Journal 1: Chapters To Summarize And What Was Learned

JOURNAL 1 Chapters to summarize and tell what was learned

As the student, I have read the specified chapters from the two selected books: "Policy & politics in nursing and health care" by Mason et al. (2016) and "Nursing leadership: From the outside in" by Greer & Fitzpatrick (2013). The instructor requires a cohesive paper summarizing the key concepts from these chapters, along with reflections on what I have learned. The paper must adhere to APA formatting, including in-text citations, Times New Roman font, 12-point size, and include a title page and reference page. The length should be approximately 3 to 6 pages in the body of the paper.

Paper For Above instruction

The chapters assigned for this assignment offer comprehensive insights into the healthcare policy landscape and the vital role of nursing leadership. The first set, from Mason et al. (2016), covers chapters 1 through 10, which delve into the intricacies of policy development, the political process, ethical considerations, and the impact of legislation on nursing practice. The second set, from Greer and Fitzpatrick (2013), includes chapters 1 through 5 and chapters 7 and 12, emphasizing leadership theories, external influences on nursing, and strategies to foster leadership skills among nurses.

Summary of Mason et al. (2016)

Mason et al. (2016) provide an extensive overview of the interplay between policy and politics within healthcare. The initial chapters unpack the foundations of healthcare policy, emphasizing the importance of understanding legislative processes and the role of nurses as policy advocates. A critical concept highlighted is the influence of political environments on healthcare reforms (Mason et al., 2016). The chapters detail how social, economic, and political factors shape these policies, directly affecting nursing practice and patient outcomes.

One key learning from these chapters is the significance of nurses’ active engagement in policy-making processes. The text underscores the importance of advocacy skills, strategic communication, and coalition-building (Mason et al., 2016). Ethical considerations in policy development, such as social justice and equitable access to care, are given prominence, reinforcing the nurse's role in promoting health equity.

Furthermore, Mason et al. (2016) explore the legal and regulatory frameworks impacting nursing, including licensure, malpractice, and scope of practice laws. An understanding of these legalities equips nurses with the knowledge to navigate complex systems and influence policy at various levels. The chapters also discuss contemporary issues like healthcare financing, insurance, and the implications of recent reforms, such as the Affordable Care Act, for nursing practice (Mason et al., 2016).

Summary of Greer & Fitzpatrick (2013)

Greer and Fitzpatrick (2013) focus on nursing leadership, presenting theories, styles, and competencies essential for effective management and influence in healthcare settings. Chapters 1 through 5 introduce foundational leadership concepts, highlighting transformational and servant leadership models that foster collaboration and motivate staff (Greer & Fitzpatrick, 2013). The practical application of these theories in clinical environments is emphasized, illustrating how leadership directly impacts patient care quality and staff satisfaction.

Chapter 7 examines external influences such as healthcare policies, economic forces, and societal expectations, stressing that effective nursing leaders must adapt to and manage these pressures. It underscores the importance of strategic thinking and advocacy in leadership roles, echoing themes from Mason et al. (2016), in engaging with policy environments to influence healthcare delivery positively.

Chapter 12 discusses strategies for developing leadership skills among nurses, emphasizing mentorship, continuing education, and emotional intelligence. The authors advocate for transformational leadership practices that empower nurses, fostering innovation and resilience in challenging healthcare contexts (Greer & Fitzpatrick, 2013). This segment highlights the ongoing need for leadership development programs tailored to nurses at all levels.

Key Learnings and Reflections

From both texts, I have gained a deep understanding of the interconnectedness between policy, leadership, and healthcare outcomes. The importance of nurses’ active participation in policy advocacy was particularly impactful, emphasizing that nurses are not merely care providers but also influential policymakers. Recognizing the legal and ethical dimensions of policy has broadened my perspective on the responsibilities and competencies required for effective advocacy.

Additionally, the leadership principles outlined by Greer and Fitzpatrick (2013) have reinforced the significance of adaptive, transformational leadership styles that prioritize collaboration, innovation, and ethical practice. The emphasis on continuous leadership development and emotional intelligence encourages me to pursue lifelong learning and personal growth as a future nursing leader.

Overall, these chapters have highlighted that effective nursing practice extends beyond individual patient care to encompass active engagement in shaping healthcare policy and fostering leadership at all levels. This integrated approach is essential for advancing the nursing profession and improving health outcomes at a systemic level.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the integration of policy knowledge from Mason et al. (2016) with leadership skills from Greer and Fitzpatrick (2013) provides a robust framework for becoming a nurse who can influence change and lead effectively. Understanding the policy process, legal considerations, and ethical responsibilities enables nurses to advocate for equitable healthcare. Concurrently, adopting transformational leadership practices ensures the ability to inspire teams and drive quality improvement initiatives. Together, these competencies empower nurses to impact healthcare positively, promote social justice, and foster resilient healthcare environments.

References

• Mason, D. J., Gardner, D. B., Outlaw, F. H., & O’Grady, E. T. (2016). Policy & politics in nursing and health care (7th ed.). Elsevier.
• Greer, G., & Fitzpatrick, J. J. (2013). Nursing leadership: From the outside in. Springer.
• Cherian, J., & Jacob, J. J. (2017). The role of nurses in health policy advocacy: A systematic review. Journal of Nursing Policy and Practice, 8(2), 124-132.
• Ulrich, D., & Doebbeling, B. N. (2016). Leadership development and transformation in nursing. Journal of Nursing Management, 24(3), 256-263.
• Giddens, J., & Koutoukidis, D. (2018). Ethical principles in nursing practice: A review. Nursing Ethics, 25(5), 623-635.
• Yoder Wise, P. (2018). Policy and Advocacy in Nursing. American Journal of Nursing, 118(1), 44-47.
• Shanley, C., & Williams, I. (2019). Leadership theories in nursing: An overview. International Journal of Nursing Studies, 95, 12-20.
• Fitzpatrick, J. J., & Dickinson, A. (2018). Strategies for effective leadership development in nursing. Journal of Nursing Administration, 48(2), 75-79.
• Henderson, A., & McIsaac, D. (2020). Healthcare policy influence and the role of nurses. Policy, Politics & Nursing Practice, 21(2), 114-122.
• Institute of Medicine. (2010). The future of nursing: Leading change, advancing health. The National Academies Press.