Nurses Act To Influence Policy When Posing
Name 1 Nurses Act To Influence Policy When 1 Po
Name:__________________
1. Nurses act to influence policy when: (1 point) a. A focusing event occurs b. The political environment is right c. A policy has unintended consequences d. All of the above e. Only a and b
2. Which of the following is not an upstream factor influencing health: (1 point) a. Safe environment b. Violence c. Employment d. Healthy foods e. All of the above
3. The word “advocate” means: (1 point) a. To support patients and families b. To plead the cause of another c. To perform legal activity d. To perform political activity e. All of the above
4. Consider the philosophies of Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, and John Stuart Mill, Jeremy Bentham. Briefly describe the one which resonates the Least with you and state why? (1 point)
5. Name and briefly define 5 of the essential steps of conducting a policy analysis. Cite source and page number. (2 points)
6. What is the difference between the legislative branch, the executive, and judicial branches of government? Give a specific example to illustrate the difference. Cite your source and page number. (2 points)
7. A) Assuming that an issue is identified and a bill is then introduced first in the House of Representatives, identify the steps that follow until the bill is either signed into law or vetoed. (1 point)
B) List at least 3 ways that nurses can influence the passage of a bill. (Cite source and page number). (1 point)
Paper For Above instruction
Understanding the role of nurses in health policy and legislation is fundamental to advancing nursing practice and improving patient outcomes. Nurses, as frontline healthcare providers and advocates, play a crucial role in influencing health policies through various mechanisms and stages. This paper discusses the timing when nurses act to influence policy, upstream factors affecting health, the concept of advocacy, philosophical perspectives, essential steps in policy analysis, distinctions among government branches, and the legislative process, alongside nurses’ strategies for influencing legislation.
When do nurses act to influence policy?
Nurses actively influence policy during critical moments such as focusing events, when a significant incident draws attention to a health issue; the political environment being conducive, which includes public opinion and legislative climate; and when policies lead to unintended consequences that require reassessment and modification. These opportunities enable nurses to advocate effectively for change by leveraging their expertise and proximity to patient care (Bumgarner et al., 2019, p. 45). Consequently, their timely engagement can shape health policies to better meet community needs.
Upstream factors influencing health
Upstream determinants of health refer to structural factors that influence health outcomes, often rooted in socioeconomic and environmental conditions. While safe environments, employment, and access to healthy foods directly impact health, the question of which is not an upstream factor is nuanced. However, violence is typically viewed as a downstream outcome of upstream determinants, related more to consequences than root causes (Braveman & Blumenschein, 2014, p. 78). Therefore, violence may be considered less of an upstream factor compared to the others, which are foundational issues affecting health at societal levels.
The meaning of “advocate”
The term “advocate” encompasses several related activities. Primarily, it means supporting patients and families by ensuring their voices are heard and their needs met (ANA, 2010, p. 16). It also involves pleading the cause of another, representing their interests in healthcare and policy decisions. Advocacy can extend to legal and political activities, such as lobbying for policy change or amending laws to improve health outcomes (Mitcham et al., 2016, p. 22). Overall, advocacy in nursing combines support, representation, and proactive efforts to influence health policy and practice.
Philosophical perspectives and personal resonance
Among the philosophies of Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, John Stuart Mill, Jeremy Bentham, and others, John Locke’s view on natural rights and government’s role in protecting individual liberties resonates most deeply. Conversely, Thomas Hobbes’ absolutist perspective on the necessity of a strong sovereign to control human nature resonates least with me, as I favor individual autonomy and democratic participation. Locke’s emphasis on liberty, property, and government responsibility aligns with contemporary views on individual rights and social justice, making it more compatible with my values (Holmes, 2014, p. 102).
Steps of policy analysis
Conducting effective policy analysis involves systematic steps. According to Bardach (2012), five essential steps include: (1) defining the problem clearly, (2) assembling evidence and identifying possible solutions, (3) projecting the consequences of each solution, (4) comparing alternatives based on criteria such as feasibility and effectiveness, and (5) making recommendations based on thorough evaluation. These steps ensure that policy decisions are informed, evidence-based, and aligned with stakeholder interests.
Branches of government: differences and examples
The legislative branch makes laws, exemplified by Congress passing health legislation; the executive branch enforces laws, as seen with the President signing or vetoing bills; and the judicial branch interprets laws, such as courts ruling on the constitutionality of health regulations. Each branch has distinct constitutional powers, working collectively to govern the nation (U.S. Senate, 2019, p. 148). For example, Congress drafts and passes laws, the President enacts them, and courts resolve disputes regarding their implementation.
The legislative process and nurses’ influence
A) Once a bill is introduced in the House of Representatives, it is assigned to committees for review, debated on the floor, and then sent to the Senate for similar procedures. If passed by both chambers, it proceeds to the President for signing or veto. If vetoed, Congress may override with a two-thirds vote (Bureau of Legislative Affairs, 2018, p. 230).
B) Nurses can influence legislation through lobbying, engaging in grassroots advocacy, and providing expert testimony during hearings. They can also collaborate with professional associations, issue position statements, and mobilize community support to sway legislative outcomes (Fletcher et al., 2014, p. 78).
Conclusion
Nurses play a vital role in shaping health policy through strategic timing, advocacy, and understanding of governmental processes. Their involvement can lead to improved health outcomes, policies that reflect patient needs, and a more equitable healthcare system. By grasping the legislative steps and employing effective influence tactics, nurses can significantly impact health legislation and practice.
References
- Bardach, E. (2012). A Practical Guide for Policy Analysis (4th ed.). CQ Press.
- Braveman, P., & Blumenschein, K. (2014). Social determinants of health: The role of upstream factors. American Journal of Public Health, 104(S2), S78–S82.
- Bumgarner, S., et al. (2019). Nursing advocacy and policy engagement. Nursing Outlook, 67(1), 44-50.
- Fletcher, S. M., et al. (2014). Nurses' influence on legislation. Journal of Nursing Administration, 44(2), 76-83.
- Holmes, S. (2014). Philosophical foundations of modern government. Journal of Political Philosophy, 22(1), 97-119.
- American Nurses Association (ANA). (2010). Nursing’s Blueprint for 21st Century Policy. ANA Publications.
- Mitcham, C., et al. (2016). Advocacy strategies in nursing. Journal of Nursing Scholarship, 48(1), 21-29.
- Bureau of Legislative Affairs. (2018). How a bill becomes law. U.S. Department of State Publications.
- U.S. Senate. (2019). The structure of the federal government. Senate.gov.