Select One Of The Following Discussion Questions Below Post ✓ Solved

Select One Of The Following Discussion Questions Below Post A Substa

Select one of the following discussion questions below. Post a substantive initial response with references Option 1: Describe the role of nurses in developing health policy addressing each of the three components listed: a) legislative action, b) regulatory action, and c) nursing advocacy. The role of developing "health policy" is not developing "policy and procedure" where you work. Option 2: Choose an environmental health issue or concern in our local community. Local communities can include specific towns/cities, Monroe County, or Florida. Provide an overview of the hazard, including its effect on people, the interventions that could or should take place, and the role that nurses should play in reducing or eliminating this hazard.

Sample Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

The nursing profession plays a pivotal role in shaping health policies that influence public health outcomes. In contemporary healthcare, nurses are not only caregivers but also advocates and policy influencers who shape legislative, regulatory, and community health initiatives. Understanding the specific roles nurses play in developing health policy is essential for leveraging their expertise in promoting health and preventing disease.

Nurses and The Development of Health Policy

The role of nurses in developing health policy encompasses three main components: legislative action, regulatory action, and nursing advocacy. Each component involves distinct responsibilities but collectively contributes to fostering effective health policies.

Legislative Action

Nurses contribute to legislative action by participating in policy-making processes at local, state, and federal levels. They may serve on advisory committees, testify before legislative bodies, and draft policy proposals grounded in clinical experience and public health knowledge (Baldwin et al., 2019). For example, nurses have been instrumental in advocating for laws that expand access to health care services, improve patient safety, and address social determinants of health (Furber et al., 2020). Their firsthand experience enables them to communicate the real-world implications of legislative decisions, ensuring policies are practical and patient-centered.

Regulatory Action

Regulatory action involves the creation and enforcement of rules and standards that govern healthcare practice. Nurses influence regulatory actions through participation in regulatory boards and professional organizations. They provide expert opinions and evidence-based recommendations that shape accreditation standards, licensure requirements, and scope of practice regulations (Sullivan & Kasper, 2018). For instance, nurses have played critical roles in expanding practice authority for advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), which directly affects healthcare accessibility, especially in underserved areas (Barnes et al., 2021). Their engagement ensures that regulations promote safe, effective, and equitable healthcare delivery.

Nursing Advocacy

Nursing advocacy extends beyond policy formulation to actively championing health issues within communities and institutions. Nurses advocate for vulnerable populations, influence public opinion, and collaborate with policymakers to ensure health equity (American Nurses Association [ANA], 2015). This role involves community outreach, education, and coalition-building to address social determinants of health and disparities. For example, nurses advocating for tobacco cessation initiatives or vaccination campaigns can significantly impact community health outcomes by mobilizing resources and influencing policy priorities.

The Importance of Nurses in Shaping Health Policy

Nurses' involvement in health policy development ensures that policies are grounded in clinical realities and prioritize patient safety and well-being (Butler et al., 2019). Their trusted position within healthcare and communities allows them to serve as effective communicators and catalysts for change.

Conclusion

In summary, nurses play a vital role in developing health policies through legislative involvement, regulatory influence, and advocacy efforts. By leveraging their expertise and firsthand experience, nurses can help craft policies that improve health outcomes, advance health equity, and ensure that healthcare systems are responsive to the needs of populations they serve.

References

American Nurses Association. (2015). Code of ethics for nurses with interpretive statements. ANA Publishing.

Barnes, H., Richardson, J., & Christopher, J. (2021). Expanding scope of practice in nursing: Implications for health policy. Journal of Nursing Regulation, 12(2), 18-24.

Baldwin, L.-M., Beeman, P. S., & Knieps, F. (2019). Nurses as policy advocates and influencers. Nursing Outlook, 67(3), 211-217.

Butler, A. M., Whitman, N., & Collins, S. (2019). The role of nurses in health policy development. Nursing Administration Quarterly, 43(2), 124-130.

Furber, S., Tapp, N., & West, J. (2020). Nurses and policy-making: Opportunities for influence. Policy, Politics & Nursing Practice, 21(3), 123-129.

Sullivan, E. J., & Kasper, D. L. (2018). Policy and politics in nursing and healthcare. Elsevier.