Describe Three Political Actions Nurses Could Take To 656577

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:

Paper For Above instruction

Improving LGBTQ health outcomes requires not only clinical competence but also active engagement in policy advocacy. Nurses, as frontline healthcare providers and trusted members of their communities, hold a critical role in influencing health policies that promote health equity for LGBTQ populations. Three significant political actions nurses can undertake include engaging in legislative advocacy, participating in healthcare policymaking bodies, and educating policymakers and the public on LGBTQ health issues. These actions can substantially reinforce the nursing role in policy, aligned with foundational educational standards outlined in the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Essentials.

Engaging in Legislative Advocacy

The first essential political action for nurses is active participation in legislative advocacy. Nurses can lobby for laws that protect and expand access to LGBTQ-inclusive healthcare services, promote anti-discrimination statutes, and ensure comprehensive health coverage. Advocacy efforts could involve grassroots campaigns, policy briefings, or meetings with legislators to inform and influence health policy decisions related to LGBTQ health (Kirk, 2017). For example, nurses can champion policies that prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in healthcare settings, aligning with the Joint Commission’s standards aimed at improving LGBTQ health care quality (Joint Commission, 2020). By directly engaging in legislative processes, nurses shape the policy environment to advance improved health outcomes for LGBTQ individuals.

Participating in Healthcare Policymaking Bodies

The second action involves active participation in institutional, regional, or federal healthcare policymaking organizations. Nurses can serve on health advisory committees, task forces, or boards that develop policies affecting healthcare delivery to marginalized populations. This involvement ensures that LGBTQ health concerns are integrated into broader health policy initiatives. For instance, participation in efforts to implement CDC guidelines on LGBTQ health equity enables nurses to influence program development and resource allocation (CDC, 2022). Such engagement increases the representation of nursing perspectives in policymaking decisions, ensuring that policies are evidence-based and culturally competent.

Educating Policymakers and the Public

The third key political action is through education—raising awareness among policymakers, healthcare administrators, and the community about LGBTQ health disparities. Nurses can develop and distribute educational materials, present at policy forums, or advocate for inclusion of LGBTQ health topics in public health agendas. These efforts help dismantle stigma, promote understanding, and foster the development of inclusive policies. Education initiatives, grounded in evidence-based practices like those recommended by the Joint Commission and CDC, can change attitudes and improve health services (CDC, 2022). Enhanced awareness leads to more supportive policies that prioritize equitable care for LGBTQ populations.

Correlating with the AACN MSN Essentials

Among the AACN MSN Essentials, the most relevant to advocacy for LGBTQ health is Essential VIII: Advanced Nursing Practice. This core emphasizes leadership, policy development, and advocacy competencies that prepare nurses to influence health policies and improve outcomes in diverse populations (AACN, 2006). Essential VIII specifically aims to equip nurses with the skills to shape healthcare environments through policy advocacy, which is directly applicable to initiatives aimed at enhancing LGBTQ health equity. As nurses advance in their clinical roles, their capacity to serve as policy advocates aligns with this essential, strategically positioning them to address social determinants of health and promote inclusivity.

Conclusion

In sum, nurses can strengthen their role in policy advocacy for LGBTQ health by engaging in legislative advocacy, participating in policy development forums, and educating stakeholders. These actions empower nurses to remove barriers, influence health policy, and ensure that LGBTQ populations receive equitable, respectful, and competent care. Embodying the principles outlined in the AACN MSN Essentials, especially Essential VIII, nurses are positioned to lead systemic changes that promote health equity. Through concerted political engagement, nurses can champion policies that foster inclusivity, reduce disparities, and ultimately improve health outcomes for LGBTQ individuals.

References

LGBTQ Health. (2020). The Joint Commission. https://www.jointcommission.org/

  • American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN). (2006). The Essentials of Master’s Education in Nursing. https://www.aacnnursing.org/
  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2022). LGBT Health. https://www.cdc.gov/lgbthealth/
  • Kirk, J. (2017). Nursing advocacy and policy: Strategies for promoting health equity. Nursing Outlook, 65(3), 289-295.
  • Joint Commission. (2020). Improving LGBTQ health care quality. https://www.jointcommission.org/resources/patient-safety-topics/lgbtq-health/
  • Reisner, S. L., et al. (2019). Achieving health equity for LGBTQ populations: A framework for public health action. American Journal of Public Health, 109(4), 504–512.
  • Gates, G. J. (2019). LGBTQ health disparities. American Journal of Public Health, 109(12), 1609–1610.
  • Hatzenbuehler, M. L., et al. (2019). Policy and health disparities among LGBTQ populations. Annual Review of Public Health, 40, 135–151.
  • McNair, R. (2018). Trans health justice: Building knowledge, policy and action. International Journal of Transgender Health, 19(1), 1–11.
  • United Nations. (2015). The right to health and the LGBTQ community. https://www.un.org/en/

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