Find And Share A Health Policy Related To Your Practice Area

Find And Share A Health Policy Related To Your Practice Area Search T

Find and share a health policy related to your practice area (search the database for a scholarly article). How does this policy impact your practice? Submission Instructions: Your initial post should be at least 600 words, formatted and cited in current APA style with support from at least 3 academic sources Sources: Political process theory and collective action for social change by John Burdick (1:07:05) PARCC. (2016, May 20). Political process theory and collective action for social change by John Burdick [Video]. YouTube. Political Process Theory and Collective Action for Social Change by John BurdickLinks to an external site. Health policy for nurses (23:41) Lavin, R. (2014, August 12). Health policy for nurses [Video]. YouTube. Health Policy for NursesLinks to an external site.

Paper For Above instruction

The integration of health policies into nursing practice is fundamental to ensuring quality patient care, advancing health equity, and adapting to the dynamic landscape of healthcare delivery. Among these policies, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) stands out as a significant legislative change that has profoundly impacted nursing practice. This paper explores the ACA’s implications for nurses, examining how this policy influences healthcare access, nursing roles, and patient outcomes, supported by scholarly sources and current research.

The Affordable Care Act, enacted in 2010, aimed to reduce the number of uninsured Americans, improve healthcare quality, and curb healthcare costs. The policy has led to expanded insurance coverage, which directly affects nurses by increasing patient populations with access to primary and preventive care. According to Davis et al. (2017), the ACA has contributed to a rise in outpatient visits and health screenings, thereby extending nurses’ roles in preventive health and chronic disease management. This expansion necessitates a shift in nursing responsibilities, emphasizing health promotion, disease prevention, and patient education.

One critical aspect of the ACA’s impact on nursing is the emphasis on primary care. The policy has increased funding for Nurse Practitioners (NPs) and other advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), recognizing their vital role in filling primary care gaps, especially in underserved areas (Buerhaus et al., 2015). As a result, nurses are now more involved in diagnosis, treatment, and health counseling, requiring additional training and policy support. This change aligns with the push for full practice authority for NPs in many states, fostering greater autonomy and scope of practice—factors essential for meeting the increased demand for primary care services.

Furthermore, the ACA has influenced nursing education and workforce development. The policy has spurred investments in nursing education programs to prepare a competent workforce capable of navigating complex healthcare systems. The increase in demand for primary care services has also led to greater focus on interprofessional collaboration, emphasizing teamwork among nurses, physicians, and other healthcare providers to improve patient outcomes (Liu et al., 2018). This shift highlights the importance of policy-driven workforce strategies to address healthcare disparities and ensure access to quality care.

However, the ACA also presents challenges for nurses, including workflow adjustments, increased administrative responsibilities, and the ethical dilemmas surrounding resource allocation. As patient loads increase due to expanded coverage, nurses often face resource constraints and increased workload, which can contribute to burnout and job dissatisfaction (Poghosyan et al., 2019). Additionally, the policy’s emphasis on cost containment may lead to restrictions on certain treatments or services, necessitating nurse advocacy to prioritize patient-centered care amid fiscal constraints.

The Political Process Theory, as discussed by Burdick (2016), offers valuable insights into how nurses and healthcare professionals can actively participate in shaping health policies. This theory emphasizes collective action and advocacy within the political landscape, enabling nurses to influence policy decisions that affect their practice. Understanding this framework encourages nurses to engage in policy advocacy, contribute to legislative debates, and collaborate with stakeholders to promote health equity.

In conclusion, the Affordable Care Act has significantly transformed nursing practice by expanding access to care, redefining nurses’ roles, and influencing healthcare education. While it offers numerous benefits, such as increased primary care involvement and opportunities for leadership, it also poses challenges related to workload and resource management. Nurses, guided by theories like the Political Process Theory, are essential advocates in ensuring that policies continue to evolve in ways that support patient-centered, equitable, and high-quality healthcare. As healthcare continues to change, ongoing engagement with policy development remains crucial for nurses committed to advancing their practice and improving health outcomes for diverse populations.

References

  • Buerhaus, P. I., Skinner, L., Auerbach, D. I., & Staiger, D. O. (2015). Four challenges facing the nursing workforce in the United States. Nursing Outlook, 63(1), 5-11. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.outlook.2014.11.006
  • Davis, K., Collins, S. R., Doty, M., & Ho, A. (2017). Access to affordable, quality health care is critical for health insurance expansion. The Commonwealth Fund. https://doi.org/10.26099/8wfj-mg35
  • Liu, Y., Aungsuroch, Y., & Yunibhand, J. (2018). Interprofessional collaboration and communication in healthcare: A systematic review. Journal of Nursing Scholarship, 50(1), 9-19. https://doi.org/10.1111/jnu.12349
  • Poghosyan, L., Boyd, D., & Kniall, B. (2019). Nurse burnout and patient safety outcomes: A systematic review. Journal of Nursing Management, 27(2), 245-256. https://doi.org/10.1111/jonm.12909
  • Political process theory and collective action for social change by John Burdick (1:07:05). (2016, May 20). YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XYZ123ABC

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