Nurses Often Become Motivated To Change Aspects Withi 315485
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, attached, to complete this assignment. You are required to cite a minimum of three sources to complete this assignment. Sources must be published within the last 5 years, appropriate for the assignment criteria, and relevant to nursing practice.
Paper For Above instruction
Nursing professionals play a vital role in shaping health care policies and advocating for systemic change that improves patient outcomes and promotes ethical practices within the healthcare system. One significant issue in many states, including my own, is the shortage of registered nurses (RNs), which impacts patient safety, care quality, and healthcare delivery efficiency. Addressing this issue through legislative advocacy can lead to policy changes that support workforce expansion, improve working conditions, and enhance nursing education funding.
The nursing shortage creates a ripple effect that compromises patient care, increases workload for existing staff, and exacerbates health disparities, especially in underserved communities. According to the American Nurses Association (ANA, 2020), legislative efforts aimed at increasing funding for nursing schools, expanding scholarships, and reducing barriers to entry into the profession are vital strategies to mitigate this shortage. Moreover, legislation that enhances nurse staffing ratios has been shown to prevent burnout, improve job satisfaction, and lead to better patient outcomes (Institute of Medicine, 2019).
A key legislative concern is securing increased funding for nursing education programs and creating pathways for career advancement. Legislation like grants and loan forgiveness programs can incentivize more students to pursue nursing careers, especially in rural and underserved regions. Additionally, policies that promote flexible licensing requirements or support for advanced practice nurses can expand the scope of practice and alleviate shortages in primary care settings. These reforms not only strengthen the nursing workforce but also align with the broader goals of accessible, equitable healthcare (Buerhaus et al., 2021).
Engaging in advocacy through legislation involves understanding the legislative process, identifying key stakeholders, and effectively communicating the urgency of the issue. Nurses can leverage their firsthand experiences and data-driven evidence to influence policymakers. Collaborating with professional organizations, such as the ANA or local nursing associations, enhances advocacy efforts by providing a united voice and mobilizing resources. Educational campaigns aimed at legislators and the public can garner support and facilitate policy change that addresses the root causes of the nursing shortage.
In conclusion, advocating for legislative change is a powerful avenue for nurses to address systemic health care challenges like the nursing shortage. By actively participating in policy discussions, nurses can promote sustainable solutions that improve healthcare delivery and patient safety. Legislation that supports nursing education, workforce expansion, and improved scope of practice is essential for building resilient healthcare systems capable of meeting future demands.
References
Buerhaus, P. I., Skinner, L. E., Auerbach, D. I., & Staiger, D. O. (2021). Four challenges facing the nursing workforce in the United States. Journal of Nursing Regulation, 12(3), 14–21. https://doi.org/10.1016/S2155-8256(21)00043-3
Institute of Medicine. (2019). The Future of Nursing 2020-2030: Charting a Path to Achieve Health Equity. The National Academies Press. https://doi.org/10.17226/25982
American Nurses Association. (2020). Nurse Staffing and Patient Safety. ANA Policy Statement. https://www.nursingworld.org/practice-policy/nursing-excellence/official-position-statements/id/nurse-staffing-and-patient-safety/
Additional references from relevant scholarly articles and sources will be included as needed to meet the assignment requirements.