Nurses Are Well Positioned For Health Care Reform 299241

Nurses Are Well Positioned For Reforming Health Care

Discussion Topic : Nurses are well positioned for reforming health care in ways that promote a healthier public and reduce healthcare cost. Discuss the role nurse plays, in COVID vaccination mandate, telemedicine, and prescription drug pricing as advocates in the healthcare system. Select one Student Learning Outcomes from the following list and provides an explanation of how the selected Student Learning Outcomes is explored or related to the Discussion Topic. 1. Point out the impact of economic, political, and legal and ethical issues on the development and evolution of health care policies. 2. Determine the effects of healthcare policy on nursing roles and healthcare delivery. 3. Examine the development of health care policies at the legislative level. 4. Relate the role of the nurse leader as a driver of policy reform. 5. Interpret research, bringing the nursing perspective, for policy makers and stakeholders. 6. Promote policies that incorporate ethical principles and standards for the use of health and information technologies. 7. Advocate for patients, families, caregivers, communities, and members of the healthcare team. Requirements - The discussion must address the topic - Rationale must be provided - May use examples from your nursing practice - Formatted and cited in current APA 7 - Use 3 academic sources, not older than 5 years. Not Websites are allowed. - Plagiarism is NOT permitted

Paper For Above instruction

Healthcare reform is a persistent and complex issue that demands active participation from nursing professionals, given their frontline position and comprehensive understanding of patient needs. Nurses are uniquely situated to advocate for systemic changes that enhance public health outcomes while aiming to reduce costs. Their involvement in ongoing debates about COVID vaccination mandates, telemedicine integration, and prescription drug pricing exemplifies their pivotal role in shaping and supporting healthcare policies. This paper will explore how nurses serve as advocates in these areas and analyze the relationship between this advocacy and the selected Student Learning Outcome (SLO): Advocate for patients, families, caregivers, communities, and members of the healthcare team.

The role of nurses in advocating for COVID vaccination mandates demonstrates their influence in public health initiatives. Nurses have actively promoted vaccination campaigns, emphasizing vaccine safety and efficacy to increase public acceptance (Davis et al., 2020). During the COVID-19 pandemic, nurses' advocacy helped implement vaccination mandates within healthcare facilities and the broader community, contributing to reduced transmission rates. Their trusted status and frequent patient interactions allow them to serve as effective communicators and advocates, influencing policy decisions at institutional and governmental levels (Rekha et al., 2021). This direct involvement underscores how nurses leverage their expertise to promote health policies that safeguard populations, particularly in times of crisis.

Telemedicine represents a transformative advancement in healthcare delivery, especially highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic. Nurses have been instrumental in advocating for expanded telehealth services, emphasizing its benefits in improving access for underserved populations, enhancing patient engagement, and reducing healthcare costs. As frontline providers, nurses assess patient needs and facilitate telehealth interactions, often advocating for policy adjustments that remove barriers such as licensure restrictions and reimbursement challenges (Gajarawala & Gajarawala, 2021). Their advocacy ensures that telemedicine remains a sustainable option within healthcare policies, ultimately contributing to a more equitable and efficient health system.

Prescription drug pricing is a contentious issue affecting affordability and access to necessary medications. Nurses advocate for policies that promote transparency and fair pricing strategies, recognizing their impact on patient adherence and health outcomes. Their firsthand experience with medication management enables them to identify systemic issues related to drug costs and champion reforms aimed at lowering prices (Baxter et al., 2022). Nursing advocacy here influences policymakers to consider legislation that encourages generic drug use and regulates pharmaceutical pricing practices, which can lead to significant cost savings and improved medication adherence among vulnerable populations.

The selected Student Learning Outcome—“Advocate for patients, families, caregivers, communities, and members of the healthcare team”—is vital in understanding the connection between nursing advocacy and healthcare reform. This outcome emphasizes the nurse's role in representing diverse stakeholders by engaging in policy discussions that influence health system structures. Nurses serve as effective advocates by translating clinical insights into policy recommendations, ensuring that system changes reflect real-world needs and ethical considerations (American Nurses Association, 2015). Their advocacy efforts in vaccination policies, telemedicine expansion, and drug pricing demonstrate a commitment to promoting health equity, accessibility, and safety on a broad scale. This process not only benefits individual patient care but also supports the development of a more just and responsive healthcare system.

In conclusion, nurses are fundamental agents of health care reform because of their advocacy roles in key policy areas such as vaccination mandates, telemedicine, and drug pricing. Their intimate understanding of patient care, coupled with their trusted position in the community, allows them to effectively influence policies that can lead to better health outcomes and reduced costs. The integration of nursing advocacy efforts with the overarching goal of health equity highlights the importance of empowering nurses in policy development processes. Supporting nurses' participation in health policy initiatives remains essential for sustainable healthcare reform that prioritizes the well-being of the public and addresses systemic issues at their core.

References

• American Nurses Association. (2015). Nursing's scope and standards of practice. Author.
• Baxter, L. C., Riley, T. R., & Duffy, J. R. (2022). Strategies for lowering drug prices: A review of policy approaches. Journal of Health Economics & Policy, 7(2), 150-165.
• Davis, N., McBride, T., & Jackson, R. (2020). The role of nurses in COVID-19 vaccination campaigns. American Journal of Nursing, 120(12), 50-57.
• Gajarawala, S. N., & Gajarawala, T. N. (2021). Telehealth benefits and barriers. Journal of Nurse Practitioners, 17(6), 568-572.
• Rekha, M., Rajalakshmi, R., & Ranjith, S. (2021). Nursing advocacy and public health policy during a pandemic. Nursing Outlook, 69(4), 563-570.