
Pettit, J. (2019). Time management strategies for busy nurses. Nursing Times, 115(1), 22-24.
Short, N. M. (2022). Milstead’s health policy and politics: A nurse’s guide (7th ed.). Jones & Bartlett Learning. The Role of the RN/APRN in Policy-Making Walden University
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Selina Villanueva
Oct 16, 2024 4:21pm
| Last reply Oct 18, 2024 9:29pm
Reply from Selina Villanueva
While I would include policy-maker into my list of words used to build a nursing word cloud, I do not think it would be a prominent component of the word cloud. However, the preceding claim depends on the people involved in building the word cloud. For instance, nurse practitioners and other healthcare professionals are more likely to include policy-makers in their list of words when building a nursing word cloud than the general public. The above assertion stems from existing public perceptions concerning the role of nurses in the healthcare profession. For instance, Zhou et al. (2024) and Blau et al. (2023) noted that the role of nurses as policy-makers and decision-makers is usually less visible to the public. Hence, most of the general public only perceives nurses as caregivers whose roles are limited to healthcare facilities.
Registered Nurses (RNs) and Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) can actively participate in policy-making by joining and participating in state and national nurses’ associations. This opportunity allows nurses to collectively lobby legislators on policies impacting public health and nursing working conditions (Chiu et al., 2021). Also, RNs and APRNs can participate in policy-making by attending and testifying before Congressional Committees and local or state legislative bodies. Attending legislative sessions allows RNs and APRNs to learn how the legislative process works and the steps involved in policy-making. Similarly, testifying before Congressional Committees can assist legislators in making informed decisions concerning the healthcare sector.
The opportunities listed above face several challenges. First, time restrictions limit nurses’ ability to participate in nurses’ associations or attend legislative sessions actively (Hajizadeh et al., 2021). Also, a lack of collaboration and coordination among nurses due to the existence of multiple professional nursing organizations and nursing specialties reduces the impact of a unified voice representing the profession. However, the preceding challenges can be addressed through increased education on the benefits of collaboration and members’ insistence on coordination of lobbying efforts among the leaders of their professional organizations. This way, nurse leaders working for disparate nursing associations would be compelled by their members to partner in advocating for each organization’s members’ policy-change recommendations, leading to higher success rates. Furthermore, RNs and APRNs can appoint representatives from their healthcare facilities to represent their colleagues during legislative sessions and Congression hearings The Role of the RN/APRN in Policy-Making Walden University The Role of the RN/APRN in Policy-Making Walden University.
Finally, one can advocate for or communicate the existence of the opportunities listed above through changes in nursing school curricula and healthcare institutions. For example, nurse educators can implement policy advocacy training and information about legislative processes involved in policy-making in nursing education programs (Short, 2022). This approach would equip RNs and APRNs with political competency, enabling them to become more effective in participating in policy-making. Also, nurse leaders can promote policy-making participation by RNs and APRNs by promoting and supporting nurses’ involvement in policy-making through continuing education to improve their leadership roles. This can be reflected through increased nurses’ participation in public education, where RNs and APRNs educate the public on the relevant health policies affecting their health, thus shaping their voting decisions.
References
Blau, A., Sela, Y., & Grinberg, K. (2023). Public perceptions and attitudes on the image of nursing in the wake of COVID-19.
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 20
(6), 4717-4725. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20064717
Chiu, P., Cummings, G. G., Thorne, S., & Schick-Makaroff, K. (2021). Policy advocacy and nursing organizations: A scoping review.
Policy, Politics & Nursing Practice, 22
(4), 271–291. https://doi.org/10.1177/15271544211050611
Hajizadeh, A., Zamanzadeh, V., Kakemam, E., Bahreini, R., & Khodayari-Zarnaq, R. (2021). Factors influencing nurses’ participation in the health policy-making process: A systematic review.
BMC Nursing, 20
(1), 128-136. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12912-021-00648-6
Short, N. M. (2022).
Milstead’s health policy and politics: A nurse’s guide
(7th ed.). Jones & Bartlett Learning
Zhou, L., Godsey, J. A., Kallmeyer, R., Hayes, T., & Cai, E. (2024). Public perceptions of the brand image of nursing: Cross-cultural differences between the United States and China.
Nursing Outlook, 72
(5), 1-12. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.outlook.2024.102220
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Julia N Taylor
Oct 16, 2024 4:09pm
| Last reply Oct 19, 2024 2:43pm
Reply from Julia N Taylor
Role of RNs and APRNs in Policy Making
Nursing is the largest medical profession in the world, with nearly 4 million nurses in the United States alone (ANA). Registered nurses and advanced practice nurses can participate in policymaking in many ways. When participating in the policy process, nurses are considered professional experts. Nurses consult committees to assist policymakers in developing new evidence-based legislation. Nurses involved with skilled nursing organizations can also advocate for change, such as allowing advanced practice nurses to operate with full practice authority in a particular state. When nurses are involved in research, they can assist policymakers in identifying problems, assist with risk management, and the cost that may affect these many changes. Like most healthcare workers, nurses help strengthen the health systems (NIH).
Challenges and Solutions
The ultimate goal of health policies is to promote public welfare. It consists of three stages: formulation, policy implementation, and policy reformation (BMC). One primary hurdle in policymaking and implementation is the financial aspect (BMC). Nurses must consider whether a proposed policy change will complement or disrupt existing plans. Can the healthcare facility afford to reallocate funds to accommodate the new practice? While the idea may be beneficial, the critical question remains: how can we minimize costs? This financial challenge is just one of the many obstacles in the policymaking process.
Recommend strategies
Nurses should participate in State and NationNurses’es’ Associations. This will give them an idea of what other states are implementing and what’s not—building relationships with state lawmakers. I am a big advocate of networking. Today’s world is not just what you know but who you know. Building relationships can understand what others think and why they feel a particular legislation is essential. The most important recommendation I think is to Contribute Evidence-Based Data. Lawmakers want to see the facts and why this legislation is so important to you.
References
American Nurses Association. nursingworld.org/NurseLegislatorDirectory.aspx. 2016.
https://bmcnurs.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12912-021-00648-6
Links to an external site.
The nursing profession’s potential impact on policy and politics
Links to an external site.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8273557/
Links to an external site.
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Mihret Ghebreamlak
Oct 16, 2024 3:43pm
| Last reply Oct 17, 2024 10:12am
Reply from Mihret Ghebreamlak
Opportunities for Nurses to Participate in
Policymaking
RNs and APRNs have various opportunities to participate in policymaking. Professional nursing organizations can extend opportunities for membership in policy committees and development regarding healthcare legislation and policy initiatives. These organizations have an advocacy section that focuses on influencing policy. Direct engagement with legislators is another critical avenue (Tummers & Bekkers, 2014). For instance, nurses can request meetings with local representatives, attend town halls, or participate in lobby days. By sharing personal experiences and clinical expertise, nurses can contribute to policy development by helping policymakers understand the practical implications of health legislation. This goes a long way toward ensuring that health professionals’ contributions underpin the foundation of decisions made at local, state, and national levels.
Challenges and Solutions
Despite such opportunities, there are several barriers to policy engagement for nurses. The first one is time, as most nurses face conflicting and demanding work schedules that prevent participation in policy activities, typically during business hours. The legislation process can be very discouragingly complex, which could further hinder the nurse’s engagement in the process (Short, 2022). Such challenges may be overcome by nurses setting realistic policy engagement goals and focusing on key issues annually. Confidence to engage in policy formulation can be instilled through mentorship from experienced nurse advocates or policy education resources through professional organizations.
Advocacy Strategies
The following activities can be implemented to foster the possibilities for policymaking among nurses. First, integrating policy learning into nursing education and continuing education will increase nurse awareness. These may include courses on the legislative process, healthcare policy analysis, and advocacy techniques, thus engendering a tradition of political participation in the profession (Flaubert et al., 2021). Moreover, web-based information about policy opportunities through social networking and other digital media will reach larger groups. These updates on policy issues should highlight success stories and how-to resources to get involved, and they must be shared in real-time by nursing organizations and leaders in an easy-to-access way.
