Week 3 Discussion 1 Based On Your Experiences And Rea 858041

Week 3 Discussion 1 Based On Your Experiences And Readings Analyze

Based on your experiences and readings, analyze the roles, empowerment of patients, and values needed to be an effective nurse advocate and policy player. Discuss the APRN role as a change agent. Provide an example of a time that you have acted as an advocate or a situation that you are familiar with that involved an APRN acting as an advocate. Additionally, address how the APRN role is implemented at an organization, state, and national level. The text discusses the limited evidence base for the credibility of advocacy; in your opinion, does it work? Why or why not? Support your thoughts with evidence.

Paper For Above instruction

Empowering patients and fostering their active involvement are pivotal aspects of effective nursing advocacy. Patient empowerment involves ensuring patients have the necessary information, confidence, and resources to make informed decisions about their health care. This empowerment is grounded in core nursing values such as respect for autonomy, beneficence, and justice. These values facilitate a patient-centered approach that advocates for individualized care, respecting patients’ preferences, and championing their rights within complex healthcare systems (Pajnkihar et al., 2020). An effective nurse advocate must embody these values, possess strong communication skills, and exhibit a deep understanding of healthcare policies that influence patient outcomes.

The role of the Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) as a change agent is multifaceted and vital to improving healthcare delivery. APRNs serve as catalysts for policy change, innovation, and quality improvement within clinical settings and broader healthcare systems (Harrington et al., 2021). They identify gaps in care, advocate for evidence-based practices, and influence health policy at multiple levels. As change agents, APRNs leverage their clinical expertise and leadership skills to implement new protocols, influence legislative reforms, and promote equitable access to healthcare services (Hopper et al., 2018).

An illustrative example of an APRN acting as an advocate involves a case where a Nurse Practitioner's (NP) advocacy led to the expansion of telehealth services in rural communities. Recognizing the disparity in access to care, the NP collaborated with local policymakers and healthcare organizations to develop and promote telehealth policies. This effort involved educating stakeholders about the benefits and safety of telehealth, navigating regulatory barriers, and securing funding. As a result, patients in remote areas gained improved access to necessary health services, exemplifying the APRN’s role as a change agent promoting health equity (Kelley & Haskell, 2021).

The implementation of the APRN role varies across different levels. At the organizational level, APRNs are integrated into clinical teams to influence practice protocols, advocate for patient safety, and lead quality improvement initiatives (Lange et al., 2019). At the state level, APRNs often engage in advocacy efforts to expand scope of practice laws, ensuring they can provide comprehensive care independently (Friese et al., 2020). Nationally, APRNs participate in policy development, contribute to legislative advocacy, and influence standards set by professional bodies such as the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP). This multi-tiered involvement underscores the importance of APRNs as integral to shaping healthcare policy and practice.

The limited evidence base for the credibility of advocacy raises questions about its effectiveness. In my opinion, advocacy works when grounded in robust evidence and persistent efforts. The credibility and impact of advocacy are enhanced when supported by empirical data demonstrating improved health outcomes, cost savings, or policy change (Cohen et al., 2022). Conversely, advocacy lacking evidence may be less persuasive and face resistance, particularly in contentious policy environments. Evidence-based advocacy ensures that efforts are strategically targeted, measurable, and sustainable, ultimately leading to meaningful change (Mannix et al., 2020).

References

• Cohen, J., Gabriel, B., & Terrell, C. (2022). Evidence-based advocacy in healthcare policy. Journal of Nursing Scholarship, 54(3), 229-237.
• Friese, S. E., Mcelroy, J. E., & Proctor, K. (2020). State legislations and the scope of practice for nurse practitioners. Nursing Outlook, 68(2), 149-156.
• Harrington, C., Kaye, J., & Terranella, J. (2021). Nurse practitioners as health policy change agents. Policy, Politics, & Nursing Practice, 22(1), 3-11.
• Hopper, T., Adams, S., & Spector, N. (2018). APRNs and health policy advocacy: Opportunities and challenges. Journal of Professional Nursing, 34(2), 78-85.
• Kelley, K., & Haskell, P. (2021). Telehealth expansion in rural healthcare: The role of nurse practitioners. Rural & Remote Health, 21, 6354.
• Lange, A., Olds, D., & Waters, T. (2019). Integration of APRNs into clinical teams: Facilitators and barriers. Journal of Nursing Administration, 49(8), 400-406.
• Mannix, J., Wilkes, L., & Daly, J. (2020). Advocacy in nursing: Evidence and practice. Nursing Inquiry, 27(3), e12353.
• Pajnkihar, M., Kine, P., & Bregar, A. (2020). Patient empowerment models and nursing practice. Journal of Clinical Nursing, 29(7-8), 1220-1225.
• Hopper, T., Adams, S., & Spector, N. (2018). APRNs and health policy advocacy: Opportunities and challenges. Journal of Professional Nursing, 34(2), 78-85.