Participation In Policymaking Can Be Achieved At The Federal

Participation In Policy Making Can Be Achieved At The Federal Level An

Participation in policy making can occur at multiple levels, from the federal government down to individual institutions, highlighting the importance of nurses and APRNs in shaping healthcare policies. While governmental decisions influence policies nationally, individual groups and healthcare providers also play a crucial role in enacting change. According to Laureatte Education (2018), the decisions made through government policies are just one aspect of the broader process, which includes active participation at community, institutional, and state levels. The continuous, cyclical nature of evidence-based practice underscores the importance of revisions based on real-world application, positioning nurses and APRNs as essential contributors given their frontline vantage point. Their ability to influence policy is amplified through advocacy efforts directed at local and state representatives, as well as within their own institutions. Engaging in dialogue and advocating for policy change helps shape regulations that impact healthcare delivery and resource allocation, especially during crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

Real-world examples further illustrate this point. During my recent experience as a travel nurse in New York City, I encountered a makeshift ICU developed in response to COVID-19 surges. This improvisational unit, created within just days, exemplifies active policy making in practice. The collaborative effort among healthcare providers—including nurses, nurse practitioners, and physicians—served as an immediate response to an urgent need, demonstrating how frontline workers contribute to evolving policies and protocols. Our team shared real-time information and adjusted practices based on emerging evidence, exemplifying the cyclical, evidence-based approach to clinical decision-making (Milstead & Short, 2019). Moreover, the physician leading the unit encouraged open communication and innovation, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and collective problem-solving, which are vital elements of policy enactment at the institutional level.

This experience highlights the dynamic role nurses can play in policy development. When healthcare providers actively participate in clinical decision-making and share insights, they influence institutional policies that directly impact patient outcomes. Additionally, professional organizations such as the American Nurses Association (ANA) serve as collective voices through advocacy, lobbying efforts, and policy recommendations (American Nurses Association, n.d.). These organizations exert influence on legislators by advocating for funding, resource allocation, and priorities aligned with nursing perspectives. The collective power of professional nursing organizations can shape legislation, especially in times of national crises, ensuring that the needs of healthcare workers and patients are addressed effectively.

The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the critical need for ongoing advocacy and policy engagement by healthcare professionals. As the pandemic strained resources and exposed gaps in preparedness, nurses and other healthcare providers recognized the importance of communicating with policymakers to secure necessary support. This advocacy involves pushing for legislation that enhances funding, PPE availability, staffing ratios, and crisis response plans. Such efforts are crucial for future preparedness, emphasizing that active participation in policy making should be an integral part of nursing practice. Healthcare workers have a responsibility not only to provide direct patient care but also to influence policies that shape the healthcare landscape, from funding allocations to emergency preparedness protocols.

In conclusion, participation in policy making is achievable at multiple levels, and nurses are uniquely positioned to contribute through advocacy, frontline experience, collaboration, and professional organization efforts. As demonstrated by the ongoing COVID-19 response, frontline healthcare workers generate vital insights that can influence policies and improve healthcare systems. Regular engagement with legislators, active involvement in healthcare organizations, and participation in institutional decision-making processes empower nurses to advocate for needed changes. Such efforts ensure the healthcare system remains responsive, resourceful, and prepared for future challenges, exemplifying the essential role of nurses in shaping health policy at all levels.

References

• American Nurses Association. (n.d.). Advocacy and policy. Retrieved from https://www.nursingworld.org/practice-policy/advocacy/
• Laureatte Education. (2018). Working with legislators [Video file]. Retrieved from https://learn.laureate.net
• Laureatte Education. (2018). Health policy and politics [Video file]. Retrieved from https://learn.laureate.net
• Milstead, J., & Short, N. (2019). Health policy and politics: A nurse’s guide (6th ed.). Jones & Bartlett Learning.
• American Nurses Association. (n.d.). Advocacy and action: Political engagement. Retrieved from https://www.nursingworld.org/practice-policy/advocacy/
• Gerrish, K., & Lacey, A. (2017). The research process in nursing (7th ed.). Wiley Blackwell.
• Schmidt, H., & Brown, J. (2019). Evidence-based practice for nurses: Appraisal and application of research. Jones & Bartlett Learning.
• Hevner, A. R., et al. (2004). Design science research in information systems. MIS quarterly, 28(1), 75-105.
• World Health Organization. (2020). COVID-19 strategic preparedness and response plan. WHO Publications.
• Wagner, J., & Berry, S. (2018). The role of nurses in health policy advocacy. Journal of Nursing Policy, 12(4), 33-41.