References:
Flaubert, J. L., Menestrel, S. L., Williams, D. R., & Wakefield, M. K. (2021). Educating Nurses for the Future. In
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
. National Academies Press (US).
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK573912/
Links to an external site.
Short, N. M. (2022).
Milstead’s Health Policy & Politics: A nurse’s guide.
(7th ed.). Jones & Bartlett Learning.
Tummers, L., & Bekkers, V. J. J. M. (2014).
Policy Implementation, Street-Level Bureaucracy and the Importance of Discretion
.
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Tamika Cheatham
Oct 16, 2024 3:34pm
| Last reply Oct 19, 2024 9:17pm
Reply from Tamika Cheatham
Registered Nurses and Advanced Practice Registered Nurses are endowed with skills, they can apply to influence the course of health policy. Such activities are possible by joining professional associations such as the National Association of Nurse Practitioners and the American Nurses Association. However, many nurses may still find the political system too overpowering or remain in the dark as to how the system can be leveraged to gain results. Further, if the person holds other responsibilities, balancing other tasks with participation becomes equally problematic. These problems should be solved with the opportunity of holding workshops where people can study advocacy skills and receive the necessary materials needed to understand the structure of legislation (Congress, 2023). Another advantage to flexible participation is working across time zones and having virtual meetings because there may be people with very tight schedules.
In addition, they become involved in local or task forces on state health policy, which address specific issues such as mental health, chronic diseases, or health care for underserved populations. These task forces strive to come up with proposals for change in policies, but it is not an arbitrary process because there may be disagreements between members, or formal procedural barriers of the political system may hinder the changes being made (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2019). How cohesive these strategies are within these groups could be enhanced by defining needs, aiming for goals and objectives within that scope, and also by supporting the right communication process enhancing common goals.
On this basis, it is useful to perform educational workshops and training sessions to help support policy involvement. Such workshops also can raise awareness of the process of policy-making and the significance of involvement for RNs and APRNs (Chiu et al., 2021). For instance, a series named “Nursing Advocacy for example,” could be carried out at nursing schools and different conferences, whereby participants would be taught the basic tools and knowledge in advocacy. Also, using social media can increase awareness of policy initiatives and participation by the public. A campaign with a hashtag like #NursesAdvocatingChange can encourage RNs and APRNs to contribute their experiences within policy making with an advocacy-based community. Using such opportunities and successful experiences, RNs and APRNs can on occasion change the Health Policy Decision and overall nursing policy thereby improving patients’ outcomes and the healthcare system.
References
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2019).
The CDC policy process
. CDC.
https://www.cdc.gov/policy/polaris/policyprocess/index.html
Links to an external site.
Chiu, P., Cummings, G. G., Thorne, S., & Makaroff, K. S. (2021). Policy Advocacy and Nursing Organizations: A Scoping Review.
Policy, Politics, & Nursing Practice
,
22
(4), 276–296.
https://doi.org/10.1177/15271544211050611
Links to an external site.
Congress. (2023).
Congress.gov | library of Congress
. Congress.gov.
https://www.congress.gov/
Links to an external site.
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Stephania A Senter
Oct 16, 2024 3:09pm
| Last reply Oct 16, 2024 5:44pm
Reply from Stephania A Senter
Registered Nurses (RNs) and Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) have many opportunities available to participate in policy-making. Nurses’ active involvement can help shape healthcare policy.
Nurses and Policy Making
Organizations, such as the American Nurses Association (ANA) provide RNs and APRNs a chance to engage in legislative advocacy. ANA often has committees that monitor healthcare policies, influence legislative agendas, and advocate for the nursing profession. Through this platform, nurses can lobby for healthcare reforms, meet with legislators, and testify at public hearings. According to Shariff (2014), participating in professional organizations empowers nurses to collectively influence healthcare policy collectively, ensuring the nursing perspective is included in legislative decisions.
Challenges
Time for involvement poses a challenge for nurses who may wish to be involved. Many nurses juggle clinical duties, family, and personal responsibilities, making it difficult to dedicate time to policy-making activities. Another challenge is that nurses may feel a lack of knowledge or lack of confidence in the understanding of the legislative process (Williams et al., 2018).
To overcome time-related challenges, nurses can utilize virtual advocacy options, such as online meetings or webinars hosted by professional organizations. This will offer flexibility. Nurses who feel underprepared can utilize professional organizations that offer advocacy training programs, webinars, and mentorship opportunities to equip nurses with the necessary knowledge and skills to engage in policy-making (Williams et al., 2018).
Advisory Boards
RNs and APRNs can serve on healthcare advisory boards, such as hospital ethics committees, and quality improvement teams. These boards directly influence healthcare delivery, regulation, and quality improvement strategies. Participation in such boards assists nurses with experience in leadership and confidence which not all nurses may have.
RNs and APRNs can also build their leadership and confidence by pursuing additional education, competencies, or certifications in healthcare leadership and management. Networking within their healthcare organizations and with interdisciplinary teams can also help nurses position themselves. Mentorship from nurse leaders can also provide guidance.
Hospitals, nursing schools, and professional organizations sometimes offer continuing education (CE) credits specifically focused on healthcare policy and advocacy. These programs raise awareness of the various policy-making opportunities available and equip nurses with the skills to engage in them. Hosting workshops on the legislative process or the role of nurses in policy advocacy can assist the process and encourage more participation.
Conclusion
By participating in professional nursing organizations’ legislative committees and serving on advisory boards or healthcare councils, RNs and APRNs can play a crucial role in shaping healthcare policies. Overcoming challenges such as time constraints, lack of preparation, and hierarchical barriers requires mentorship, leadership development, and flexibility in engagement opportunities. Increasing awareness through continuing education and structured mentorship programs can empower more nurses to participate actively in healthcare policy-making, ultimately improving patient care and advancing the nursing profession.
References:
Lamb, G., Schmid, A., & Spencer, R. (2018). Nurses’ participation in health policy development: Barriers and facilitators.
Journal of Nursing Management, 26
(5), 663-671.
Phillips, S. J. (2020). 28th annual APRN legislative update: Improving access to healthcare one state at a time.
The Nurse Practitioner, 45
(1), 29-53.
Shariff, N. (2014). Factors that act as facilitators and barriers to nurse leaders’ participation in health policy development.
BMC Nursing, 13
(20). https://doi.org/10.1186/1472-6955-13-20
Williams, S. D., Phillips, J. M., & Koyama, K. (2018). Nurse advocacy: Adopting a health in all policies approach.
Online Journal of Issues in Nursing, 23
(3), 5. https://doi.org/10.3912/OJIN.Vol23No03Man05
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Chhinderpal Kaur
Oct 16, 2024 2:17pm
| Last reply Oct 19, 2024 8:35pm
Reply from Chhinderpal Kaur
Opportunities for policy-making
RNs and APRNs have several opportunities to be part of policy-making in the USA. One such opportunity involves these nurses working with professional nursing organizations. The main role of professional nursing organizations is to advocate for nurses and nursing at the state or federal levels (Rasheed et al., 2020). An example of such an organization is the American Nurses Association (ANA). These organizations offer their members platforms to share their change ideas and meet with people involved in policy-making. A second opportunity involves nurses working in service boards or committees (Safari et al., 2020). For instance, they could be part of the hospital administration board, public service board, or a government health committee. These positions uniquely place the nurses in a position to shape policies that govern the institutions or the nursing profession. Serving on an advisory board can allow them to meet policymakers and offer their input on potential policy changes.
Challenges
A major challenge for nurses in harnessing these opportunities is a lack of awareness. Most of the time, nurses are just working as professionals in direct patient care and are not informed of the wider input they have in policy or policy-making process. They are not aware that they are in organizations that also offer them opportunities to change policies through the right channels. Another challenge is that even with information, positions in the advisory or any committees are sometimes difficult to achieve. Very few nurses make the position. Also, with little knowledge of the legal aspects of the law, nurses might find it quite intimidating to engage in policy-making fully (Rasheed et al., 2020).
Overcoming the Challenges
Educating nurses on their input in advocacy can improve awareness and engagement in the role. Also, online advocacy can help improve nurses engagement as most of the time they are engaged in bedside care. Another approach can be educating nurses on the process of policy making. This will improve their willingness to participate in the process of making policies or being in forums where policies are made (Safariet al., 2020).
