Directions: Write A Formal 1-2 Page Paper In APA Format

Directions Write A Formal 1 2 Page In APA Format That Addresses The F

Directions: Write a formal 1-2 page in APA format that addresses the following: 1. Select an issue that affects today’s health care system. This can be at a community, state, or national level. Please write a paragraph about the issue and its impact on you as a nurse and/or the nursing profession. 2. Choose at least 4 sources that view the issue from each of the opposing sides (minimum of 4 sources total). 3. Write a 1-2 paragraph(s) that compare and contrast the pros and cons of policy change regarding your identified health care issue. Use the references from step #2 to support your statements. 4. Write a paragraph explaining which side you choose to support and how you believe that will impact health care at a local or national level. 5. List the steps you would take to advocate for policy change. This must include a person and/or group at the community, state or federal level that could assist in advocacy. This should serve as a roadmap to help your cause.

Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

The landscape of healthcare is continuously evolving, influenced by numerous policy issues that significantly impact the delivery of care. One such pressing issue is the shortage of nurses across the United States, which has profound implications for patient outcomes, healthcare costs, and the nursing profession itself (Buerhaus et al., 2017). As a registered nurse, witnessing this shortage firsthand has heightened my awareness of the urgent need for policy interventions to expand workforce capacity. The increasing demand for healthcare services, aging populations, and burnout among nurses contribute to this critical problem, underscoring the necessity for effective policy solutions.

Opposing Views on Nurse Shortage Policy

There are diverse perspectives on how to address the nursing shortage. Proponents argue that increasing funding for nursing education programs and offering incentives such as loan forgiveness can attract more individuals to the profession (Aiken et al., 2014). They highlight that policy changes aimed at expanding educational pipelines and improving working conditions will ensure adequate staffing, ultimately enhancing patient safety. Conversely, critics suggest that simply increasing supply without addressing systemic issues such as staffing ratios and workplace culture may not solve the problem (Laschinger & Wong, 2014). They emphasize that policy reforms should focus on improving nurse retention and leadership development rather than only expanding the workforce. Additionally, some opponents argue that financial constraints limit the feasibility of large-scale educational investments, advocating for more incremental reforms that improve efficiency within existing systems (Haddad et al., 2020). A fourth perspective stresses the importance of technological integration, such as telehealth and robotic assistance, to mitigate workforce shortages, although this approach may raise concerns about the quality of patient care and provider burnout (Kruk et al., 2018).

Comparison and Contrasts of Policy Pros and Cons

The debate over policy change to address the nurse shortage encompasses various advantages and disadvantages. On the positive side, increasing funding for nursing education and providing scholarships can rapidly enhance workforce numbers, leading to better patient care and reduced burnout (Buerhaus et al., 2017). These policies can also elevate the nursing profession's status, attracting young adults to pursue nursing careers. However, critics warn that rapid expansion without systemic reform may exacerbate issues such as workforce satisfaction and working conditions, ultimately leading to high turnover rates (Laschinger & Wong, 2014). Furthermore, the financial burden of expanding educational programs can strain already limited budgets, especially amid competing healthcare priorities (Haddad et al., 2020). Technological solutions like telehealth promote efficiency but risk depersonalizing care and may not fully substitute the need for a robust nursing workforce, perpetuating long-term shortages (Kruk et al., 2018). Ultimately, effective policy must balance workforce expansion with systemic improvements in workplace environment, compensation, and technological integration.

Supporting a Policy Approach

After analyzing the opposing viewpoints, I support policies that prioritize expanding educational opportunities for nurses while simultaneously improving working conditions and retention strategies. Investing in nursing education through scholarships, grants, and mentorship programs can increase the workforce sustainably (Aiken et al., 2014). Simultaneously, advocating for lower patient-to-nurse ratios and better workplace support will improve job satisfaction and reduce burnout, thereby enhancing retention (Laschinger & Wong, 2014). Supporting these policies at the national level can lead to significant improvements in healthcare quality and accessibility by ensuring a steady, well-trained nursing workforce ready to meet growing demands. I believe that a multipronged approach addressing both supply and systemic workplace issues will be most effective in alleviating the nurse shortage.

Advocacy Steps

To advocate effectively for these policy changes, I would begin by engaging with professional organizations such as the American Nurses Association (ANA) which provides a platform for influencing healthcare policy (American Nurses Association, 2020). Collaborating with local state nursing boards and current political representatives, such as legislators involved in health policy, would be vital. Building coalitions with nursing schools, healthcare institutions, and community groups can amplify advocacy efforts. Conducting awareness campaigns highlighting the importance of investing in nursing workforce development would also garner public support. Additionally, participating in policy consultations and providing testimonies at legislative hearings can help shape legislation that aligns with this agenda. Establishing ongoing communication channels with policymakers and stakeholders will ensure sustained advocacy and progress.

Conclusion

Addressing the nursing shortage necessitates comprehensive policy reforms that expand educational opportunities, improve retention, and integrate technological advancements judiciously. Supporting systemic improvements in the healthcare work environment will foster a resilient nursing workforce capable of providing high-quality care. As nurses and advocates, it is imperative to actively participate in shaping policies that ensure sustainable workforce solutions for the future of healthcare.

References

Aiken, L. H., Sloane, D. M., Cimiotti, J. P., Clarke, S. P., Flynn, L., Seago, J. A., & Spetz, J. (2014). Nurse staffing and education levels and hospital mortality. JAMA Internal Medicine, 174(7), 1077–1083. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamainternmed.2014.1997

Buerhaus, P. I., Skinner, L. E., Auerbach, D. I., & Staiger, D. O. (2017). Four challenges facing the nursing workforce in the United States. Journal of Nursing Regulation, 8(2), 40-46. https://doi.org/10.1016/S2155-8256(17)30061-0

Haddad, L. M., Annamaraju, P., & Toney-Butler, T. J. (2020). Nursing Shortage. In StatPearls [Internet]. StatPearls Publishing. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32219126/

Kruk, M. E., Gage, A. D., Arsenault, C., Jordan, K., Leslie, H. H., Roderiguez, J. P., ... & Pate, M. (2018). High-quality health systems in the Sustainable Development Goals era: time for a revolution. The Lancet Global Health, 6(11), e1196-e1252. https://doi.org/10.1016/S2214-109X(18)30386-3

Laschinger, H. K., & Wong, C. (2014). Leadership practices influencing new graduate nurses' intent to stay: a cross-sectional study. International Journal of Nursing Studies, 51(6), 857-866. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijnurstu.2014.01.003

Kruk, M. E., Gage, A. D., Arsenault, C., et al. (2018). High-quality health systems in the SDG era. Lancet Global Health, 6(11), e1196–e1252. https://doi.org/10.1016/S2214-109X(18)30386-3

American Nurses Association. (2020). Nursing role in health policy. https://www.nursingworld.org/practice-policy/advocacy/

Note: Additional references are included to support various viewpoints and substantiate policy recommendations.