Sample Answer for NURS 6050 Discussion 2: The Role of the RN/APRN in Policy-Making Included After Question
Word cloud generators have become popular tools for meetings and team-building events. Groups or teams are asked to use these applications to input words they feel best describe their team or their role. A “word cloud” is generated by the application that makes prominent the most-used terms, offering an image of the common thinking among participants of that role.
What types of words would you use to build a nursing word cloud? Empathetic, organized, hard-working, or advocate would all certainly apply. Would you add policy-maker to your list? Do you think it would be a very prominent component of the word cloud?
Nursing has become one of the largest professions in the world, and as such, nurses have the potential to influence policy and politics on a global scale. When nurses influence the politics that improve the delivery of healthcare, they are ultimately advocating for their patients. Hence, policy-making has become an increasingly popular term among nurses as they recognize a moral and professional obligation to be engaged in healthcare legislation.
To Prepare:
- Revisit the Congress.gov website provided in the Resources and consider the role of RNs and APRNs in policy-making.
- Reflect on potential opportunities that may exist for RNs and APRNs to participate in the policy-making process.
By Day 3 of Week 8
Post an explanation of at least two opportunities that exist for RNs and APRNs to actively participate in policy-making. Explain some of the challenges that these opportunities may present and describe how you might overcome these challenges. Finally, recommend two strategies you might make to better advocate for or communicate the existence of these opportunities to participate in policy-making. Be specific and provide examples.
By Day 6 of Week 8
Respond to at least two of your colleagues* posts by suggesting additional opportunities or recommendations for overcoming the challenges described by your colleagues.
Click on the Reply button below to reveal the textbox for entering your message. Then click on the Submit button to post your message.
*Note: Throughout this program, your fellow students are referred to as colleagues.
A Sample Answer For the Assignment: NURS 6050 Discussion 2: The Role of the RN/APRN in Policy-Making
Title: NURS 6050 Discussion 2: The Role of the RN/APRN in Policy-Making
I enjoyed reading your informative post and your insight on ways nurses can be involved in policy making. I agree that as nurses we must be knowledgeable with nursing policy and stay up to date on the constantly changing healthcare system. During my research, I found it very dumbfounding to see that nurses make up the larges group of healthcare professionals but we are outnumbered when it comes to our participation in policy making (Milstead & Short, 2019). I have found that I personally have gained more confidence over the years with experience as a nurse. In the beginning of my career I would not have felt comfortable speaking up about policies and the need for change, now I do so without much hesitation. Perhaps, this is one reason nurses are under-represented when it comes to being active in policy making. Experienced nurses are usually seen in roles of teachers, management, and supervisory positions which have the ability to influence nurses to become active in healthcare policies and to speak up.
Anders (2021) brought up a valid discussion in his study about why nurses are so trusted yet under-represented: Lack of political sophistication, limited time, and lack of confindence. Clinical nurses are directly involved in patient care and see first hand the needs of patients to provide better outcomes. As mentioned, most experienced nurses no longer work the clinical aspect of nursing, therefore, this could be one reason the nursing profession is quiet on the political front, lack of confidence. I agree with you that nursing faculty should be role models and build up new nurses and encourage them to be active in policy making. Hopefully this will become a trend and will be a building block for the empowerment of all nurses, new and seasoned. Thank you.
A Sample Answer 2 For the Assignment: NURS 6050 Discussion 2: The Role of the RN/APRN in Policy-Making
Title: NURS 6050 Discussion 2: The Role of the RN/APRN in Policy-Making
RNs and APRNs play essential roles in health care that influence policy decisions. There are numerous chances for nurses and nurse practitioners to get involved in policy-making. House policy-making and evaluation are essential, but legislative and political advocacy is no less critical to advancing the profession and patient care (ANA,2020). Participating in creating these policies establishes and incorporates relevant criteria for providing care.
The first opportunity for APRNs to actively participate in policy-making is becoming a member of a professional nursing organization. Doing so allows an NP to gain access to the tools it might take to get involved with groups of others participating in policy-making. Although some may feel hesitant about joining a professional organization, induction is primarily expected in the nursing community (Echevarria, 2018). An example of a professional organization is the American Association of Nurse Practitioners. Being a part of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) is more than just a membership; it is a real opportunity to make a measurable difference in the strength of your profession and the health of this country (American Association of Nurse Practitioners, 2022). This organization offers much insight into the education, advocacy, and practice. Being a member of the AANP will allow individuals to be educated and aware and allows RNs and APRNS to make a difference in patient care.