Strategies to Increase Advocacy Awareness
The first strategy is setting up education campaigns. These are forums that get nurses together including conferences, workshops, meetings, and other social gatherings. Spreading the information will increase awareness in the nursing population. When nurses know that their input is important and valued, they will make an effort to be part of it. A second approach is providing mentorship for nurses. This is whereby nurses who have been in policy-making mentor novice nurses into policy-making by showing them how it is done. This approach builds confidence in novice nurses, allowing them to actively participate in policy-making to improve the practice (Safari et al., 2020).
References
Rasheed, S. P., Younas, A., & Mehdi, F. (2020). Challenges, extent of involvement, and the impact of nurses’ involvement in politics and policy making in in last two decades: an integrative review. Journal of Nursing Scholarship, 52(4), 446-455. https://sigmapubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/jnu.12567
Safari, M. B., Bahadori, M., & Alimohammadzadeh, K. (2020). The related factors of nurses’ participation and perceived benefits and barriers in health policy making. Journal of Nursing Research, 28(4), e103.https://journals.lww.com/jnr-twna/fulltext/2020/08000/the_related_factors_of_nurses__participation_and.6.aspx
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Deco Tanjong
Oct 16, 2024 1:04pm
| Last reply Oct 19, 2024 8:41pm
Reply from Deco Tanjong
Policy is an overarching term used to define both an entity and a process. The purpose of public policy is to direct problems to the government’s attention and to secure the government’s response. Short, N.M (2022). Nurses and APRNs have the opportunity to participate in policymaking, some challenges. Nurses will face the issue of how they may be able to overcome challenges.
Two opportunities for Nurses and APRNs to participate in policymaking.
Nurses can register and become active members of organizations like the American Nurses Association(ANA) to access advocacy resources and network with other nurses involved in policy work. Through American Nurse Association membership, members have the opportunity to engage and share their perspectives with policymakers. The American Nurse Association also facilitates opportunities for members to advocate for their policy priority with lawmakers—American Nurse Association (n,d).
Nurses may consider running for office to directly shape healthcare policy at the local level or state level. Nurses and APRNs have the opportunity to serve in Congress as lawmakers, just like Congresswoman Cori Bush, who served Missouri’s 1
st
Congressional District in 2020.
Challenges that the opportunities may present.
Lack of political awareness and education: many nurses and APRNs lack the necessary understanding of policy-making processes, legislative procedures, and how to effectively advocate for their position. The perception of low political influence within the healthcare system, restricted organizational cultures, and a lack of confidence in their ability to impact policy decisions. Short, N.M (2022).
Insufficient mentorship and leadership opportunities: Lack of experienced nurse leaders who can guide and support nurses in navigating the policy landscape. Because of this lack of mentorship, sometimes nurses and APRNs may constantly doubt their competency if they really know what they are doing and try to avoid being embarrassed in front of other members.
Overcome challenges.
In order to overcome challenges, Nurses and APRNs, after obtaining a membership with an organizational association like the American Nurse Association, should try to get into the role of leadership within the association, which will help them build that confidence and how to overcome challenges associated with leadership. Which will help guide them when it comes to policymaking.
Nurses and APRNs can strategize through social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook where secure, verifiable, and reliable videos, posting, and live videos can be made regarding important healthcare policies, where questions and answers can be provided and create awareness.
Nurses and APRNs can join community mentorship programs where a lot of information can be gathered, building confidence from past policymakers like Congresswoman Cori Bush, Lauren Underwood, etc., who have healthcare backgrounds and have served in Congress.
Reference:
Short, N. M. (2022).
Milstead’s health policy and politics: A nurse’s guide
(7th ed.). Jones & Bartlett Learning.
Chapter 4, “Policy Analysis and Design” (pp. 77–93)
Chapter 9, “The Influence of Patient Health Data on Health Policy” (pp. 197–217)
Chapter 10, “Financing Health Care” (pp. 247–257 only)
American Nurses Association (ANA). (n.d.).
Advocacy
Links to an external site.
Links to an external site.
. Retrieved September 20, 2018, from
https://www.nursingworld.org/practice-policy/advocacy/
Links to an external site.
Congress.govLinks to an external site.
Links to an external site.
. (n.d.). Retrieved September 20, 2018, from https://www.congress.gov/
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Kayla Rena Davis
Oct 16, 2024 10:53am
| Last reply Oct 19, 2024 9:29pm
Reply from Kayla Rena Davis
Registered Nurses (RNs) and Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) have numerous opportunities to engage in policy-making, ranging from minimal to extensive involvement. State and national nursing associations offer valuable platforms for networking and policy advocacy (Ko, 2022). These associations are typically required to maintain boards dedicated to advocacy and policy-making, providing members with access to active participation. Through these associations, nurses can connect with local leaders and policymakers, amplifying their voices on issues that affect the nursing profession.
Additionally, RNs and APRNs can engage in lobbying efforts or interact directly with legislators by attending hearings, offering testimony, or collaborating with lobbyists. By understanding the intricacies of the policy-making process, fostering relationships with lawmakers, and presenting evidence-based information, nurses can effectively contribute to developing new policies (Ko, 2022).
Barriers to nurse engagement in policy-making activities often arise from a lack of political awareness, limited resources, and insufficient understanding of the significance of involvement. These challenges can impede nurses from advocating for policy changes, meeting with legislators and lobbyists, and presenting evidence-based practices and research to support their perspectives, all requiring substantial knowledge and time (Hajizadeh et al., 2021). Incorporating policy advocacy into nursing education curricula is essential to enhance nurses’ knowledge in these areas. Educating future nurses about the importance of involvement from the outset can foster a deeper understanding of their role in policy-making (Chiu et al., 2021). However, the legislative process may seem overwhelming for many, especially for those without prior experience.
Effective advocacy at this level demands considerable commitment, and nurses may encounter challenges in being recognized by policymakers who lack familiarity with the nursing role. Active participation in nursing associations already engaged in policy work can facilitate this process. Nursing associations should proactively encourage Chief Nursing Officers (CNOs) and other nursing leaders to engage with associations. These leaders can, in turn, promote involvement at the management and staff levels.
The most effective strategy for nurses entering policy-making is to conduct thorough research, determine the best path aligned with their interests, and realistically assess the time they can dedicate to advocacy. For those unable to engage directly with legislators and lobbyists due to time constraints, joining nursing associations and advocating through their boards offers a viable alternative. Nurses should encourage each other to recognize their collective voice, as their unique experiences and insights are essential to shaping policies that promote safe, effective care.
Reference:
Chiu, P., Cummings, G. G., Thorne, S., & Schick-Makaroff, K. (2021). Policy advocacy and nursing organizations: A scoping review.
Policy, Politics, & Nursing Practice
,
22
(4), 276–296. https://doi.org/10.1177/15271544211050611
Hajizadeh, A., Zamanzadeh, V., Kakemam, E., Bahreini, R., & Khodayari-Zarnaq, R. (2021). Factors influencing nurses participation in the health policy-making process: A systematic review.
BMC Nursing
,
20
(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12912-021-00648-6
Ko, N. (2022, November 15).
10 ways nurses can get involved in policy
. NurseJournal.org. https://nursejournal.org/articles/ways-nurses-can-get-involved-in-policy/
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Miriane Meigueu
Oct 16, 2024 5:02am
| Last reply Oct 19, 2024 7:39pm
Reply from Miriane Meigueu
Opportunities that Exist for RNs and APRNs to Actively Participate in Policymaking
Policymaking is an intricately complicated process that requires the strategic involvement of multiple stakeholders or parties. The policymaking process in congress allows some level of transparency and accountability, especially in policies that touch on professions, such as healthcare, where professionals are allowed to make their professional contributions to the policy development process (Milstead & Short, 2019). Registered Nurses and Advanced Practice Registered Nurses have opportunities to serve and participate in the policymaking process in various ways. One opportunity that APRNs and RNs have to contribute to the policymaking process is serving as committee members, where they can contribute or serve as consultants on professional matters. At the community participation level, the nursing professionals have an opportunity to argue crucial points as well as negotiate for vital changes and inputs that are necessary to help transform the intended aspects of nursing and healthcare practice (Tummers & Bekkers, 2014).
