As An Advanced Practice Nurse, One Can Engage In Acti 090945
As An Advanced Practice Nurse One Can Engage In Activism In Order To
As an advanced practice nurse, one can engage in activism in order to achieve desired policy change at various levels including their own organization. Examine the following questions. #1) should nurses be unionized and #2) how does being unionized impact a workforce culture of safety? #3) Be sure to include one MSN Essential in your discussion that relates to this topic. All discussion posts must be minimum 250 words, references must be cited in APA format, and must include a minimum of 2 scholarly resources published within the past 5-7 years.
Paper For Above instruction
In contemporary healthcare, nursing activism and collective action have become vital tools for advancing policy changes and improving work environments. Advanced practice nurses (APNs), including nurse practitioners and clinical nurse specialists, possess a unique combination of clinical expertise and advocacy skills that position them as influential agents for change. Engaging in activism through unionization is a strategic approach that can shape policies, influence workplace standards, and enhance patient safety.
The question of whether nurses should be unionized is multifaceted. Proponents argue that unionization empowers nurses by providing collective bargaining power, ensuring fair wages, safe staffing ratios, and better working conditions (Keller et al., 2020). Union membership can enhance job satisfaction, reduce burnout, and foster a culture of safety by advocating for policies that prioritize patient well-being and staff welfare (Shin et al., 2021). Conversely, some critics contend that unions might impede flexibility and innovation, but evidence suggests that when effectively managed, unions support improved safety outcomes.
Unionized environments significantly influence a workforce culture of safety. By advocating for policies like adequate staffing and protective measures, unions help mitigate risks associated with overwork and exhaustion, which are linked to medical errors and patient harm. A culture of safety is reinforced through collective efforts to address systemic issues, share concerns, and promote transparency (Liu et al., 2019). Moreover, unionized settings tend to have better communication channels, fostering trust between management and staff, which is essential for addressing safety concerns promptly.
The National Student Nurses' Association (NSNA) Model for Professional Nursing Practice underscores the importance of advocacy and collective action aligning with the American Association of Colleges of Nursing’s (AACN) MSN Essentials. Specifically, MSN Essential II, "Organizational and Systems Leadership," emphasizes the role of nurse leaders in creating safe, high-quality healthcare environments (AACN, 2021). By participating in unionization and advocacy, advanced practice nurses embody this essential, demonstrating leadership that champions systemic safety improvements and policy advocacy.
In conclusion, unionization presents a powerful avenue for APNs to influence policies that foster a safer, more equitable workforce. It aligns with the core principles of nursing advocacy and leadership, ultimately benefiting patient care and professional practice. As healthcare continues to evolve, nurse activism—through union participation and policy engagement—remains critical for shaping resilient and safe healthcare systems.
References
American Association of Colleges of Nursing. (2021). The essentials of master's education in nursing. https://www.aacnnursing.org/Portals/42/Publications/Masters-Essential.pdf
Keller, D., Kellermann, A., & Hollander, J. (2020). Nursing unions and workplace safety: Policy implications and practice. Journal of Nursing Administration, 50(12), 603-609. https://doi.org/10.1097/NNA.0000000000000972
Liu, Y., Zhu, L., & Liu, Y. (2019). Impact of union representation on patient safety climate in hospital settings. International Journal of Nursing Studies, 93, 11-19. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijnurstu.2019.01.007
Shin, J., Kim, J., & Lee, S. (2021). The effects of unionization on nurses' safety attitudes and burnout. Healthcare, 9(5), 589. https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare9050589