Minimum 3 Full Pages No Word Count Per Page Follow The 3x3

Minimum 3 Full Pages No Word Count Per Page Follow The 3 X 3 Rule

Part 1: Health Care Policy As an advanced practice nurse, one can engage in activism in order to achieve desired policy changes at various levels including their own organization.

1. Should nurses be unionized?

2. How does being unionized impact a workforce culture of safety?

3. Include one MSN Essential in your discussion that relates to this topic.

Part 2: Nursing Research Reflect on Ethical Issues and Consent in nursing research.

Part 3: Nursing Theory 1. How does the theory of expanding consciousness apply to our healthcare society today?

2. How does theory affect the nursing profession to provide care to a diverse population of patients?

3. Can you identify with any of these theories in your profession? and explain why.

Part 4: ACA 2 pages- Follow the 3 x 3 rule: minimum three paragraphs per page Minimum 3 references (APA format) per part not older than 5 years (Journals, books) (No websites) 20 hours 1. How did the ACA affect the Medicaid program in terms of coverage and cost? (1 page) 2. Give one example (1/2) page 3. Give another example (1/2) page

Paper For Above instruction

The given assignment encompasses four distinct parts, each requiring in-depth analysis within the scope of nursing practice, policy, ethics, theory, and healthcare reform. These sections must be addressed with scholarly rigor, adhering to APA formatting, with a minimum of three paragraphs per page, following the 3 x 3 rule. Repetitive responses, first-person language, and direct copying of questions should be avoided, ensuring objective, well-referenced, and original responses. The submission for each part must be a separate document and modified accordingly.

Part 1: Health Care Policy and Nursing Activism

The concept of unionization among nurses is a crucial aspect of healthcare policy that influences workforce dynamics, safety, and professional advocacy. Unionization allows nurses to collectively bargain for better wages, working conditions, and professional recognition. Historically, nurse unions like the National Nurses United have played pivotal roles in advocating for safer staffing ratios and equitable pay (Gordon & Bland, 2019). These collective efforts have led to improved morale and a strengthened voice for nurses within institutions and at policymaking levels. Unionized nurses are more likely to participate in activism and influence policy changes at their organizational level, which translates into broader systemic reforms (Kuhn & Coe, 2021). Conversely, opposition to unionization highlights concerns about conflict, administrative burdens, or potential impacts on patient care or organizational flexibility (Appleby & Poynter, 2020). Nonetheless, evidence increasingly suggests that unionized nurse workforces positively impact a culture of safety, fostering an environment where safety protocols are prioritized and staffing issues are addressed proactively (Dall et al., 2020).]

Impact of Unionization on Workforce Culture of Safety

Unionized environments tend to promote a safety culture through enhanced communication, accountability, and collective responsibility. When nurses unionize, they are empowered to voice concerns about patient safety issues without fear of retaliation, which leads to more open reporting and proactive management of safety challenges (Shanafelt et al., 2020). Literature indicates that nurse unions have contributed to establishing safe staffing ratios, which directly correlate with reduced patient mortality and adverse events (Lanks et al., 2022). Furthermore, union activities often include ongoing education and training initiatives that foster a culture of continuous improvement and safety awareness. This environment nurtures trust between staff and management, enabling collaborative efforts to address safety concerns (Bae & Fabry, 2019). Consequently, unionization acts as a catalyst to enhance healthcare delivery quality and promote a resilient safety culture within healthcare organizations (Spetz et al., 2021).

MSN Essential Connection

The MLN (Master’s Nursing Essential) related to leadership and policy development emphasizes the importance of advocacy, effective communication, and systems thinking. It underscores the role of advanced practice nurses in leading change, including union-related initiatives to improve patient safety and professional practice environments (American Association of Colleges of Nursing [AACN], 2021). Developing leadership skills enables nurses to navigate organizational politics and influence policy at multiple levels. This essential aligns with the advocacy role nurses undertake when engaging in union activities, emphasizing that empowered, well-organized nursing workforces contribute to high-quality, safe patient care environments.

Part 2: Ethical Issues and Consent in Nursing Research

Nursing research plays a pivotal role in advancing healthcare knowledge, but it raises essential ethical concerns, especially regarding informed consent. Ethical principles such as autonomy, beneficence, and justice form the foundation of research protocols (Polit & Beck, 2017). Respecting participant autonomy requires that consent is fully informed, voluntary, and comprehensively understood (Beauchamp & Childress, 2019). Researchers must ensure that participants comprehend the purpose, procedures, risks, and benefits associated with research participation, which can be complicated by varying literacy levels or cultural backgrounds (American Nurses Association [ANA], 2019). Ethical issues also arise when conducting research with vulnerable populations, such as children, cognitively impaired individuals, or economically disadvantaged groups, necessitating additional safeguards (Hunt et al., 2020). The Institutional Review Board (IRB) plays an essential role in overseeing research proposals to ensure compliance with ethical standards and protect participants from harm (Kasuya & Tanaka, 2022).'

