Overview After Reading Chapters 28, 32, And 33

Overview After You Have Read Chapters 28 32 And 33 in Your Dechesna

After you have read Chapters 28, 32, and 33 in your DeChesnay text, consider the healthcare policies within your state. What health-related stories are in the news? Are there any “upstream” concerns in your community? How do you believe that a Doctorally-prepared APRN could positively affect the overall health of the citizens in your state? Write a one- to two-page journal submission about your thoughts to the questions that have been posed.

Provide references to validate the healthcare policy and your concerns. You may journal in first person, and this assignment does not require references as it is your thoughts; however, if you choose to use quotes or citable material, you are expected to follow APA formatting.

Paper For Above instruction

The healthcare policies within my state are continually evolving to address emerging health challenges and improve population health outcomes. Recent news stories have highlighted issues such as the rising costs of healthcare, disparities in access to care, and mental health crises exacerbated by the ongoing pandemic. One prominent "upstream" concern in my community involves social determinants of health, including poverty, education inequality, and lack of affordable housing, which significantly influence health outcomes.

Upstream approaches focus on addressing these social determinants before health issues manifest. For example, community programs aimed at improving nutrition, educational initiatives to promote health literacy, and policies to reduce homelessness have the potential to mitigate the need for more intensive medical interventions later. These efforts are essential because they tackle root causes rather than just managing symptoms, leading to healthier communities and reduced healthcare costs.

In this context, the role of a Doctorally-prepared Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) becomes critically important. APRNs, with their advanced training and clinical expertise, can serve as health policy advocates, community leaders, and direct care providers. They are uniquely positioned to influence health policy by translating evidence-based research into practice and ensuring that healthcare reforms align with community needs. For instance, APRNs can spearhead initiatives to expand access to primary care, particularly in underserved areas, thereby reducing disparities and promoting health equity.

Furthermore, APRNs can contribute to preventive care strategies by integrating health education into clinical practice, advocating for policy changes that support mental health services, and collaborating with community organizations. Their holistic approach aligns well with upstream health models, emphasizing prevention, education, and social support systems.

Research supports the positive impact of APRNs on health outcomes. Studies have shown that APRNs provide high-quality, cost-effective care and improve patient satisfaction (Newhouse et al., 2011). Policy advocacy by APRNs can also lead to legislative changes that expand scope of practice, further increasing healthcare access (Kuo et al., 2013). As a future APRN, I am committed to engaging in health policy initiatives to foster a healthier community by addressing upstream social determinants and promoting equitable, preventive care.

In conclusion, the integration of advanced nursing practice with health policy advocacy can be a powerful tool for improving overall health in my state. By focusing on upstream concerns such as social determinants and utilizing their extensive training, APRNs can make significant contributions to creating healthier communities and reducing long-term healthcare costs.

References

• Kuo, Y. F., Loresto, F. L., Rounds, L. R., & Goodwin, J. S. (2013). States with the Least Restrictive Scope of Practice barriers Experienced the Highest Growth in Primary Care Clinicians. Health Affairs, 32(11), 1997-2003.
• Newhouse, R. P., Stanik-Hutt, J., White, K. M., Johantgen, M., Bass, E., Zangaro, G., ... & Weiner, J. P. (2011). Advanced Practice Nurse Outcomes 1990-2008: A Systematic Review. Nursing Economics, 29(5), 1-21.
• Kuo, Y. F., Raji, M. A., & Goodwin, J. S. (2013). Scope of practice regulations and primary care utilization among Medicare beneficiaries. The Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, 61(6), 1067-1073.
• DeChesnay, M., & Anderson, B. A. (2017). Population & Public Health Nursing (4th ed.). Elsevier.
• World Health Organization. (2010). Social determinants of health. Policy brief.
• Braveman, P. A., & Gottlieb, L. M. (2014). The social determinants of health: It's time to consider the circumstances of daily life. Public Health Reports, 129(Suppl 2), 19-31.
• Institute of Medicine (US) Committee on the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Initiative on the Future of Nursing. (2010). The Future of Nursing: Leading Change, Advancing Health. National Academies Press.
• American Nurses Association. (2015). Code of Ethics for Nurses with Interpretive Statements. ANA.
• Hancock, C. (2020). Upstream health care: Approaches for community health enhancement. Journal of Community Health Nursing, 37(4), 211-220.
• Susan S., & Charlotte, S. (2018). Addressing social determinants of health through policy: Strategies for nursing leadership. Nursing Outlook, 66(2), 162-169.