Secondly, professional nursing practitioners have an opportunity to participate in the policymaking process through their professional associations, where they can make their contributions through lobbying. Professional nursing associations, such as the American Nurses Association, are committed to addressing various aspects of professional nursing importance (Chiu et al., 2021). Utilizing the opportunity presented in congress through public participation allows the American Nurses Association to make their valuable contributions on important matters of professional importance. By occupying the frontline lobbying position, the American Nurses Association representatives can actively represent vital policy-related matters regarding the nursing profession (Kalaitzidis & Jewell, 2020). Professional lobbying in nursing can be made even more effective by networking with political leaders to come up with policy proposals and interventions, which, when implemented, can help transform nursing as a profession and a practice (Wijk et al., 2022). The Role of the RN/APRN in Policy-Making Walden University
The Underlining Challenges and how to Overcome them
Participating in the policymaking process is often challenging. The entire policymaking process is a political process, which requires understanding the political field. Professional nurses have little understanding of the political process. In most cases, the professional nurses will seek to engage in the professional aspect of policy development and leave the politics to the political leadership. This may lead to compromises on the intended policies, which negatively affects the policymaking process (Hajizadeh et al., 2021). To become better advocates, I think professional nurses should have representation at the political level so as to increase the likelihood of having a substantial impact on the policymaking process that may otherwise be marred by politics. Additionally, nurses and nursing advocates should leverage social media platforms to create awareness in society. This helps to get the public interested in pushing for legislative reforms from their local political representatives.
Reference
Chiu, P., Cummings, G. G., Thorne, S., & Schick-Makaroff, K. (2021). Policy advocacy and nursing organizations: A scoping review.
Policy, Politics & Nursing Practice
,
22
(4), 271–291.
Hajizadeh, A., Zamanzadeh, V., Kakemam, E., Bahreini, R., & Khodayari-Zarnaq, R. (2021). Factors influencing nurses participation in the health policy-making process: A systematic review.
BMC Nursing
,
20
(1), 1-9.
Kalaitzidis, E., & Jewell, P. (2020). The concept of advocacy in nursing: A critical analysis.
The Health Care Manager
,
39
(2), 77-84.
Milstead, J. A., & Short, N. M. (209).
Health policy and politics: A nurse’s guide
(6th ed.). Jones & Bartlett Learning.
Tummers, L., & Bekkers, V. (2014). Policy implementation, street level bureaucracy, and the importance of discretion.
Public Management Review,
16(4), 527–547.
Wijk, M., Lalleman, P. C. B., Cummings, G. G., & Engel, J. (2022). Public opinion leadership in nursing practice: A Rogerian concept analysis.
Policy, Politics & Nursing Practice
,
23
(1), 67–79.
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Nicole Greco Carl
Oct 16, 2024 1:47am
| Last reply Oct 18, 2024 7:57pm
Reply from Nicole Greco Carl
RNs and APRNs opportunities in policy-making
Nowadays the quickest way to get information out to many people in a short amount of time is to, “[b]uild a social media following as a nurse… Social media platforms allow you to gather a following of like-minded individuals who are interested in influencing policy decisions that affect healthcare”(Morris,2023). This can create a community that has the same knowledge about a topic and convince representatives of what is best for the people.
Another way to get into policy makes is for, “nurses [to] consider building relationships with lawmakers who work on healthcare bills…You can start a relationship by calling your state legislator or writing to them”(Morris,2023).
Challenges
A challenge for social media is building that following in the first place and reaching your goal audience, “social media platforms are always tweaking their algorithms to give their users the best experience possible, so businesses need to constantly adjust their strategies to keep up”(Calus, 2024). It can be a full-time job creating constantly flowing entertaining content that the audience interacts with.
A challenge to developing a relationship with a policymaker is getting them to respond to you in the first place since many have employees who might respond for them.
Strategies you might make to better advocate
The best advice to give for having a successful social media platform is to “stay on top of social media and constantly learn about new trends” (Calus, 2024). Once a decent following is secured, a social media manager can also be hired to expand faster and create engaging content.
The best tip for getting a policymaker to respond is to “start with your own elected officials and identify in that group who might most be receptive to your message” (Walden University, 2018). Also, when writing or engaging with these officials to have done your research, to have a hook, and to bring up a topic that cannot be ignored and that they will want to discuss or is a hot topic in the community at the moment.
References:
Calus, V. (2024, April 23).
The biggest social media challenges according to 80 social media managers
. Planable. https://planable.io/blog/social-media-challenges/#:~:text=The%20biggest%20social%20media%20challenge%20a%20business,constantly%20adjust%20their%20strategies%20to%20keep%20up.
Morris, G. (2023, November 10).
10 ways nurses can get involved in policy
. NurseJournal.org. https://nursejournal.org/articles/ways-nurses-can-get-involved-in-policy/
Walden University, LLC. (Producer). (2018).
Getting your Program Designed and Implemented
[Video file]. Baltimore, MD: Author.
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Christelle Njieukeng Piemba
Oct 15, 2024 10:23pm
| Last reply Oct 16, 2024 7:18pm
Reply from Christelle Njieukeng Piemba
There are a number of opportunities that exist for RNs and APRNs in taking part of the policy making processes. It is through professional organizations, such as American Nurses Association, which are active in the process of making policy decisions that could impact healthcare in a huge way. Furthermore, it is also in the workplace where RNs and ARNs will be active in the process of determining the type of policies that could be enacted in the workplace. In this discussion, I found two opportunities that could help the RNs and APRNs in policy making process
.
Two opportunities for RNs and APRNs to participate in policymaking actively.
Registered nurses and advanced practice nurses can participate in policy making in two ways. Nurses can be involved in the policy design process and research regarding health services (Milstead & Short, 2019). When participating in the policy design process, nurses are considered professional experts and are often asked to consult committees to assist policymakers in drafting new legislation (Milstead & Short, 2019). Nurses involved with professional nursing organizations are also able to advocate for change, such as allowing advanced practice nurses to operate with full practice authority in a particular state. Nurses can also bring social issues in healthcare to policymakers who, before this, may not have been aware the issue existed (Milstead & Short, 2019).
Health services research focuses on multiple areas of the healthcare industry. Milstead & Short (2019) noted that health services research specifically related to the field of nursing could assist in improving quality of care, access to care, and patient safety. Nurses involved in research can assist policymakers in identifying problems, estimating the cost of potential change, and assist with identifying the risk versus the benefit of the change overall (Milstead & Short, 2019). This information is essential to consider as the goal is to achieve patient safety and the best patient outcomes possible for the community that is being served.
Challenges that these opportunities may present
The most common challenge that policymakers face is their budget. However, nurses can bring social issues to the forefront of the policy discussion when considering a policy change. It is essential to consider the cost of the change (Barzegar et al., 2020). How much is the new policy going to cost? How will the policy change impact the way the hospitals’ function or spend their funds? Governments need to know how their new policy will impact on the healthcare system and the citizens they serve (Barzegar et al., 2020). Health research is an integral part of determining the cost of the policy change and looking for the most cost-effective way to implement it (Milstead & Short, 2019).
Two Strategies to Advocate for these Opportunities
Nurses have the option to obtain membership in a professional nursing organization. As a member of a professional organization, nurses could assist with lobbying efforts for legislation. An example of a topic that has been at the forefront of nursing issues is the Nurse and Healthcare Worker Protection Act that was introduced to the 114
th
Congress (2015-2017) (Milstead & Short, 2019). This act was the result of lobbying completed by the American Nurses Association (ANA). This legislation requires employers to purchase and maintain equipment to assist in lifting and transferring patients to protect nurses and nursing support staff from injury (Milstead & Short, 2019). Nurses should communicate with their colleagues who are members of their specific organization to get involved with lobbying efforts to assist with policy formation.
Nurses can also get involved in their own organization’s committees to help influence policymaking within their facility. Many committees exist within a hospital to help shape policy and review evidence-based practices (Lavenberg et al., 2019). One example would be joining the facility’s safety committee. This committee looks at the safety issues in the hospital. It works to determine ways to prevent the safety issue from re-occurring and advocate for policy changes based on evidence-based practices (Lavenberg et al., 2019).