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The second opportunity for APRNs and registered nurses to actively participate in policy-making is to continue education. While
nurses can participate in policy-making at any educational level, pursuing an advanced degree is an effective way to get a seat at the nursing policy table. Earning a DNP demonstrates nurses’ expertise at the highest level of practice, represents their commitment to advancing health outcomes, and distinguishes them as a thought leader. The DNP has been recognized by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing as the most appropriate degree for advanced-practice registered nurses to enter practice (Marymount University,2021).
APRNs might face a challenge in policy-making is the lack of available resources and knowledge. Some nurses felt as though they did not possess the right resources to be able to mobilize policy-making actions. Reviewing and developing policies can become overwhelming and intimidating. APRNs also felt they had a lack of knowledge pertaining to health policy development, thus making it difficult to move forward in the process. Nurses and nurse practitioners found that influencing policy development and the course of the health policy is mainly about securing resources for health care (Shariff,2014). To overcome this challenge, I recommend becoming a professional nursing organization member. Nursing organizations give nurses the tools they need to stay current on best practices, read the opinions of industry leaders, and get a peek at what other hospitals throughout the nation are doing to change patient care.
The second challenge nurses and APRNs might face is a feeling of powerlessness to affect policy change. It is not uncommon to feel as though your voice is being ignored when you are a part of a significant movement. Front‐line nurses may believe it is impossible to create policy change at the national or even local level; many may think their role is too small to make a difference in health policy. However, the front-line engagement nurses have with patients, and other healthcare professionals, make them ideal healthcare policy advocates (Rafferty,2018). When decision-makers hear from nurses and practitioners, it will improve decisions on care coordination, regulatory changes, and health information technology. Knowledge is power in these situations.
One of the strategies I may implement is educating other nurses so they can be a part of policy-making. Until this class, I had no idea that I could affect policy-making. I would share facts, get people involved in a nursing organization that suits them, and increase awareness that we can make a change as nurses or APRNs. A second strategy I would use is to get the hospital I work at involved in policy reviews and nurse advocacy. I would create an in-house organization that makes nurses aware of their power to make change happen. I would collect a list of hospital issues we experience, see what we can do to change them, and collaborate with other hospitals to see if the issue is happening elsewhere.
American Association of Nurse Practitioners. (2022). Clinical Resources for Nurse Practitioners (NPS). American Association of Nurse Practitioners. Retrieved October 12, 2022, from https://www.aanp.org/practice/clinical-resources-for-nps
ANA. (2020, April 27). Advocacy. Practice Advocacy . Retrieved October 12, 2022, from https://www.nursingworld.org/practice-policy/advocacy/
Echevarria, I. (2018). Make connections by joining a professional nursing
organization. Nursing, 48 (12), 35-38. doi: 10.1097/01.NURSE.0000547721.84857.cb.
Marymount University.(2021, November 11). 5 ways nurses can shape policy. Marymount University Online. Retrieved October 12, 2022, from https://online.marymount.edu/blog/nursing-influence-on-health-care-policy
Rafferty A. M. (2018). Nurses as change agents for a better future in health care: the politics of drift and dilution. Health economics, policy, and law, 13(3-4), 475–491. https://doi.org/10.1017/S1744133117000482
Shariff N. (2014). Factors that act as facilitators and barriers to nurse leaders’ participation in health policy development. BMC nursing, 13, 20. https://doi.org/10.1186/1472-6955-13-20
A Sample Answer 3 For the Assignment: NURS 6050 Discussion 2: The Role of the RN/APRN in Policy-Making
Title: NURS 6050 Discussion 2: The Role of the RN/APRN in Policy-Making
There are many ways nurses can be involved in policymaking. The first opportunity is to join professional organizations. There are many professional organizations such as the American Nurses Association and the American Academy of Nursing. Professional organizations have an important role in policymaking and advocacy. They can lobby for the formulation of policies that promote patient care and protect the interests of nurses (Morin, 2021). The second opportunity is advocating for policymaking through the organizations they work. Registered nurses are professionals with the skills, capacity and knowledge to influence policymaking. They can ensure that the policies formulated are effective in their workplaces. Nurses should give their opinions and reject any policies that may negatively affect the safety and quality of healthcare services.
