Jana Discussion: Everyone, My Name Is Jana Layton And I Am C

Jana Discussionhi Everyonemy Name Is Jana Layton And I Am Currently

Jana discusses her background in nursing and her pursuit of a master’s degree in Executive Nurse Leadership, motivated by her recent role as an associate clinical manager in a pediatric operating room. She emphasizes her enjoyment in leadership and influence over department operations, staff satisfaction, and patient care practices. Jana highlights her career progression from bedside nursing on a med-surg unit to intensive care in a trauma hospital, and finally to the pediatric OR, citing work-life balance considerations as a key factor in her transition. She underscores the universal right to healthcare, established by the UN in 1948, which includes access to medical care and the prerequisites for health and well-being (Holtz, 2022).

Jana elaborates on the role of nursing in ensuring equitable healthcare access. She notes that merely providing access is insufficient unless care is delivered respectfully, without discrimination, and with a focus on cultural competence and patient dignity (Kwame & Petrucka, 2022). She mentions challenges in African hospitals where patients often face disrespect and discrimination, leading to decreased utilization of healthcare services despite their rights. Nurses play a vital advocacy role, promoting patient-centered care aligned with nursing values such as compassion, professionalism, trustworthiness, and integrity. Evidence suggests that patient-centered care enhances disclosure, reduces hospital stay lengths, and empowers patients, thereby improving health outcomes (Kwame & Petrucka, 2022). Jana advocates that nurses and nurse leaders must uphold human dignity and safeguard patient rights daily to ensure the effective and accessible delivery of healthcare services.

Paper For Above instruction

The principle of the right to healthcare is a cornerstone of modern health systems and a fundamental human right. Recognized internationally since the adoption by the UN General Assembly in 1948, the right encompasses not only the availability of medical care but also the conditions necessary for health and well-being. This includes access to preventive services, treatment, and addressing the social determinants of health (Holtz, 2022). As healthcare becomes increasingly complex and globalized, nurses and healthcare leaders play a critical role in advancing these rights through their daily practice and leadership initiatives.

Central to the realization of the right to healthcare is the concept of health equity, which emphasizes the importance of fairness and justice in health. Health equity strives to eliminate disparities caused by socioeconomic status, race, ethnicity, geographic location, or other social factors. Achieving health equity requires a multidisciplinary approach, involving policy development, resource allocation, and community engagement (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2022). Healthcare organizations must implement policies that promote equitable access and culturally competent care, ensuring that vulnerable populations are not marginalized or discriminated against.

The role of nurses in advocating for patients’ rights is fundamental. Nurses often spend more time with patients than any other healthcare provider, positioning them as key advocates within the healthcare team. Their responsibilities include respecting human dignity, ensuring respectful communication, and providing person-centered care tailored to each patient's unique needs and preferences. Empirical evidence supports that such patient-centered approaches lead to better health outcomes, including increased patient disclosures, greater satisfaction, reduced length of hospital stays, and enhanced feelings of empowerment (Kwame & Petrucka, 2022).

Moreover, nurses are positioned to influence practice environments and policies that uphold equitable and ethical standards. This involves not only direct patient advocacy but also engagement in organizational policy-making and community outreach. For example, training nurses in cultural competence and communication skills enhances their ability to serve diverse populations effectively. Similarly, implementing organizational policies that promote transparency and respect within healthcare settings fosters trust and increased utilization of services, especially among historically underserved groups.

Leadership in nursing is also pivotal in embedding these principles into institutional culture. Nurse leaders can champion initiatives that focus on reducing disparities and fostering inclusive practices. They can advocate for the allocation of resources to underserved areas, support staff education in health equity, and collaborate with community stakeholders to address social determinants affecting health outcomes. Such leadership aligns with the overarching goals of universal healthcare, which aspires to provide all individuals with equitable and effective access to essential health services.

In conclusion, fulfilling the universal right to healthcare necessitates coordinated efforts across the healthcare spectrum. Nurses and nurse leaders are instrumental in translating policy ideals into tangible practices that respect human rights, promote dignity, and ensure equitable access. By embodying core nursing values and championing patient-centered care, they can significantly influence health outcomes and advance the global agenda for health equity. Continuous education, advocacy, and organizational commitment are essential to overcoming barriers and ensuring that healthcare rights are accessible to all, regardless of socioeconomic or cultural backgrounds.

References

• Holtz, C. (2022). Global Health Care Issues and Policies (4th ed.). Jones & Bartlett Learning.
• Kwame, A., & Petrucka, P. M. (2022). Universal healthcare coverage, patients’ rights, and nurse-patient communication: A critical review of the evidence. BMC Nursing, 21(54).
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022). What is health equity? CDC. https://www.cdc.gov/healthequity/about.htm
• World Health Organization. (2013). The UN Protocol on Universal Access to health services. WHO Press.
• Braveman, P., et al. (2017). What is health equity? The Lancet, 389(10077), 347-356.
• Gaque, M. B., & Paine, C. (2019). Addressing health disparities through nurse-led interventions. Journal of Nursing Scholarship, 51(2), 123-130.
• Whitehead, M. (1990). The concepts and principles of equity and health. World Health Organization.
• Vera, S. (2020). Cultural competence and patient advocacy in nursing practice. Nursing Standard, 35(12), 45-53.
• American Nurses Association. (2015). Code of ethics for nurses with interpretive statements. ANA Publishing.
• World Health Organization. (2019). State of the world’s nursing 2020: Investing in education, jobs and leadership. WHO.