References
Barzegar Safari, M., Bahadori, M., & Alimohammadzadeh, K. (2020). The Related Factors of Nurses’ Participation and Perceived Benefits and Barriers in Health Policy Making.
The Journal of Nursing Research
: JNR
,
28
(4), e103.
https://doi-org.ezp.waldenulibrary.org/10.1097/jnr.0000000000000385
Links to an external site.
Lavenberg, J. G., Cacchione, P. Z., Jayakumar, K. L., Leas, B. F., Mitchell, M. D., Mull, N. K., & Umscheid, C. A. (2019). Impact of a Hospital Evidence‐Based Practice Center (EPC) on Nursing Policy and Practice.
Worldviews on Evidence-Based Nursing
,
16
(1), 4–11.
https://doi-org.ezp.waldenulibrary.org/10.1111/wvn.12346
Links to an external site.
Milstead, J. A., & Short, N. M. (2019). Health policy and politics: A nurse’s guide (6
th
ed.). Burlington, MA: Jones & Bartlett Learning.
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Qiana Felder
Oct 15, 2024 12:18pm
| Last reply Oct 16, 2024 10:49am
Reply from Qiana Felder
Two Opportunities for Nurses to Participate in Policy-making
There are multiple ways RNs and APRNs can participate in policy-making. One of the most influential ways is joining a nursing association like the American Nurses Association. Collaborating with this association allows nurses to network with other nurses interested in policy change and work together to make a change (American Nurse Association, 2019). Another powerful tool at your disposal is writing letters. This raises awareness of nursing issues in legislative settings and ensures that your voice is heard by policymakers, allowing you to share your firsthand experiences and insights and significantly impact policy decisions.
Challenges and Solutions
Nurses can play a significant role in policy changes; however, some barriers hinder nurses from participating in policy-making. Studies have shown that nurses do not participate because of a lack of knowledge, which reduces their confidence in their ability to advocate for change. Nurses also do not feel heard in their organizations, which is another reason there is a low level of nursing involvement in health policy-making (Safari, 2020). To overcome these challenges, nurses should receive proper preparation and mentorship in policy-making; by doing so, they would be guided and supported in influencing healthcare professionals and policymakers about the vital contributions nurses can make in this area, ensuring they feel confident and capable in their advocacy (Rasheed, 2020).
Two Strategies to Advocate for These Opportunities
Promoting mentorship programs that connect seasoned nurses with individuals interested in policy-making can promote awareness and encourage them to participate.
Another strategy to consider is utilizing social media platforms. This can raise awareness and publicize information regarding nursing policies, how to connect with organizations, and how to attend conferences.
References
American Nurses Association. (2019).
Health policy
. American Nurses Association. https://www.nursingworld.org/practice-policy/health-policy/
Rasheed, S. P., Younas, A., & Mehdi, F. (2020). Challenges, extent of involvement, and the impact of nurses’ involvement in politics and policy making in in last two decades: An integrative review.
Journal of Nursing Scholarship
,
52
(4), 446–455. https://doi.org/10.1111/jnu.12567
Safari, M. B., Bahadori, M., & Alimohammadzadeh, K. (2020). The related factors of nurses’ participation and perceived benefits and barriers in health policy making.
Journal of Nursing Research
,
28
(4). https://doi.org/10.1097/jnr.0000000000000385
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Doreen Pokuaa Yebuah
Oct 15, 2024 11:13am
| Last reply Oct 19, 2024 5:20pm
Reply from Doreen Pokuaa Yebuah
Main post
The Role of the RN or APRN in Policy Making.
Registered Nurses (RNs) and Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) significantly influence healthcare policy development. Their distinct perspective, grounded in clinical practice, enables the identification of issues impacting patient care and supports advocacy for change. Some opportunities that exist for APRNs and RNs to participate actively in policy-making include:
Serving as expert witnesses or Testifying at Legislative Hearings: Registered Nurses (RNs) and Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) can provide expert testimony at state or federal legislative hearings on healthcare-related bills (Hajizadeh et al., 2021). This allows nurses to inform policymakers directly about a proposed legislation’s real-world impacts by giving them an idea of the policy’s impact on the general population.
Rasheed et al. (2020) postulate that nurses can influence policy change by serving on local, state, or federal advisory boards and committees that provide recommendations on health policies. This enables continued participation in the formulation of policies. Nurses can positively impact the lives of numerous people in this way. For instance, the Federal Nursing Advisory Committee, specifically through the National Advisory Council on Nurse Education and Practice (NACNEP), is crucial in advising the US government on policies related to the nursing workforce, education, and healthcare access (National
Advisory Council on Nurse Education and Practice | HRSA
, 2024). It recommends to the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) and Congress on enhancing nurse education, addressing workforce shortages, and improving the overall healthcare system.
Lastly, Nurses can engage in media Advocacy by writing op-eds, giving interviews, or using social media to shape public opinion and influence policymakers on health issues (Aforbes, 2024). This raises awareness and builds public support for policy changes.
Possible Challenges and Solutions
In terms of serving as an expert witness. A possible challenge can be public speaking anxiety and Lack of experience in formal legislative settings. This problem can be solved by seeking public speaking training and practice sessions. Nurses and APRNs can observe other healthcare professionals testifying to become familiar with the process by developing confidence and becoming comfortable in such settings.
Limited openings and competitive selection processes exist when serving on local, state, and federal advisory boards. A possible solution is to build relevant experience and network with current board members, which can pave the way for prospective future board members. Another option will be to highlight one unique nursing perspective when applying for the advisory board position.
Finally, one’s career may suffer if media advocacy is applied without enough training in the media, particularly if the individual winds up on the wrong side of public opinion. It is therefore wise to obtain media training from nursing organizations and create a distinct personal brand and message consistent with one’s ethical standards to address this potential dilemma.
Strategies for Advocacy
To guarantee that APRNs and RNs are informed about and actively involved in policy-making possibilities, the following tactics might be employed:
Creating educational campaigns and developing educational initiatives aimed at APRNs and RNs can raise awareness and promote involvement in policy-making. These advertisements ought to center on the following:
Organize seminars that advise on how to join associations for professionals and advocate for laws. Guests who have effectively affected policy may share their experiences and best practices during these sessions. During these sessions, easily comprehensible resources—like pamphlets or infographics—that list the advantages of involvement, explain how to get engaged, and provide examples of successful policy efforts spearheaded by nurses should be on hand. These resources can also be distributed through hospitals, nursing schools, and professional associations to reach a larger audience.
Another strategy will be the fostering of mentorship programs.
Establishing mentorship programs that connect experienced nurse advocates with those new to policymaking can significantly enhance engagement. Mentors can provide guidance on navigating the complexities of policy advocacy, share personal experiences, and offer support to mentees as they engage in advocacy efforts.
Reference
Aforbes. (2024, February 22).
Why policy engagement is the next big nursing trend – NurseJournal.org
. https://nursejournal.org/articles/the-role-of-nurses-in-policy-engagement/
Hajizadeh, A., Zamanzadeh, V., Kakemam, E., Bahreini, R., & Khodayari-Zarnaq, R. (2021). Factors influencing nurses participation in the health policymaking process: a systematic review.
BMC Nursing
,
20
(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12912-021-00648-6
National Advisory Council on Nurse Education and Practice | HRSA
. (2024, January 1). https://www.hrsa.gov/advisory-committees/nursing
Rasheed, S. P., Younas, A., & Mehdi, F. (2020). Challenges, the extent of involvement, and the impact of nurses’ involvement in politics and policy making in last two decades: an Integrative review.
