Describe Three Political Actions Nurses Could Take To 154972

Describe Three Political Actions Nurses Could Take To Strengthen Their

Describe three political actions nurses could take to strengthen their role in policymaking as it relates to advocacy for improving LGBTQ health. Correlate your discussion to the AACN MSN Essentials, identify one that most pertains to this topic and elaborate on your selection. Attached below is additional information regarding providing adequate care for the LGBTQ community as outlined by Joint Commission and the CDC: Joint Commission Model for Improving LGBTQ Health Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Health: APA style. words

Paper For Above instruction

The role of nurses in advocating for the health and well-being of the LGBTQ community has gained increasing importance amidst ongoing disparities and challenges faced by this population. Nurses are on the front lines of patient care and hold a unique position to influence policy changes that promote equitable health services. To enhance their impact, nurses can engage in various political actions that influence policymaking processes, ultimately leading to improved health outcomes for LGBTQ individuals.

Firstly, one critical political action nurses can undertake is actively participating in advocacy efforts by joining professional organizations committed to LGBTQ health rights, such as the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Healthcare Alliance or National Nurses United. By becoming members or leaders within these organizations, nurses can contribute to policy development, lobby for legislative changes, and raise awareness about LGBTQ health disparities. Active involvement in such groups amplifies their voices and creates a collective force to lobby policymakers effectively. For example, collective advocacy has historically influenced legislation related to anti-discrimination laws and access to gender-affirming care (Harper, 2017).

Secondly, nurses can engage directly with legislative processes through activities such as testifying at public hearings, drafting policy proposals, or communicating with legislators on issues affecting LGBTQ health. This direct engagement ensures that the perspectives and needs of LGBTQ individuals are considered in policymaking. For example, nurses can prepare testimony to advocate for inclusive healthcare policies or funding for LGBTQ-specific health programs, aligning this action with the AACN MSN Essentials by emphasizing leadership and policy development (AACN, 2021). Active civic engagement empowers nurses to influence legislation that advances LGBTQ health equity.

The third significant political action involves leveraging social media and digital platforms to raise awareness and influence public opinion on LGBTQ health issues. Nurses can disseminate evidence-based information, share stories, and counter misinformation about LGBTQ health needs through campaigns and online advocacy. Campaigns led by nursing organizations or individual practitioners can mobilize public support and put pressure on policymakers to enact or reinforce inclusive health policies. This approach aligns with the AACN Essential IV: Information Management and Application of Patient Care Technology for the Enhancement of Patient Care, emphasizing the importance of communication and information technology in shaping health policy (AACN, 2021).

Among the AACN MSN Essentials, the most pertinent is Essential V: Policy and Advocacy. This essential underscores the importance of nurses’ roles in influencing health policy, advocating for vulnerable populations, and leading change in healthcare systems. It emphasizes that nurses should possess the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to participate in policy development actively. This essential particularly pertains to the advocacy of LGBTQ health, as it empowers nurses to become policy leaders who can influence laws and regulations that impact this community’s health equity.

In conclusion, by engaging in advocacy through organizational involvement, legislative engagement, and digital activism, nurses can significantly influence policies affecting LGBTQ health. The AACN MSN Essential V provides the framework and motivation for nurses to develop leadership skills essential for effective advocacy. Additionally, frameworks provided by organizations like the Joint Commission and CDC guide nurses in delivering equitable, affirming healthcare to LGBTQ patients, reinforcing their role as advocates and policymakers committed to health equity.

References

  • American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN). (2021). The Essentials of Master’s Education in Nursing. AACN.
  • Harper, G. W. (2017). Policy advocacy and health equity for LGBTQ populations. Journal of Nursing Scholarship, 49(3), 302-310.
  • Joint Commission. (2016). Model forImproving LGBTQ Health. Joint Commission.
  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2022). Providing equitable care for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender populations. CDC.
  • Kosenko, K., Taha, T., & Ross, M. (2018). Social media advocacy for health equity. Journal of Public Health Policy, 39(3), 333-344.
  • Hatzenbuehler, M. L., & Phelan, J. C. (2019). Structural stigma and health inequalities. Social Science & Medicine, 203, 75-82.
  • Wilkinson, D. et al. (2020). Legislative advocacy in nursing practice. Nursing Outlook, 68(4), 385-394.
  • Reis, M. J., & Padilla, G. (2019). Policy influence and nursing advocacy. Policy, Politics & Nursing Practice, 20(2), 45-54.
  • Svendsen, K., & Rowe, M. (2018). Digital advocacy strategies for health promotion. Health Communication, 33(2), 181-189.
  • Bradbury-Jones, C., & Taylor, J. (2019). The role of nurses in policy formulation. Nursing Ethics, 26(4), 1020-1027.

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