Week 11: Describe Three Political Actions Nurses Could Take

Week 11describe Three Political Actions Nurses Could Take To Strengthe

Week 11describe Three Political Actions Nurses Could Take To Strengthe

WEEK 11 Describe three political actions nurses could take to strengthen their role in policymaking as it relates to advocacy for improving LGBTQ health. Correlate your discussion to the AACN MSN Essentials, identify one that most pertains to this topic and elaborate on your selection. Attached below is additional information regarding providing adequate care for the LGBTQ community as outlined by Joint Commission and the CDC: Joint Commission & LGBTQ Community.pdf Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Health: 0

Paper For Above instruction

The vital role of nurses in influencing health policy, particularly concerning vulnerable populations such as the LGBTQ community, is essential for advancing equitable healthcare. Nurses are on the frontline of patient care and possess a unique perspective that can significantly contribute to policymaking. To effectively advocate for improved LGBTQ health and strengthen their role in policymaking, nurses can employ several strategic political actions rooted in advocacy, education, and collaboration. These actions align with the AACN MSN Essentials, especially those emphasizing leadership, policy, and community engagement, notably MSN Essential V, which focuses on advancing the quality of healthcare through policy and advocacy.

Firstly, nurses can engage in policy advocacy by participating in legislative processes. This involves actively lobbying for laws and policies that protect and promote LGBTQ health rights. For example, nurses can collaborate with professional organizations and advocacy groups to support legislation that ensures non-discriminatory practices, access to healthcare, and inclusion of LGBTQ-specific health needs in healthcare policies. By attending hearings, drafting policy proposals, and meeting with legislators, nurses can influence policy decisions directly. This action aligns with MSN Essential V's emphasis on leadership in health policy and advocacy, promoting nurse participation in shaping laws that impact health outcomes.

Secondly, nurses can utilize education and public awareness campaigns to influence policymakers and the public regarding LGBTQ health issues. This includes organizing community outreach programs, creating educational materials, and leveraging social media platforms to dispel myths and promote understanding of LGBTQ health disparities. Educated and informed constituents can exert pressure on policymakers to prioritize LGBTQ health initiatives. Furthermore, nurse-led workshops or seminars can foster cultural competency among healthcare providers, improving care quality. This approach corresponds with MSN Essential III—Organization and Systems Leadership—by fostering an environment of informed leadership and advocacy that extends to community engagement.

Thirdly, nurses can collaborate across interdisciplinary teams and foster alliances with advocacy organizations focused on LGBTQ health. Building coalitions amplifies their collective influence in policymaking arenas. Engaging with local, state, and national organizations allows nurses to stay informed about policy developments and to participate in coordinated advocacy efforts. These collaborations can also include research initiatives to provide evidence-based data that inform policy decisions. Such teamwork is consistent with MSN Essential II—Person-Centered Care—since it emphasizes addressing social determinants of health and advocating for equitable care through collective action.

Among the AACN MSN Essentials, Essential V most pertains to this advocacy effort because it highlights nurses' leadership in influencing health policy and advocating for systemic change. It emphasizes that nurse leaders must actively participate in shaping health policies to improve population health outcomes, which is pivotal when addressing specific health disparities affecting the LGBTQ community.

In conclusion, nurses can take strategic political actions such as engaging in legislative advocacy, conducting public education campaigns, and fostering collaborative alliances to strengthen their role in policymaking related to LGBTQ health. These efforts contribute to creating a healthcare system that recognizes and addresses the unique needs of LGBTQ individuals. Aligning these actions with the AACN MSN Essentials enhances their capacity to lead systemic change and promote health equity. As outlined by the Joint Commission and CDC, providing adequate and inclusive care for LGBTQ populations requires ongoing advocacy, education, and policy influence—roles ideally suited for nursing leadership.

References

  • American Association of Colleges of Nursing. (2011). The Essentials of Master’s Education in Nursing. AACN. https://www.aacnnursing.org/Education-Resources/AA-Nursing-Essentials
  • Joint Commission. (2021). Advancing Effective Communication, Cultural Competence, and Patient- and Family-Centered Care for LGBT Patients and Their Families. Joint Commission. https://www.jointcommission.org/resources/patient-safety-topics/lgbt-lgbtq/
  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020). Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) Health. CDC. https://www.cdc.gov/lgbthealth/index.htm
  • Burch, D., & Zohar, A. (2020). Nursing advocacy for LGBTQ+ health equity. Journal of Nursing Scholarship, 52(2), 211-218.
  • George, S., & Rhee, J. (2017). Addressing disparities in LGBTQ health through policy advocacy. Nursing Outlook, 65(3), 285-291.
  • Keller, M. J., & Guffey, K. (2019). Building capacity for LGBTQ-inclusive health policy. Policy, Politics, & Nursing Practice, 20(4), 184-192.
  • McNair, R., & Hargreaves, J. (2018). Cultural safety and LGBTQ+ health in nursing education. International Journal of Nursing Studies, 78, 42-50.
  • National LGBTQIA+ Health Education Center. (2019). Creating Inclusive Environments for LGBTQ+ Patients. The Fenway Institute. https://www.lgbtqiahealtheducation.org
  • Yin, S., & Leung, F. (2019). Interdisciplinary collaboration in health advocacy for LGBTQ populations. Collaborative Health, 15(1), 33-45.
  • Wilkins, E. A., & Boscart, V. M. (2020). Leadership strategies for nursing advocacy in policy-making. Journal of Nursing Leadership, 33(4), 44-52.

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