Discussion Question: Engaging In A Political Process

Discussion Question 1engaging In A Political Process Enables A Nurse L

Engaging in a political process enables a nurse leader to influence others in order to achieve a set of professional goals. Engaging in a political process enables a nurse leader to influence others in order to achieve a set of professional goals. During the COVID-19 pandemic this political influence is needed now more than ever. Explore the importance of political process in nursing, and answer the following questions: 1- How can average nurses be involved in the political process related to the COVID-19 pandemic? 2- What was the most important issue related to COVID-19 that required nurses to be involved?

Effective leadership can help nurse leaders to bring about a desirable change within the system. Using the South University Online Library or the Internet, gain adequate insight into change theories and change management, and answer the following questions: 1- What does it mean to be a change agent? Give two examples of when you were a change agent or witnessed another nurse as a change agent 2- What happened and how did the change occur?

Paper For Above instruction

Leadership within the nursing profession is vital for advocating for patient safety, promoting health policies, and influencing healthcare reforms. Engaging nurses in the political process significantly enhances their capacity to effect systemic change, especially in times of crisis like the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic underscored the necessity for nurses to participate actively in policy-making, advocacy, and leadership roles to address emergent healthcare challenges effectively.

The Importance of Political Process in Nursing

The political process in nursing involves lobbying, advocacy, policy development, and active participation in legislative activities that impact healthcare systems. Nurses, being on the frontline of patient care, possess invaluable insights into the needs and gaps within healthcare policies. Their involvement ensures that policies are patient-centered, practical, and equitable. This engagement elevates the nursing voice in decision-making arenas traditionally dominated by physicians, administrators, and policymakers, thereby fostering a more holistic healthcare environment.

How Can Nurses Be Involved During COVID-19?

During the COVID-19 pandemic, nurses can participate in multiple ways to influence policy and practice. First, they can engage in advocacy efforts for adequate PPE, proper staffing, and safe working conditions, which are essential for infection control and staff well-being. Nurses can also participate in public education campaigns to improve community awareness about preventive measures and vaccine uptake. Furthermore, involvement in professional organizations, writing policy briefs, and contributing to legislative hearings provides avenues for nurses to influence pandemic response strategies.

Moreover, nurses can utilize social media and other communication platforms to advocate for policies that support testing, vaccination, and mental health services. Participation in policy-making committees at institutional or governmental levels is another effective method to ensure frontline insights shape pandemic responses. By voicing their experiences and evidence-based recommendations, nurses influence policies that directly impact patient outcomes and healthcare workforce safety.

Significant COVID-19 Issues Requiring Nurse Involvement

The most pressing issue related to COVID-19 that necessitated nurse involvement is the shortage of PPE and staffing. Nurses on the ground observed firsthand how resource limitations compromised safety and quality of care, prompting advocacy for better supplies and staffing ratios. Additionally, mental health challenges among healthcare workers, patients, and families became evident, calling for nurses to champion mental health initiatives and support systems.

Another critical concern was vaccine hesitancy and equitable distribution. Nurses played a key role in educating diverse populations about vaccines, addressing misinformation, and ensuring vulnerable communities received equitable access. These issues highlight the importance of nurse-led advocacy in shaping effective, equitable pandemic responses.

The Role of Change Agents in Nursing

In the context of nursing, a change agent is an individual who actively promotes and facilitates change within healthcare settings or the broader health policy environment. Effective change agents possess strategic vision, communication skills, and the ability to motivate others toward shared goals. They challenge the status quo and drive innovations that improve patient care, safety, or operational efficiency.

For example, I witnessed a nurse manager who implemented a new electronic health record system despite initial resistance. Through effective communication and training, she led the staff to embrace the change, resulting in more accurate documentation and improved care coordination. Another example is a nurse involved in a campaign to institute a hand hygiene initiative, dramatically reducing hospital-acquired infections. Their leadership and perseverance exemplify the role of change agents in advancing healthcare quality and safety.

How Change Occurs in Nursing

Change in nursing often occurs through a combination of education, collaboration, evidence-based practice, and leadership. Change initiatives typically begin with identifying a problem or opportunity for improvement, followed by data collection and analysis. Engaging stakeholders—nurses, physicians, administrators, and patients—is crucial to gaining support and ensuring a shared vision.

Implementation of change may involve protocol revisions, staff training, and resource allocation. For example, the successful reduction of infection rates through the introduction of strict hand hygiene protocols illustrates how evidence-based practices can translate into meaningful change. Continuous evaluation and feedback mechanisms help sustain improvements and adapt strategies as needed. The role of a change agent is instrumental in guiding these processes, inspiring others, and overcoming resistance to change.

Conclusion

Overall, nurses' active involvement in the political process and their role as change agents are vital for advancing healthcare quality and equity. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of advocacy, policy engagement, and leadership among nurses. By leveraging their unique insights and influence, nurses can shape policies that improve safety, promote health, and foster resilient healthcare systems capable of responding effectively to future crises.

References

1. Benner, P., Sutphen, M., Leonard, V., & Day, L. (2010). Clinical Wisdom and Interventions in Acute and Critical Care. Springer Publishing.
2. Cohen, J. (2020). Nursing Leadership and Advocacy during COVID-19. Journal of Nursing Administration, 50(10), 529-531.
3. Fowler, M. D. (2017). Guide to Evidence-Based Practice in Nursing and Healthcare. Springer Publishing.
4. Hancock, D. J., & Zhao, X. (2021). Leadership Styles and Change Management in Nursing. Journal of Nursing Management, 29(3), 365-371.
5. Kaiser, K. (2021). Navigating Change and Innovation in Nursing. Advances in Nursing Science, 44(1), 50-60.
6. Porter-O’Grady, T., & Malloch, K. (2018). Magnet Nursing Services Recognition Program: A Pathway to Excellence. Springer Publishing.
7. WHO. (2021). Mental Health and Psychosocial Considerations During the COVID-19 Outbreak. World Health Organization.
8. Yoder, L. H. (2020). Advocacy in Nursing and the Role of Change Agents. Journal of Nursing Scholarship, 52(4), 406-414.
9. Schmidt, N., & Brown, J. (2019). Evidence-Based Practice for Nurses: Appraisal and Application of Research. Jones & Bartlett Learning.
10. Shaw, R., & Timmons, S. (2022). Leading Change in Nursing: Strategies for Success. Journal of Nursing Leadership, 35(2), 119-129.