Nursing Has Over 200 Professional Organizations
Nursing Has Over 200 Professional Organizations Special Interest Grou
Nursing has over 200 professional organizations, special interest groups, and coalitions dedicated to the interest of nursing. For this discussion: 1. Examine a nursing organization to determine the political function of the organization. 2. Discuss three legislative initiatives supported by the organization. 3. Define your position on each of the initiatives and whether you agreed with the organization's position and advocacy platform. 4. Compose a Tweet that reflects your position on the legislative initiative, remembering the 140-character limit. Be concise. Share your Tweet in the discussion. PLEASE ANSWER EACH QUESTION SEPARATED AND USE 3 SOURCES NO LATER THAN 5 YEARS.
Paper For Above instruction
Introduction
Nursing organizations play a pivotal role in advocating for the nursing profession, influencing healthcare policy, and shaping legislation critical to nursing practice and patient care. Among these organizations, the American Nurses Association (ANA) stands out as a prominent professional body that actively engages in political advocacy and legislative initiatives. This paper examines the ANA’s political functions, discusses three legislative initiatives supported by the organization, provides personal positions on these initiatives, and includes a concise Tweet reflecting those positions.
Political Function of the American Nurses Association
The American Nurses Association (ANA) serves as a vital political entity advocating for nurses' rights, healthcare reform, and patient safety. Its primary political function is lobbying—representing nurses’ interests to policymakers and influencing legislation that affects nursing practice and healthcare delivery (ANA, 2022). The ANA collaborates with Congress, policymakers, and other stakeholders to promote policies that ensure safe staffing ratios, fair wages, and improved health policies. Additionally, the ANA contributes to policy development through grassroots mobilization, policy advocacy campaigns, and direct lobbying efforts. It also provides educational resources to members on legislative processes, empowering nurses to participate actively in advocacy efforts (Keleher & Parker, 2020).
Three Legislative Initiatives Supported by the ANA
1. Repeal of the Affordable Care Act’s (ACA) Medicaid Work Requirements:
The ANA has opposed Medicaid work requirements, arguing they threaten healthcare access for vulnerable populations and could lead to increased uninsured rates (ANA, 2021).
2. Support for Safe Staffing Laws:
The organization advocates for legislation mandating safe nurse staffing ratios to reduce burnout, improve patient safety, and enhance quality of care. States like California have adopted such laws, and the ANA champions their broader implementation nationwide (ANA, 2022).
3. Expansion of Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) Scope of Practice:
The ANA supports legislation that grants APRNs full practice authority, allowing them to assess, diagnose, and prescribe independently—thereby increasing healthcare access, especially in underserved areas (American Association of Nurse Practitioners [AANP], 2023).
Personal Positions and Agreement with the Initiatives
1. Medicaid Work Requirements:
I oppose Medicaid work requirements proposed by some policymakers. These requirements can hinder access to essential healthcare services for low-income populations who may face barriers to employment or have health conditions. The ANA’s position aligns with my belief that healthcare access should not be contingent upon employment status, especially during economic hardships (Koh et al., 2019).
2. Safe Staffing Laws:
I strongly support safe staffing legislation. Adequate nurse staffing is crucial for delivering quality patient care and preventing burnout. The ANA’s advocacy for such laws resonates with my views on promoting a sustainable and effective nursing workforce (Aiken et al., 2020).
3. Expansion of APRN Practice Authority:
I agree with the ANA’s stance on expanding APRN scope of practice. Fully utilizing APRNs can address healthcare disparities and improve access, particularly in rural and underserved communities. This aligns with my belief in maximizing healthcare professionals' roles to meet patient needs efficiently (Xue & Larson, 2021).
Tweet Reflecting My Position
"Supporting full practice authority for APRNs boosts healthcare access & quality! No to Medicaid work requirements that limit care. #NursingAdvocacy #HealthcareForAll"
References
- Aiken, L. H., Sloane, D., Ball, J., et al. (2020). Patient safety: The importance of adequate nurse staffing. Journal of Nursing Management, 28(4), 633-635. https://doi.org/10.1111/jonm.13052
- American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP). (2023). State practice environment. https://www.aanp.org/advocacy/state-practice-environment
- American Nurses Association (ANA). (2021). Policy on Medicaid requirements. https://www.nursingworld.org/practice-policy/nursing-excellence/advocacy/
- ANA. (2022). Safe staffing laws campaign. https://www.nursingworld.org/practice-policy/advocacy/issue-briefs/
- Keleher, H., & Parker, R. (2020). Advocacy and political action in nursing. Nursing Outlook, 68(2), 159-163. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.outlook.2019.10.004
- Koh, H. K., et al. (2019). The unintended consequences of Medicaid work requirements. Health Affairs, 38(8), 1243-1247. https://doi.org/10.1377/hlthaff.2019.00776
- Xue, Y., & Larson, E. (2021). Impact of expanded APRN scope of practice on healthcare delivery. Nursing Research, 70(1), 17-24. https://doi.org/10.1097/NNR.0000000000000488