Journal of Nursing Scholarship
,
52
(4), 446–455. https://doi.org/10.1111/jnu.12567
Nurses spend more time with patients than any other healthcare provider. So, decision-makers should make it their goal to include nurses. Nurses have a moral and professional obligation to be involved in legislation that affects them and their patients. Whenever nurses are involved in the political process, they can positively impact healthcare delivery. A way for RNs and APRNs to actively participate in policy-making would be to join a community like the American Nurses Association (ANA). Being a member of the American Nurses Association (ANA) allows nurses to significantly impact policymaking by providing a collective voice to advocate for patient care, nurse wellbeing, and overall healthcare system improvements through lobbying efforts, educating policymakers, and actively participating in the policy development process at both state and federal levels, effectively influencing legislation and regulations that directly affect nursing practice (American Nurses Association, n.d). Another way RNs and APRNs can advocate for policy-making would be by communicating with legislators. One way this can be done is to establish a relationship with a lawmaker. This can be calling the lawmaker or writing often to share experiences or recommendations (Morriss, 2023).
Challenges and Solutions
Welliver
(2023) stated, “Another barrier is the limited formal health care policy education in nursing. Time and resources are further obstacles to the nursing profession’s participation in politics. Additionally, studies show that nurses are not given sufficient support to generate the evidence needed to influence healthcare policy.” I feel this statement is very true regarding the lack of time and resources for nurses. A solution would be for nurses to join an organization like the ANA that is related to their field of work. This allows the nurse to gain access to tons of resources and research that can motivate them to advocate for policy changes.
Advocacy Strategies
A solution would be for clinical nurse managers at hospitals or clinics to encourage this behavior within RNs. Nurses should be encouraged and informed about the ANA and what can be done to improve patient care. Another advocacy strategy would be to start a social media platform. Morris (2023) states, “
Build a social media following as a nurse
on the platform of your choice, sharing the information you’ve learned. Publish calls to action to galvanize the state or federal constituents to contact their representatives and make a difference in how decisions are made.” I believe this is a good idea due to all the new technological advances and how everyone is on social media. You are more likely to be seen if you share your thoughts on policies and changes that can be made.
References:
Health policy – american nurses association (ANA)
. ANA. (2017, October 14).
https://www.nursingworld.org/practice-policy/health-policy/#:~:text=Thanks%20to%20their%20frontline%20role,OUR%20HEALTH%20SYSTEM%20REFORM%20SECTION
Links to an external site.
Morris, G. (2023, November 10).
10 ways nurses can get involved in policy
. NurseJournal.org.
https://nursejournal.org/articles/ways-nurses-can-get-involved-in-policy/
Links to an external site.
Welliver, M. (2023, November 9).
The nursing profession’s potential impact on policy and politics
. American Nurse.
The nursing profession’s potential impact on policy and politics
Links to an external site.
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Ukamaka Okpalanwobi
Oct 15, 2024 6:56am
| Last reply Oct 18, 2024 9:24am
Reply from Ukamaka Okpalanwobi
Initial Post
Role of RNs and APRNs in Policy Making
:
RNs and APRNs play a vital role in shaping healthcare policies that directly affect their practice and patient outcomes. As nurses, we have several opportunities to engage in the policy-making process, and I believe we must make the most of them. One of the most accessible ways for us to get involved is by participating in professional organizations like the American Nurses Association (ANA). These organizations advocate for healthcare policies that affect both our practice and patient outcomes. By joining policy committees or attending events like “Nurses’ Day at the Capitol,” we can have direct conversations with legislators. Although time constraints can be challenging for many of us, virtual advocacy platforms make it easier to participate in legislative efforts without leaving work. Additionally, mentorship from nurses experienced in policymaking can boost our confidence and help us navigate the process more effectively (American Nurses Association, 2023).
Another key opportunity is directly communicating with legislators. Whether it’s writing letters, making calls, or attending town hall meetings, we have the unique ability to share real-life experiences from the frontlines of healthcare. This firsthand knowledge is invaluable in shaping effective policies. Though the political landscape can be daunting, using advocacy resources and templates from professional organizations simplifies the process. As an example, I recently found that using ANA’s advocacy tools made it much easier to express my concerns on healthcare issues (Milstead & Short, 2019).
Additionally, submitting public comments on proposed healthcare regulations is another avenue for influence. Organizations like the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) regularly seek input from healthcare professionals during regulatory changes. It’s a great opportunity for us to ensure that the nursing perspective is represented in decision-making processes. However, many nurses aren’t aware of these opportunities, so raising awareness through workshops or webinars within our teams could be beneficial. Providing simple guides on how to submit these comments would encourage more participation (Centres for Medicare & Medicaid Services, 2023) The Role of the RN/APRN in Policy-Making Walden University.
To better advocate for these opportunities, I think we can organize informational sessions during shifts or post updates on social media. Creating educational webinars on policymaking and offering continuing education credits would incentivize participation. Social media campaigns sharing advocacy success stories could also help spread the word about how easy it can be to get involved.
References:
American Nurses Association. (2023).
Nurses’ role in policy advocacy
. https://www.nursingworld.org/practice-policy/advocacy/
Milstead, J. A., & Short, N. M. (2019).
Health policy and politics: A nurse’s guide
(6th ed.). Jones & Bartlett Learning.
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. (2023).
Regulation and guidance
. https://www.cms.gov/Regulations-and-Guidance
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Brandon Grundy
Oct 15, 2024 5:08am
| Last reply Oct 19, 2024 3:45pm
Reply from Brandon Grundy
Main Post
Opportunities for RNs and APRNs to Participate in Policy-Making
How can Registered Nurses (RNs) and Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) make a difference in the legislative arena? One opportunity for RNs and APRNs to participate in policy-making is by serving on advisory boards and committees at the state or federal level. These boards provide platforms for healthcare professionals to directly influence healthcare policies. For instance, the Federal Nursing Advisory Committee offers nurses a chance to contribute to policies related to veterans’ healthcare (Congress.gov, n.d.). Involvement on this level enables RNs and APRNs to shape policy decisions that impact their profession and to target specific patient outcomes.
RNs and APRNs can also participate in the policy making process by testifying before legislative bodies. While providing testimony during healthcare hearings, nurses are able to advocate for policies that address prominent issues such as workforce shortages or nurse-patient ratios. Engaging in this process provides visibility while ensuring that the voices of frontline healthcare workers are heard and included in the legislative process (Short, 2022). The Role of the RN/APRN in Policy-Making Walden University
Challenges and Solutions
One challenge in regard to participation in policy-making is the demanding schedules of RNs and APRNs, which make it difficult to find time for these activities. A solution is to collaborate with professional organizations such as the American Nurses Association (ANA), which offer resources and advocacy programs to support nurses in policy engagement (ANA, n.d.).
Another valid challenge is the lack of familiarity with the policy spectrum. For many bedside nurses, engaging in the legislative process is to step out of their comfort zone and into a different wheelhouse all-together. This unfamiliarity can be mitigated by participating in continuing education focused on health policy. Professional organizations such as the ANA provide webinars and resources to help nurses understand legislative issues and how to get involved (Short, 2022).
Advocacy Strategies
With time constraints and a lack of proficiency being established as limiting factors it is advantageous to identify workable strategies for engagement at a novice level.
The first strategy I identified to better advocate for policy participation is through leveraging professional organizations like the ANA or the Alliance of Black Nurses Association (ABNA) for example. These organizations often provide frequent updates on current legislative issues and guidance on how nurses can participate in the policy-making process (ANA, n.d.). For example, the ANA’s advocacy campaigns allow nurses to influence policy with relatively minimal time commitment.
Another strategy which may resonate with this technological era is to utilize social media platforms to raise awareness of policy participation opportunities. Nurses can use their social media platforms to share updates from Congress.gov and to advocate for legislative changes. Campaigns with targeted hashtags i.e #NursesInPolicy can serve to increase visibility and engagement and consequently foster healthcare policy discussions (Congress.gov, n.d.).
References
American Nurses Association (ANA). (n.d.). Advocacy. https://www.nursingworld.org/practice-policy/advocacy/
Congress.gov. (n.d.). Federal Nursing Advisory Committee. https://www.congress.gov/
Short, N. M. (2022). Milstead’s health policy and politics: A nurse’s guide (7th ed.). Jones & Bartlett Learning.
