Discussion 1 After Studying Module 1 Lecture Materials & Rev ✓ Solved

```html

Discussion 1 After studying Module 1: Lecture Materials & Resources

Share the health policy you found during your Internet search that is directly related to your practice area. How does this policy impact your practice? Nursing in Miami, Florida.

Your initial post should be at least 500 words, formatted and cited in current APA style with support from at least 2 academic sources.

Paper For Above Instructions

The nursing profession plays a crucial role in shaping and navigating health policy, especially in densely populated areas like Miami, Florida. One significant health policy relevant to nursing practice in this region is the Affordable Care Act (ACA), which has profoundly changed access to healthcare services and the delivery of nursing care. This policy aims to increase the quality and affordability of healthcare, thus transforming how nurses provide care to their patients.

The Affordable Care Act, enacted in 2010, introduced various mechanisms aimed at expanding coverage, enhancing consumer protections, and promoting preventive health services. It mandates that all Americans have health insurance, thereby decreasing the number of uninsured individuals. This policy impacts nursing practices in numerous ways, particularly in improving access to care and influencing how nurses interact with patients within the healthcare system.

One major consequence of the ACA is that it has expanded Medicaid eligibility in many states, including Florida. As a result, more low-income individuals can now receive healthcare services. For nurses in Miami, this increase in patients eligible for Medicaid creates a demand for care that must be met. As more patients gain access to health coverage, nurses have to adapt to an increase in inquiries, visits, and treatment opportunities. Consequently, this policy directly affects nursing workloads, necessitating that nurses develop ways to manage these increased responsibilities effectively (Mason, Gardner, Outlaw, & O’Grady, 2016).

Additionally, the ACA emphasizes preventative care. This shift mandates that many preventive services, such as immunizations and screenings, be offered without copayment or cost-sharing, making these services more accessible. In Miami, where certain populations face disparities in health outcomes due to socioeconomic factors, this focus on preventive care is especially relevant. Nurses play a pivotal role in educating patients about preventative services available to them. They must leverage their relationships with patients to encourage them to take advantage of these services, thus fostering healthier behaviors (Lavin, 2014).

The ACA also has provisions that promote the use of evidence-based practices in nursing care. This means that nurse practitioners and other nursing professionals are encouraged to apply research-backed methods in their clinical practices. By doing so, they not only improve patient outcomes but also align nursing practices with national standards. The necessity to stay updated on these practices extends the responsibility of nurses to pursue continuous professional development, further affecting their practice in Miami (American Psychological Association, 2020).

In Miami, cultural diversity necessitates that nurses also consider various cultural perspectives in their care delivery. Policies such as the ACA that promote better access to healthcare for marginalized populations align with the role of nurses as advocates for health equity. In this dynamic environment, nurses are tasked with navigating complex cultural beliefs and practices, ensuring that they provide culturally competent care while adhering to policy regulations (Robert & Booske, 2011).

The health policy landscape is continually evolving, and nurses in Miami must stay informed and adaptable. The ACA not only reshapes patient demographics but also influences the regulatory environment in which they operate. As policies change, so do the educational and training requirements for nurses, promoting a workforce that is equipped to handle contemporary healthcare challenges.

Nurses' involvement in health policy advocacy is critical. Engaging with policymakers to voice professional concerns and emphasize the importance of nursing perspectives in health legislation can foster better health outcomes. As nurses advocate for the profession, they must also remain cognizant of how policies like the ACA shape their practice environment and patient care processes (Falk, 2014).

In summary, the Affordable Care Act significantly impacts nursing practice in Miami, Florida. Its focus on expanding access to care, promoting preventive services, and encouraging evidence-based practice highlights the evolving role of nurses in patient care delivery. The ACA not only demands that nurses adapt to increased workloads but also that they engage in advocacy and education to foster quality care and health equity. As the health policy landscape continues to evolve, nurses must remain vigilant, informed, and proactive in shaping their practice to meet new challenges and opportunities.

References

• American Psychological Association. (2020). Publication manual of the American Psychological Association (7th ed.).
• Falk, N. (2014). A health policy resource guide for nurses. Journal of Continuing Education for Nursing, 45(5).
• Lavin, R. (2014). Health policy for nurses. YouTube.
• Mason, D. J., Gardner, D. B., Outlaw, F. H., & O’Grady, E. T. (2016). Policy and Politics in Nursing and Health Care (7th ed.). Elsevier Health Sciences.
• Robert, S. A., & Booske, B. C. (2011). US opinions on health determinants and social policy as health policy. American Journal of Public Health, 101(9).
• White, P., Olsan, T. H., Bianchi, C., Glessner, T., & Mapstone, P. (2011). Legislative: Searching for health policy information on the Internet: An essential advocacy skill. The Online Journal of Nursing Issues, 15(2).
• Hoffman, J. (2019). How the Affordable Care Act is changing the landscape of nursing. Nursing Management, 50(4), 28-34.
• Kuehn, B. M. (2019). Changes in the Affordable Care Act and the implications for nursing. American Nurse Today, 14(7), 1-3.
• Sullivan, D. (2018). The impact of health policy on nursing practice: A historical perspective. Nursing History Review, 26(1), 47-68.
• Whelan, E. M. (2017). Advancing health equity through the nursing profession: Policy implications. Nursing Outlook, 65(2), 268-275.

```