Nurses Often Become Motivated To Change Aspects Withi 218270
Nurses Often Become Motivated To Change Aspects Within The Larger Heal
Nurses often become motivated to change aspects within the larger health care system based on their real-world experience. As such, many nurses take on an advocacy role to influence a change in regulations, policies, and laws that govern the larger health care system. For this assignment, identify a problem or concern in your state, community, or organization that has the capacity for advocacy through legislation. Research the issue and use the "Advocacy Through Legislation" template to complete this assignment. You are required to cite to a minimum of three sources to complete this assignment.
Sources must be published within the last 5 years and appropriate for the assignment criteria and relevant to nursing practice. While APA style is not required for the body of this assignment, solid academic writing is expected, and documentation of sources should be presented using APA formatting guidelines, which can be found in the APA Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center. This assignment uses a rubric. Please review the rubric prior to beginning the assignment to become familiar with the expectations for successful completion. You are required to submit this assignment to LopesWrite.
Refer to the LopesWrite Technical Support articles for assistance. PLEASE FOLLOW THE RUBRIC A well-develop discussion of the problem, those affected, current ramifications, and consequences if the issue continues is presented. Strong and compelling rationale is provided. Insight into the problem and consequences is demonstrated. A logical and well-developed idea for addressing the issue is outlined.
Why legislation is the best course for advocacy is thoroughly explained. Strong and compelling rationale is provided. Substantive evidence-based findings that support the idea for addressing the problem, including similar legislation in other states, are presented and demonstrate strong and compiling support for the idea. All significant stakeholders in support of the proposed idea are presented and a well-supported explanation of why they are in support of the idea are provided. All significant stakeholders in opposition to the proposed idea are presented.
A well-supported explanation for why they are opposed to the idea and strategies for debating or conversing with opposing stakeholders is presented. The financial impact for the issue and idea is clearly summarized. Strong rationale and support for claims is provided. Legislative information needed and process to advocate for proposal are clearly and logically presented. The legislative process is clearly understood and insight into legislative advocacy is demonstrated.
A well-developed discussion of how Christian principles support unbiased advocacy for health care legislation is presented. The discussion demonstrates an ability to act impartially and in the interest of promoting inclusive patient care without regard to gender, sexual orientation, culture, race, religion, or belief. Research is supportive of the rationale presented. Sources are distinctive. Addresses all of the issues stated in the assignment criteria.
The writer is clearly in command of standard, written, academic English. Sources are completely and correctly documented, as appropriate to assignment and style, and format is free of error.
Paper For Above instruction
Introduction
The evolving landscape of healthcare necessitates active nursing advocacy to address systemic issues that affect patient care and health outcomes. One pressing problem in my state, California, pertains to the lack of legislation supporting mental health services accessible to homeless populations. This issue significantly impacts vulnerable populations and strains existing healthcare resources, resulting in adverse health and social outcomes.
Description of the Problem
In California, homelessness has been a persistent crisis, exacerbated by insufficient mental health support services tailored to this demographic. According to the California Department of Housing and Community Development (2020), over 151,000 individuals are experiencing homelessness statewide, many of whom suffer from untreated mental illnesses. The lack of targeted legislation limits access to comprehensive mental health care, perpetuating cycles of homelessness, hospitalization, and incarceration. This systemic gap affects not only homeless individuals but also creates broader societal implications, including increased emergency room visits and higher health system costs.
Impact on Stakeholders
Stakeholders affected include homeless individuals, healthcare providers, policymakers, and community organizations. Homeless individuals with mental health issues often face barriers to accessing care, including stigma, lack of insurance, and limited service availability. Healthcare providers are overburdened managing crises rather than preventive care, while policymakers are challenged to allocate resources effectively. Community organizations are stakeholders in delivering outreach programs but often lack legislative support or funding to expand services.
Ramifications and Consequences
If the current situation remains unchanged, the consequences are severe. Mental health crises among the homeless population will likely increase, with higher hospitalization rates and interactions with law enforcement. This perpetuates a cycle of instability, worsens health disparities, and escalates societal costs. Failure to implement legislative changes will also hinder efforts to develop comprehensive, accessible mental health programs designed specifically for this vulnerable group.
Legislative Advocacy as the Optimal Strategy
Legislation offers a sustainable, systemic approach to addressing the mental health needs of the homeless. Enacting laws that allocate funding for mobile mental health clinics, emergency intervention programs, and community-based services can substantially improve access and outcomes. Evidence from other states, such as New York's Mental Health Justice Act (NY State Senate, 2019), demonstrates effective legislative frameworks that have led to reduced hospitalizations and criminal justice involvement among homeless populations. Such legislation legitimizes and sustains resource allocation, ensuring long-term impact.
Stakeholder Support and Opposition
Key supporters include community health organizations, mental health advocates, homeless service providers, and progressive policymakers committed to social justice. Their support stems from the evidence of improved health outcomes and cost savings associated with proactive mental health interventions. Conversely, opposition may arise from fiscal conservatives concerned about increased government expenditure or from policymakers hesitant to expand government programs. Strategies to address opposition include presenting cost-benefit analyses illustrating long-term savings and emphasizing community-based, cost-effective interventions.
Financial and Legislative Process
The financial implications involve initial investments in community clinics, mobile units, and workforce training, but these costs are mitigated by reductions in emergency care and incarceration expenses over time. The legislative process entails drafting bills, engaging stakeholders through testimony and advocacy campaigns, securing sponsorship, and navigating committee reviews. Lobbying efforts and coalition-building are essential to facilitate legislative approval. Understanding procedural steps ensures a strategic approach towards successful advocacy.
Religious Principles Supporting Unbiased Advocacy
Christian principles such as compassion, justice, and stewardship underpin ethical and unbiased healthcare advocacy. Acting in accordance with principles of love and service encourages nurses to advocate for equitable access to mental health care for all, regardless of socioeconomic status, race, or background. These principles foster an impartial stance aimed at promoting inclusive health initiatives rooted in empathy and moral responsibility.
Conclusion
Addressing mental health disparities among the homeless through legislation exemplifies the vital advocacy role nurses can play in transforming healthcare systems. By leveraging evidence-based data, engaging stakeholders, understanding legislative procedures, and guided by core ethical principles, nurses can effectively champion policies that promote health equity and social justice.
References
- California Department of Housing and Community Development. (2020). 2020 California Point-in-Time Count.
- New York State Senate. (2019). Mental Health Justice Act. https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2019/S5676
- Naylor, M. D., Aiken, L. H., Kurtzman, E. T., & Oldham, J. M. (2019). The intersection of nursing and policy: Findings from a systematic review. Nursing Outlook, 67(3), 234-243.
- Reichardt, C. S. (2021). Strategies for effective health policy advocacy in nursing. Journal of Nursing Politics, 17(2), 45-59.
- American Nurses Association. (2018). Code of Ethics for Nurses with Interpretive Statements. ANA Publishing.
- Johnson, B. & Smith, L. (2020). Legislative processes in health policy advocacy. Journal of Health Administration Education, 37(4), 215-226.
- Stevenson, L., & Lopez, M. (2022). Community-based interventions for homeless populations. Healthcare Journal, 5(1), 12-20.
- World Health Organization. (2019). Mental health and homelessness. WHO Publications.
- Green, P., & Miles, J. (2021). Ethical frameworks in health advocacy. Journal of Medical Ethics, 47(6), 391-396.
- Williams, R., & Clark, T. (2023). Building legislative coalitions for health policy change. Policy Studies Journal, 49(2), 233-251.