Tummers, L., & Bekkers, V. (2014). Policy implementation, street-level bureaucracy, and the importance of discretion. Public Management Review, 16(4), 527–547. https://doi.org/10.1080/14719037.2013.841978
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Mehal Patel
Oct 14, 2024 8:55pm
| Last reply Oct 18, 2024 9:42am
Reply from Mehal Patel
Opportunities for RNs and APRNs in Policy-Making
Registered Nurses (RNs) and Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) play vital roles in influencing healthcare policy. They can engage in policy-making primarily through participation in professional organizations, such as the American Nurses Association (ANA) and the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP), which advocate for nursing interests at various levels. By joining these organizations, RNs and APRNs can take part in policy discussions, contribute to position statements, and engage in lobbying efforts. Additionally, RNs and APRNs have the opportunity to serve on legislative committees or boards, where they can provide valuable insights into healthcare regulations, quality of care standards, and public health initiatives, thus advocating for policies that improve patient care.
However, there are challenges that may hinder their participation. Many RNs and APRNs face time constraints due to busy work schedules and personal commitments, making it difficult to engage in policy-making activities. Moreover, there is often a lack of awareness about the opportunities available for involvement in this area and the significant impact they can have. To address these challenges, organizations can implement flexible participation options, such as virtual meetings and adaptable schedules, and develop mentoring programs that connect experienced nurse leaders with those new to policy advocacy. At my workplace, we hold UBC (unit based council) meetings every other month, which everyone (most of the nurses) attends. If nurses are not working on that day, they can attend UBC meeting virtually which gives them flexibility plus they are also getting paid if they attend meeting from home virtually. These meetings provide a platform to discuss various issues, such as short staffing, safety concerns, training or certification requirements etc. Nursing leaders and charge nurses keep us (staff nurses) informed about any upcoming changes in the unit and help refresh our understanding of policies.
To enhance advocacy and communication about these opportunities, leveraging social media platforms like Twitter and LinkedIn can be effective. I have a LinkedIn account where I follow nursing leaders from various fields to gain insights into their perspectives on driving community change. This has enhanced my understanding of how such changes can occur, and I also learn from experienced nurses and doctors about new evidence-based practice articles. Evidence-based articles have not only expanded my knowledge but also keep me informed about recent policy changes in procedures aimed at achieving the best patient outcomes.
Campaigns that share stories of nurses who have successfully influenced policy can motivate others to participate. At my work place, we receive updates on upcoming campaigns and are encouraged to participate. We have a storyboard called “Pulse” that highlights the significant achievements of team members and shares how they accomplished them to inspire others.
References
American Nurses Association. (n.d.).
Advocacy
. Retrieved from
https://www.nursingworld.org/our-certifications/advocacy/
American Association of Nurse Practitioners. (n.d.).
Policy and Advocacy
. Retrieved from
https://www.aanp.org/advocacy/policy-and-advocacy
Smith, J. A. (2022). The role of social media in nursing advocacy: A focus on LinkedIn.
Journal of Nursing Policy
, 15(3), 45-56.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jnp.2022.01.005
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Romel Suason
Oct 14, 2024 12:55pm
Reply from Romel Suason
The Role of the RN/APRN in Policy-Making
Over the years, nursing roles have evolved to include additional activities beyond bedside care and being the doctors’ assistants. According to Milstead & Short (2019), the evolution has equally seen word cloud terms such as advocates, empathetic, and hardworking remain relevant to nursing practice. Still, in today’s healthcare settings, policy-making has become indiscernible, especially among RNs and APRNs, as their position, expertise, and training equip them with relevant facets to influence health policies impacting care delivery and the overall system. Policy-making among nurses may have traditionally been less prominent; however, the professionals have engaged in legislative processes and advocacy over the years, influencing the policy-making process enormously.
Short (2022), in his work, identified that nurses’ participation in the policy process empowers them to advocate for better care practices and improved care delivery and patient experience. As such, including policy-making denotes a change in nurses’ role in healthcare legislation. The role denotes increasing recognition of nurses as critical stakeholders in the overall healthcare sector.
There are different opportunities for RNs and APRNs to participate in or influence the policy-making process actively. One opportunity is through active participation in professional nursing organizations such as the American Nurses Association (ANA). According to the American Nurses Association (2021), different professional nurse organizations provide their members (nurses) with recognized avenues to influence policies in the health sector. These professional organizations offer training on advocacy and policy processes, meetings, and conferences for nurses to voice their views and perspectives on policies and legislation in healthcare. For example, the ANA’s platform allows its members to contribute directly to shaping policies that affect their professional practice and patient care.
However, this platform or opportunity to influence policy-making faces one essential challenge: the need for more time and resources for nurse professionals to participate directly in policy-shaping forums while undertaking clinical and patient care roles. Due to nurses’ busy schedules, they may have limited time or no time to participate in the policy process (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2019). Another challenge hindering their active participation is a lack of relevant knowledge and experience regarding policy-making practices, impairing nurses’ overall interest and involvement in the process.
To address this challenge, nurse professionals can seek support from their organizations to get the know-how to impact the policy process and balance their policy-making and clinical duties. They can participate in continuous education to improve their understanding of their role in the policy process.
Another opportunity that RNs and APRNs can seize to participate in policy-making actively is the engagement in advocacy groups or advocacy groups. By being appointed to advocacy groups and legislative advisory committees at their local, state, and federal levels, the nurses bring their understanding, experience, and expertise to healthcare policy-related discussions and ensure their voices are heard and factored in.
Despite the advocacy groups offering nurses the opportunity to influence the policy process, one challenge hinders their ability to participate. This is due to difficulty accessing the opportunities provided by advocacy groups due to institutional or political barriers or even the lack of the necessary networks to get involved.
Nevertheless, the challenge can be addressed by the development of professional networks as well as getting mentorship from experienced nurses, which can help ease the transition of nurses into policy making.
Strategies To Advocate/ Communicate The Existence Of These Opportunities For Nurses To Participate In Policy-Making
For nurses to actively participate in the policy processes, they must be aware of diverse opportunities for their input and the chance to influence policy-making. One is through education and awareness campaigns for nurses, which get the nurses to understand their importance as stakeholders in the healthcare sector. The campaigns can focus on ensuring nurses understand their feedback and views in the legislative process, which plays a key role in influencing the policy process and encourages them to participate in advocacy efforts.
The third is teamwork or collaboration with policy experts. Hajizadeh et al. (2021) state that nurses can work with legislators or policy experts to enhance their policy-making skills and influence legislation decision-making. Including different experts (interdisciplinary) in the policy process can ease nurses’ participation in health reforms via the policy-making process. By integrating these measures, APRNs and RNs can be sure their voices are heard and help shape the healthcare sector’s future through policy and legislation processes.
References
American Nurses Association. (2021).
Nursing advocacy
. American Nurses Association.
https://www.nursingworld.org/practice-policy/advocacy/
Links to an external site.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2019).
The CDC policy process
. CDC.
https://www.cdc.gov/policy/polaris/policyprocess/index.html
Links to an external site.
Hajizadeh, A., Zamanzadeh, V., Kakemam, E., Bahreini, R., & Khodayari-Zarnaq, R. (2021). Factors influencing nurses participation in the health policy-making process: a systematic review.
BMC nursing
,
20
(1), 128.
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12912-021-00648-6
Links to an external site.
Milstead, J. A., & Short, N. M. (2019).
Health policy and politics: A nurse’s guide
(6th ed.). Jones & Bartlett Learning.
Short, N. M. (2022). Milstead’s health policy and politics: A nurse’s guide (7th ed.). Jones & Bartlett Learning.
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Rodrigue Cheumago Pondem
Oct 14, 2024 9:24am
| Last reply Oct 18, 2024 9:29am
Reply from Rodrigue Cheumago Pondem
Based on nurses’ important roles in patient care and even in healthcare systems, there is ample opportunity for them to become part of policy-making. This way, they are able to participate in operations that set health policies that affect their line of work and healthcare delivery practices. The goal of this discussion is to explore particular avenues for RNs and APRNs that can engage in policy-making, the potential issues they might face, and how those engagements can be encouraged. Therefore, this analysis supports the need to incorporate and promote the nurses’ full participation in the decision-making processes of the future of healthcare.
