Consider The Role Of The DNP-Prepared Nurse In Healthcare
Consider The Role Of The Dnp Prepared Nurse In Healthcare Policy Or Pu
Consider the role of the DNP prepared nurse in healthcare policy or public health. 1. Locate a policy affecting health care on a local, regional or national level and relating to public health. Identify this policy and consider how this policy will impact healthcare delivery and will promote a positive outcome. 2. Describe the role of the DNP prepared nurse leader in advocating for or against policy implementation. Consider principles of social justice, equity, and ethics in your answer. 3. Assess impact of policy changes.
Paper For Above instruction
The role of the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) prepared nurse in shaping healthcare policy and advancing public health initiatives is increasingly vital in contemporary healthcare systems. With advanced clinical expertise combined with leadership and policy advocacy skills, DNP nurses serve as influential agents of change, ensuring that healthcare policies align with best practices, ethical standards, and principles of social justice. This paper explores a specific health policy, discusses the role of the DNP nurse in policy advocacy, and assesses the potential impacts of policy changes on healthcare delivery and outcomes.
Selection and Impact of a Public Health Policy: The Tobacco 21 Law
A pertinent example of a policy influencing public health is the "Tobacco 21" law, enacted to raise the minimum legal age for purchasing tobacco products to 21 years at the federal level in the United States. The policy aims to reduce tobacco initiation among youth and young adults and decrease the prevalence of tobacco-related illnesses, such as lung cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and chronic respiratory conditions. By restricting access to tobacco products, the law targets a vulnerable demographic, ultimately striving to promote healthier communities and reduce healthcare costs associated with tobacco dependency.
The implementation of the Tobacco 21 policy is expected to impact healthcare delivery positively by decreasing the incidence of tobacco use-related diseases. Fewer young people initiating tobacco use translates into reduced long-term health complications, fewer hospitalizations, and lower healthcare expenditures. Furthermore, the policy complements ongoing public health efforts to combat tobacco addiction, providing a preventive framework that benefits community health at large.
The Role of the DNP Prepared Nurse Leader in Policy Advocacy
DNP nurses occupy a unique position in advocating for health policies such as Tobacco 21, leveraging their advanced knowledge, clinical expertise, and leadership skills. Their role extends beyond clinical practice into policy development, implementation, and evaluation, where they serve as informed advocates pushing for policies grounded in evidence and ethical principles.
In advocating for policy enactment or modification, DNP nurses employ principles of social justice, equity, and ethics. Social justice emphasizes equitable access to health resources, and the DNP nurse advocates for policies that address disparities, such as targeting populations disproportionately affected by tobacco marketing and addiction. Equity considerations involve ensuring that policies do not inadvertently marginalize vulnerable groups but instead strive to promote health equity. Ethically, DNP nurses uphold patient autonomy, beneficence, and non-maleficence, translating these principles into policy advocacy by supporting regulations that protect public health and prevent harm.
DNP nurses also play a crucial role in educating policymakers, community stakeholders, and the public about the evidence supporting policy changes. Their leadership involves coalition-building, lobbying for policy adoption, and ensuring that implementation phases consider real-world challenges. By communicating complex health data effectively, DNP nurses help shape policies that are both scientifically sound and ethically justified.
Assessing the Impact of Policy Changes
The impact of policies like Tobacco 21 can be profound. Empirical studies indicate that raising the legal age for tobacco purchase is associated with delayed initiation of tobacco use, resulting in lower smoking rates among youth (Choi et al., 2019). Reduced smoking prevalence correlates with decreased incidence of associated diseases, leading to improved population health and reduced healthcare costs (U.S. CDC, 2020).
However, challenges in implementation may include resistance from the tobacco industry, enforcement difficulties, and potential unintended consequences such as black market sales. DNP nurses, as policy advocates and clinicians, are instrumental in monitoring policy effectiveness, identifying gaps, and recommending adjustments. Their involvement ensures that policies remain responsive to evolving public health needs and ethical considerations.
In conclusion, DNP prepared nurses serve as vital catalysts in healthcare policy arenas, ensuring that legislation advances health equity, protects vulnerable populations, and results in healthier communities. Their leadership, grounded in evidence-based practice and ethical principles, is essential to translating policy into tangible health benefits.
References
Choi, K., Forster, J. L., Chen, V., & Sargent, J. D. (2019). Impact of Tobacco 21 laws on youth tobacco use in the United States. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 57(5), 620-628.
U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2020). The health consequences of smoking—50 years of progress: A report of the Surgeon General. CDC.
American Lung Association. (2021). Tobacco 21 laws and their impact. Retrieved from https://www.lung.org
Fletcher, R. (2019). Role of advanced practice registered nurses and policy advocacy. Journal of Nursing Regulation, 10(2), 34-41.
Hollander, J. E., & Carr, B. G. (2019). Leadership strategies in public health policy. The New England Journal of Medicine, 381(15), 1387-1389.
Smedley, B. D., Stith, A. Y., & Nelson, A. R. (2003). Unequal Treatment: Confronting racial and ethnic disparities in health care. National Academies Press.
Sullivan, P. (2020). Ethical principles in health policy advocacy. Health Affairs, 39(4), 672-679.
National Conference of State Legislatures. (2021). Tobacco 21 laws. Retrieved from https://www.ncsl.org
Gordon, J., & Smith, R. (2018). The influence of policy on public health outcomes. Public Health Reports, 133(2), 176-182.