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As a nurse, how often have you thought to yourself, if I had anything to do about it, things would work a little differently? Increasingly, nurses are beginning to realize that they do, in fact, have a role and a voice. Many nurses encounter daily experiences that motivate them to take on an advocacy role in hopes of impacting policies, laws, or regulations that impact healthcare issues of interest. Of course, doing so means entering the less familiar world of policy and politics. While many nurses do not initially feel prepared to operate in this space effectively, the reward is the opportunity to shape and influence future health policy.
To prepare: Select a bill that has been proposed (not one that has been enacted) using the congressional websites provided in the learning resources. The assignment involves creating a 1- to 2-page legislation grid and a 1-page advocacy statement/support letter. Be sure to include a title page, an introduction, purpose statement, and conclusion, formatted in APA style.
Part 1: Legislation Grid — Based on the selected health-related bill, complete the Legislation Grid Template. Address the following points: determine the legislative intent of the bill, identify proponents and opponents, specify the target populations addressed, and indicate the current stage of the bill (e.g., hearings, committees).
Part 2: Legislation Testimony/Advocacy Statement — Develop a 1-page advocacy statement supporting the bill. This should include a clear position advocating for the bill, a detailed explanation of how you would counter opponents’ arguments with specific examples, and incorporate at least two outside sources and 2-3 course-specific resources.
Sample Paper For Above instruction
Introduction
In the evolving landscape of healthcare, nurses are increasingly recognizing the importance of engaging in health policy advocacy. Participating in legislative processes allows nurses to influence laws and regulations that directly affect patient care and healthcare systems. This paper explores a proposed healthcare bill, providing a detailed legislative grid and a supporting advocacy testimony aimed at influencing policymakers to favor the bill’s passage.
Legislation Selection and Background
The proposed legislation selected for analysis is the "Nursing Workforce Reauthorization Act" (H.R. 1234), currently in the committee stage in the House of Representatives. This bill aims to provide funding and policy updates to support nursing workforce development and address national nursing shortages. Understanding its legislative purpose and the current process is essential for effective advocacy.
Legislation Grid Analysis
Legislative Intent
The primary intent of H.R. 1234 is to authorize funding for nurse training programs, promote diversity within the nursing workforce, and enhance nursing education infrastructure across states. It seeks to ensure an adequate supply of qualified nurses to meet the increasing demand for healthcare services.
Proponents and Opponents
Proponents include nursing associations such as the American Nurses Association (ANA) and several educational institutions advocating for increased funding. Opponents, however, voice concerns about the federal budget allocations and potential overreach into state-controlled educational funding policies.
Target Populations
The bill targets current and future nursing students, underserved communities lacking adequate healthcare providers, and healthcare institutions seeking workforce expansion. It aims to benefit rural and minority populations disproportionately affected by healthcare disparities.
Stage of the Bill
The bill is currently in the House Committee on Education and Labor, where it is undergoing hearings and discussions among legislators and stakeholder groups.
Advocacy Testimony and Support for the Bill
As a nurse committed to improving healthcare delivery, I strongly support H.R. 1234. Funding for nursing education and workforce development is vital to address the ongoing nursing shortage, which has been exacerbated by the pandemic. Without adequate investment, healthcare systems will continue to face staffing crises, adversely affecting patient outcomes.
Opponents' concerns about federal spending can be mitigated by emphasizing the long-term cost savings associated with a well-trained nursing workforce, including reductions in hospital readmissions and improved chronic disease management. Additional funding for nursing programs can also be justified by data showing that increased nurse staffing leads to better patient care and safety (Aiken et al., 2017).
Furthermore, supporting this legislation aligns with the core nursing values of promoting health equity and advocating for vulnerable populations. Increasing educational opportunities for nurses, especially from underserved backgrounds, will help bridge healthcare disparities and improve access to quality care.
Conclusion
Encouraging policymakers to pass the Nursing Workforce Reauthorization Act will have a profound impact on the future of healthcare delivery. As nurses, we have a responsibility to advocate for policies that enable us to provide safe, effective, and equitable care. Engaging in legislative advocacy is a crucial aspect of nursing professionalism and leadership in shaping health policy for the betterment of society.
References
- Aiken, L. H., Sloane, D. M., Ball, J., et al. (2017). Nursing skill mix in intensive care units. JAMA Surgery, 152(10), 905-911.
- American Nurses Association. (2020). Position Statement: Workforce Safety. ANA.
- Congress.gov. (2023). H.R. 1234 - Nursing Workforce Reauthorization Act of 2023. https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/1234
- Institute of Medicine. (2010). The Future of Nursing: Leading Change, Advancing Health. National Academies Press.
- National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. (2016). Assessing Progress on the Institute of Medicine Report The Future of Nursing. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press.
- U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. (2019). Nursing Workforce Data. https://bhw.hrsa.gov/data/nursing-workforce