Challenges in Achieving True Informed Consent

Challenges to obtaining valid informed consent include language barriers, cultural differences, and power dynamics that may influence voluntariness (Morrison & Bradley, 2021). For instance, participants may consent due to perceived authority of researchers or institutional prestige, rather than genuine understanding or voluntary agreement (Schoenwald et al., 2020). Ensuring comprehension requires thorough communication, possibly utilizing translators, cultural mediators, or simplified consent forms. Ethical research mandates ongoing consent throughout the study, providing participants with opportunities to withdraw without penalty (Kao et al., 2019). Ensuring ethical standards in nursing research is paramount for maintaining trust and integrity in scientific inquiry, ultimately contributing to improved healthcare outcomes and adherence to moral obligations (Polit & Beck, 2017).

Part 3: Nursing Theory and Its Application in Healthcare Society

The theory of expanding consciousness, developed by Martha Rogers, emphasizes the continuous process of opening awareness to the interconnectedness of individuals, environment, and health. In today’s healthcare society, this theory underscores the importance of holistic, patient-centered care that recognizes the dynamic, evolving nature of human perceptions and health states amid complex social determinants (Meleis & Trangenstein, 2020). Rogers’ perspective fosters a more integrative approach, encouraging nurses to view health beyond the absence of disease, acknowledging cultural, psychological, and spiritual factors that influence health outcomes (Alligood, 2018). As healthcare becomes more diverse and globalized, the theory promotes adaptability, empathy, and multicultural sensitivity among nurses, facilitating more effective communication and tailored interventions that meet individual patient needs (Meleis et al., 2021).

Impact on Nursing Care to a Diverse Population

Applying Rogers’ expanding consciousness theory encourages nurses to develop a deeper understanding of the social and cultural contexts affecting health behaviors and perceptions among diverse populations. This approach supports culturally competent care, recognizing that health beliefs and practices vary significantly among different groups (Campinha-Bacote, 2019). It promotes reflection on personal biases, fostering a broader awareness that enhances therapeutic relationships and improves health outcomes (Purnell & Paulanka, 2019). The theory also advocates for continuous learning and openness, essential traits for providing equitable and respectful care in multicultural settings. Nurses influenced by this theory are better equipped to adapt interventions, communicate effectively, and advocate for vulnerable populations, thus embodying holistic and inclusive nursing practice (Liu et al., 2021).

Personal Reflection on Theoretical Alignment

Personally, I find significant resonance with Jean Watson’s Theory of Human Caring, particularly its emphasis on the ethical and compassionate dimensions of nursing care. The focus on creating caring relationships aligns with my values of empathy, respect, and genuine concern for patient well-being. This theory guides my professional approach, encouraging me to see patients holistically, considering their emotional and spiritual needs alongside their physical health. Watson’s theory reinforces the importance of presence, active listening, and therapeutic communication—qualities I strive to embody daily. It also promotes the idea that caring is fundamental to healing and professional integrity, which continually motivates me to elevate my practice and foster positive patient experiences.

Part 4: The Affordable Care Act and Medicaid

The Affordable Care Act (ACA), enacted in 2010, significantly transformed the Medicaid program by expanding coverage and altering cost structures. One of the primary effects was the expansion of Medicaid eligibility to include adults with incomes up to 138% of the federal poverty level in participating states (Sommers et al., 2020). This expansion aimed to reduce the number of uninsured individuals by providing access to essential health services, ultimately improving health outcomes and reducing disparities among low-income populations (Courtemanche et al., 2021). The financing of Medicaid also shifted to accommodate increased enrollment, requiring federal and state collaboration to manage rising costs effectively (Gordon & Blanchard, 2019). The ACA's provisions led to an increase in coverage for vulnerable populations, including maternal health, mental health services, and preventive care, thus broadening Medicaid's role as a cornerstone of healthcare reform.

Examples of ACA Impact on Medicaid

One example of the ACA’s impact is the reduction in uncompensated care costs for states. As coverage expanded through Medicaid, hospitals and clinics saw a decrease in non-reimbursed emergency room visits for uninsured patients, leading to financial stabilization and improved healthcare delivery (Zuckerman et al., 2019). This shift not only eased the financial burden on healthcare institutions but also enhanced access to regular, preventive medical services for previously underserved groups (Gordon et al., 2020). Another example is the increased funding for community health programs aimed at addressing social determinants of health, which are essential for comprehensive patient care in diverse populations (Sommers et al., 2020). The ACA’s Medicaid expansion fostered a more equitable healthcare system, laying the foundation for ongoing reforms and innovations in public health policy.

References

• Alligood, M. R. (2018). Nursing theorists and their work (9th ed.). Mosby.
• American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN). (2021). The essentials of master's education in nursing. https://www.aacnnursing.org
• American Nurses Association (ANA). (2019). Code of ethics for nurses with interpretive statements. ANA Publishing.
• Bae, S. H., & Fabry, C. (2019). Effects of nurse staffing on patient safety and quality of care. Nursing Outlook, 67(3), 251–262.
• Campinha-Bacote, J. (2019). Cultural competence in healthcare: A practical guide. Journal of Transcultural Nursing, 30(1), 47-55.
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