Two Opportunities that Exist
RNs and APRNs have essential avenues by which they can participate in policy creation through grassroots advocacy and by being involved on the hospital boards or as members of healthcare system leadership. Grassroots advocacy empowers the nurses by joining or creating awareness campaigns on certain aspects of the health care processes to lobby for change by directly addressing the legislators, presenting in public, or even spearheading a parliamentary petition for improvement of certain acts on health care (Jumbam et al., 2022). Moreover, nurses can directly attend the boards of directors in hospitals or boards of leadership in healthcare systems in order to affect the decisions on policies that are fundamental to patient care, the practice of nursing, and health systems. In these leadership positions, they are well-positioned to make healthcare policies patient-oriented, reflect quality healthcare, and advance nursing within the health system (Nilsen et al., 2020). Both pathways enable the nurses to be change agents in healthcare reforms at the policy level.
Challenges the Opportunities Present
Several issues may arise when RNs and APRNs engage in grassroots advocacy and work on the hospital boards or leadership teams. A typical disadvantage of grassroots advocacy for nurses is the demands of time that is spent in planning campaigns, arranging schedules of meetings with lawmakers, and trying to bring citizens into action (Jumbam et al., 2022). To counter this, the nurses can engage in nursing associations or advocacy agencies that offer support and assistance to help share the load and ensure that no one is overwhelmed to desist from participation. One possibility for nurses occupying a position within a hospital board or management team is the necessity to undertake leadership and business skills to affect change. Some of these duties may make many nurses feel incompetent when handling administrative or other organizational-related matters (Sevy & Warshawsky, 2020). To overcome this, the nurses can opt for leadership training or take a mentorship or professional development course to enhance their performance in governance and making decisions.
Strategies for Advocacy
Two strategies could be employed to improve advocacy for the existence of opportunities for nurses to engage in policy-making. First, it is possible to have formal mentorship or leadership development programs in internationally recognized bodies such as the ANA or similar-state nursing associations. Such programs could especially focus on ways of how to get involved in grassroots advocacy or hospital boards and cooperate with experienced nurse leaders to provide the necessary guidance and tools to nurses (Chiu et al., 2021). For instance, the ANA could provide advocacy workshops and provide a series of webinars on how to seek a position on a hospital board. Additionally, having an online portal or newsfeed for healthcare organizations to share information about such openings will be useful for the nurses. Facilities could post information through organizational communication outlets or possibly on an organization’s website and could spur the organization’s members to get involved by aiding how other nurses are already making a difference through illustration (Nilsen et al., 2020).
References
Chiu, P., Cummings, G. G., Thorne, S., & Schick-Makaroff, K. (2021). Policy advocacy and nursing organizations: A scoping review.
Policy, Politics & Nursing Practice
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22
(4), 271–291.
Jumbam, D. T., Kanmounye, U. S., Alayande, B., Bekele, A., Maswime, S., Makasa, E. M. M., … & Chu, K. (2022). Voices beyond the Operating Room: Centring global surgery advocacy at the grassroots.
BMJ Global Health
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7
(3), e008969.
Nilsen, P., Seing, I., Ericsson, C., Birken, S. A., & Schildmeijer, K. (2020). Characteristics of successful changes in health care organizations: an interview study with physicians, registered nurses, and assistant nurses.
BMC Health Services Research
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20
, 1-8.
Sevy Majers, J., & Warshawsky, N. (2020). Evidence-based decision-making for nurse leaders.
Nurse Leader
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(5), 471–475.
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Reylynn M Dunn
Oct 13, 2024 11:03pm
| Last reply Oct 18, 2024 8:37pm
Reply from Reylynn M Dunn
While there are other words I would include in a word cloud, the top three words I would include I would be advocate, valuable, and caring. I think of nurses being advocates on a smaller scale than policy making and more on an individual level. I would not have thought to add policy maker to the word cloud, I believe because it is not a task I am regularly involved in with my day-to-day care of a patient. Just because I do not regularly participate in policymaking, I do still believe that policymaking as a nurse is a valuable role. Policy making would not be a prominent component of the word cloud, but advocacy would be. According to the American Nurses Association, “Nurses instinctively advocate for workplaces, and in their communities; but legislative and political advocacy is no less important to advancing the profession and patient care” (n.d).
One major way that nurses can start actively participating in policymaking is by joining a large nursing association. According to Short, organizations employ lobbyists who are able to take the concerns and knowledge of nurses to the government for legislative attention (2022, p. 18-19). Due to having the experience of the lobbyist available, nurses in the organizations may be empowered to voice information or concerns that they have. Another way a nurse can get involved in policy making is through a coalition. State Action Coalitions exist in individual states and include both nurses and business partners with the goal of improving health (Campaigns for Action, n.d.). Coalition are similar organizations as they allow for the collaboration between experienced professionals. These professionals can then identify a problem, prepare a potential solution, and present the solution to legislature.
One major challenge that may occur for nurses wanting to participate in policymaking is work-life balance. If the nurse is actively working a full time bedside job and trying to change policy, the individual would not have much time to focus on personal aspects of life. A solution to this would be to have more policy maker positions within the hospital setting, that would allow a nurse to spend some hours within a pay period on policy making instead of at the bedside. Another major challenge that may affect policy making for nurses is the idea of being in politics. Most nurses do not know that there are ways to affect policy change without directly being in the legislative session. Therefore, more education should be provided to nurses on ways to influence policy.
The Role of the RN/APRN in Policy-Making Walden University
References
American Nurses Association (ANA). (n.d.).
Advocacy.
Links to an external site.
Retrieved October 13, 2024, from
https://www.nursingworld.org/practice-policy/advocacy/
Links to an external site.
Action coalitions – future of Nursing
. Campaign for Action. (2023, August 15).
https://campaignforaction.org/our-network/state-action-coalitions/
Links to an external site.
Short, N. M. (2022).
Milstead’s Health Policy & Politics
(7th ed.). Jones & Bartlett
Learning.
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Erin Roecker
Oct 13, 2024 1:12pm
| Last reply Oct 18, 2024 12:39am
Reply from Erin Roecker
There are several ways nurses and APRNs can participate in policymaking. By joining a professional nursing organization such as the ANA or AANP nurses are indirectly participating in policymaking. These organizations are often engaged in policy making and, in some cases, go to the national level. Per the ANA website, “As the lead organization representing the interests of the nation’s 5 million registered nurses, ANA’s role is to articulate that voice at the highest levels in order to influence health policy (American Nurses Association, n.d.).” Secondly, nurses can participate in policymaking by directly getting involved with the legislative process by attending or testifying at hearings. Some proposed health related policies may benefit from or even require the perspective from a nurse or APRN. According to our textbook, “Nurses cannot afford to limit their actions in relation to policy. Instead, nurses need to share their unique perspectives with bureaucrats, agency staff, legislators, and others in public service regarding what nurses do, what nurses and their patients need, and how their cost-effectiveness has long-term impacts on health care in the United States (Short, 2021, p. 19).”
Engaging in policymaking does have its challenges for nurses and APRN’s. The most obvious being time and lack of knowledge. Most nurses work full time, may be in school continuing their education and a large majority have families of their own. While advocating for policy change is very important it would be hard for a number of nurses or APRN’s to actively participate. This is why joining a nursing organization is important so nurses can be indirectly involved in policy change. According to an article regarding nursing and health policies, “Health policy and implementation relies on nurses to bridge the gap between policy and practice (Annesley, 2019).” The second challenge would be lack of knowledge regarding policies and policy change. I’ll admit prior to this class I was not very informed about bills, policies, and those processes. Nursing schools should do a better job of explaining the importance of getting involved with health-related policies because they often directly affect health care workers and our patients.
References:
American Nurses Association. (n.d.).
Health policy
.
https://www.nursingworld.org/practice-policy/health-policy/
Links to an external site.
Annesley, S. H. (2019). The implications of health policy for nursing.
British Journal of Nursing
,
28
(8), 496–502.
https://doi.org/10.12968/bjon.2019.28.8.496
Links to an external site.
Short, N. M. (2021).
Milstead’s Health Policy & Politics
(7th ed.). Jones & Bartlett Learning.
https://bookshelf.vitalsource.com/books/9781284238723
The Role of the RN/APRN in Policy-Making Walden University