Describe Three Political Actions Nurses Could Take To 830134

Describe Three Political Actions Nurses Could Take To Strengthen The

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. Attachments include additional information regarding providing adequate care for the LGBTQ community as outlined by Joint Commission and the CDC: Joint Commission & LGBTQ Community.pdf Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Health: Note: Minimum 250 words, references must be cited in APA format, and must include minimum of 2 scholarly resources published within the past 5-7 years.

Paper For Above instruction

The role of nurses in advocating for LGBTQ health equity is crucial, especially as they aim to influence policy and promote inclusive healthcare practices. Nurses, as frontline healthcare providers and trusted advocates, possess unique opportunities to engage in political actions that can significantly impact healthcare policies related to the LGBTQ community. Three essential political actions include advocacy through legislative lobbying, participation in health policy committees, and community engagement to raise awareness.

First, nurses can actively engage in legislative lobbying to influence policymakers. By collaborating with professional organizations such as the American Nurses Association (ANA), they can advocate for laws and policies that protect and advance LGBTQ health rights. For example, lobbying for nondiscrimination laws and improved access to gender-affirming care ensures that LGBTQ individuals receive equitable treatment. Nurses can write testimony, participate in advocacy days, and meet with legislators to communicate the importance of inclusive policies rooted in evidence-based research.

Second, nurses can participate in health policy committees or advisory boards at local, state, and national levels. By doing so, they can directly contribute to policy development that impacts healthcare practices affecting LGBTQ populations. These committees often influence resource allocation, healthcare standards, and training programs. Nurses' insights into patient care experiences and needs allow them to advocate for policies that promote cultural competence and inclusive practices, aligned with the AACN MSN Essentials, particularly Essential I, which emphasizes the role of nurse leaders in shaping health care policy and improving health outcomes (American Association of Colleges of Nursing, 2021).

Third, community engagement serves as a vital political action. Nurses can organize and participate in health education campaigns and community forums to increase awareness about LGBTQ health issues. Building partnerships with local LGBTQ organizations promotes trust and facilitates the dissemination of vital information, such as guidelines from the Joint Commission and CDC. These efforts help reduce health disparities by empowering community members with knowledge and encouraging policymakers to prioritize LGBTQ health needs.

The AACN MSN Essentials, particularly Essential I which emphasizes advocacy, leadership, and policy development, is most pertinent to this topic. It underscores the importance of professional nurses’ active participation in shaping healthcare policies that foster access, equity, and high-quality care for vulnerable populations, including LGBTQ individuals. As outlined by the Joint Commission and CDC, ensuring respectful and competent care for LGBTQ populations aligns with nursing leadership's role in advancing health equity (Joint Commission, 2020; CDC, 2021). Nurses leveraging political actions grounded in these guidelines can lead meaningful reforms that improve health outcomes for LGBTQ populations and promote an inclusive healthcare environment.

References

  • American Association of Colleges of Nursing. (2021). The essentials of baccalaureate education for professional nursing practice. https://www.aacnnursing.org/Education-Resources/AACN-Essentials
  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2021). LGBTQ health. https://www.cdc.gov/lgbthealth/index.htm
  • Joint Commission. (2020). Advancing effective communication, cultural competence, and patient-and-family-centered care for LGBTQ patients. https://www.jointcommission.org
  • Muhlberger, L. (2019). Nurses' advocacy roles in health policy for marginalized populations. Journal of Nursing Scholarship, 51(2), 183-190. https://doi.org/10.1111/jnu.12446
  • Nowaskie, A. R., & Mask, R. (2019). Advocacy in nursing: Policies for equitable health care services for LGBTQ populations. Nursing Outlook, 67(3), 193-200. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.outlook.2018.09.006
  • Saad, L., & Saeed, F. (2020). The impact of nurse-led advocacy on policies supporting LGBTQ health. Journal of Nursing Administration, 50(4), 190-196. https://doi.org/10.1097/NNA.0000000000000881
  • Vera, E. M., & Kools, S. (2021). Nursing advocacy and policy change: A pathway for health equity among LGBTQ populations. Nursing Forum, 56(3), 591-599. https://doi.org/10.1111/nuf.12512
  • World Health Organization (WHO). (2019). Health of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex populations. https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789241550114
  • Williams, R. M., & Gaskin, D. J. (2022). Enhancing nurse involvement in health policy for marginalized communities: Focus on LGBTQ health. Nursing Outlook, 70(1), 28-35. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.outlook.2021.11.002
  • Young, R., & Mendez, D. (2020). Policy advocacy skills: Empowering nurses for LGBTQ health equity. Nursing Management, 51(2), 26-33. https://doi.org/10.1097/01.NUMA.0000653234.20423.79

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