Share The Health Policy You Found During Your Internet Searc ✓ Solved

Share the health policy you found during your Internet search

Share the health policy you found during your Internet search that is directly related to your practice area. How does this policy impact your practice? Note: I am a registered nurse at a Nursing Home. Post should be at least 500 words, formatted and cited in current APA style with support from at least 2 academic sources.

Paper For Above Instructions

Health policies play an instrumental role in shaping the practices and standards within the healthcare system. As a registered nurse working in a nursing home, I recently explored a particular health policy: the “Nursing Home Reform Act (NHRA)” enacted in 1987. This policy is pivotal for ensuring the quality of care and life for residents in nursing homes across the United States.

The NHRA was a significant development in nursing home regulations, aiming to enhance the conditions under which elderly residents receive care. The core of the NHRA is the emphasis on patient rights, ensuring that residents have the right to participate in their care, the right to privacy, and the right to be treated with dignity (Katz, 2017). This policy mandates that nursing homes develop and implement comprehensive care plans for each resident, focusing not only on their medical needs but also on their personal preferences and quality of life. This approach aligns with the modern views of patient-centered care, where individual needs and preferences are at the forefront of nursing practices.

In practical terms, the NHRA has several implications for my work as a registered nurse. First, the emphasis on individualized care plans means that I must engage actively with residents and their families to create tailored care strategies. This process involves assessing the physical, emotional, and social needs of each resident and ensuring that these needs are met. Being a part of this process highlights the importance of communication and relationship-building in nursing care (Cutler et al., 2019). By understanding residents’ unique backgrounds and preferences, I can offer more meaningful and personalized care, which ultimately enhances their quality of life.

Moreover, the NHRA mandates regular staff training to ensure that nursing home staff are updated on best practices and legal requirements. As registered nurses, we must commit to ongoing education and training to comply with the policies set forth in the NHRA (Mason et al., 2016). Continuous education not only equips us with the necessary skills and knowledge but also fosters a culture of safety and quality within the nursing home. Being knowledgeable about the latest guidelines and approaches to elderly care ensures that I can advocate effectively for my residents.

Another critical aspect of the NHRA is its focus on regulatory oversight and accountability. Under this policy, federal and state agencies conduct regular inspections and assessments of nursing homes to ensure compliance with established standards. As a nurse, I find this oversight essential, as it encourages facilities to maintain high-quality practices and provides a safety net for residents. However, it also means that I must be diligent in my documentation and adherence to policies, as these factors are crucial during inspections (Wagner et al., 2020).

In terms of the broader implications, the NHRA illustrates a shift in our healthcare system towards greater accountability and transparency. It recognizes that nursing homes are not just places of care but homes for many individuals. This perspective encourages facilities to create environments that promote dignity and respect for their residents (Falk, 2014). It also highlights the importance of family involvement in care discussions and decisions—another area that I actively encourage in my practice.

Despite its positive impacts, the NHRA faces challenges and criticisms. One of the most pressing issues is the disparity in resources among nursing facilities. Many nursing homes struggle with staffing shortages and limited funding, affecting their ability to provide care consistent with the NHRA requirements (White et al., 2011). Accordingly, as a nurse, I often find myself advocating for more resources and support systems to ensure we can meet the standards set forth by health policies such as the NHRA.

In summary, the Nursing Home Reform Act has profoundly affected my practice as a registered nurse. It requires a commitment to individualized care, ongoing education, regulatory compliance, and advocacy for resident resources. The emphasis on patient dignity and rights aligns with the ethical responsibilities inherent in nursing and elevates the importance of quality care in our healthcare system.

References

• Cutler, L. J., Wolleat, J., & Cavanagh, C. (2019). Communication in the nursing home. Journal of Nursing Management, 27(3), 569-575.
• Falk, N. (2014). A health policy resource guide for nurses. Journal of Continuing Education for Nursing, 45(5), 211-214.
• Katz, P. (2017). The Nursing Home Reform Act: Understanding your rights. American Journal of Medicine, 130(8), 672-676.
• Mason, D. J., Gardner, D. B., Outlaw, F. H., & O’Grady, E. T. (2016). Policy and Politics in Nursing and Health Care (7th ed.). Elsevier Health Sciences.
• Wagner, J. M., Pugh, A. M., & DeLoach, S. (2020). Regulation and oversight of nursing facilities: Implications for nursing practice. Nursing Administration Quarterly, 44(1), 8-15.
• White, P., Olsan, T. H., Bianchi, C., Glessner, T., & Mapstone, P. (2011). Legislative: Searching for health policy information on the Internet: An essential advocacy skill. The Online Journal of Nursing Issues, 15(2).