Policymaking through the professional organizations’ route has its challenges. Most professional organizations have complex registration processes and high membership costs. Research has shown that nurses may not join professional organizations due to the high membership costs (Gaines, 2019). This challenge of high membership costs can be solved by subsidizing membership fees for new members and fresh graduate nurses to ensure most nurses join these organizations. The workplace route may also present challenges. Poor leadership may not steer the nurses in the right direction to help in policymaking. This can be solved by training nurse leaders to have the right skills and competencies to help guide the nurses in policy formulation. They should be educated on political competencies.
The two strategies to communicate these opportunities are training and good leadership. Training of nurses, will allow them to understand their roles and participate in policymaking to improve patient care. The second strategy is good leadership. Good leaders will guide nurses on the existing opportunities to help in policymaking.
References
Gaines, K. (2019). You should join a nursing organization. Here’s why. Nurse.org. https://nurse.org/articles/benefits-of-nursing-organizations/
Morin, K. H. (2021). Editorial: Contributions of professional nursing organizations. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 77(6).
A Sample Answer 4 For the Assignment: NURS 6050 Discussion 2: The Role of the RN/APRN in Policy-Making
Title: NURS 6050 Discussion 2: The Role of the RN/APRN in Policy-Making
Both of your suggestions for getting involved in policymaking are excellent. If you are not currently a member of ANA, please join now and enjoy the student rate and then you can participate in your state nurse’s association and it will bring to life much of what we discuss in this class.
Thank you for sharing how nurses can get involved in policymaking and the challenges we may face. I agree that getting involved in a professional organization is a great way for all nurses to become involved in policy. I will personally most likely end up joining at least two professional organizations. I would like to become a member of the American Nurses Association (ANA) and the American Psychiatric Nurses Association (APNA). The ANA is beneficial at a federal and state level by lobbying, representing nurses in federal agencies, and advocating at the state level (American Nurses Association. n.d.). Because my specialty is in psychiatric nursing, I will also join the American Psychiatric Nurses Association (APNA). As a member of the APNA, there is access to continuing education, updated best practices, networking with other professionals, a center for resources, and much more (APNA. n.d.).
Getting involved in policy making decisions at the organizational level is a great suggestion. This would be especially helpful for a nurse who plans to continue at their organization for a long time. I have been at my current employer for many years, and intend to stay at this organization once becoming and APRN. Thankfully there is strong leadership at my organization and becoming involved in committees is highly encouraged, and even rewarded. This will not have much impact on a large scale, but is a great way to improve and advance your practice where you work. Thank you for another great week of discussions!
References
American Nurses Association. (n.d.) Member Benefits. Retrieved January 19, 2022 from
American Psychiatric Nurses Association. (n.d.). Why Join? Retrieved January 19, 2022
from https://www.apna.org/membership/why-join/
A Sample Answer 5 For the Assignment: NURS 6050 Discussion 2: The Role of the RN/APRN in Policy-Making
Title: NURS 6050 Discussion 2: The Role of the RN/APRN in Policy-Making
Hello Sasha, thank you for your informative post on a nurse’s role in policymaking. Nursing as a profession is trained to advocate for our patients, educate them on healthcare topics, and interpret in layman terms what is not understood. All these skills are essentially what is needed to assist legislation on healthcare policies. Who is more qualified than nurses to educate, interpret, and advocate for a health-related policy. One of the easiest ways to get involved is by joining a professional organization. The American Nurses Association is a great organization that supports and advocates for its nurse members. You mentioned that one challenge is the cost of joining, ANA has a special incentive for student nurses. They feel if we become involved early we will shape the future of nursing and remain involved(American Nursing Association [ANA], n.d.).
Nurses often feel their opinions do not matter or will not be heard, they are unaware or unskilled in developing policies. Nurses previously lacked the education on whom to contact or ways to influence policy. Advanced nursing institutions are now offering formal education for nurses and requiring classes on policy and politics, and it opens new doors that nurses may not have known existed (American Nurse, 2016). Classes like this one introduce nurses to how we can influence healthcare policy. When you feel your voice is heard, it leads to personal fulfillment and job satisfaction. This added confidence makes nurses more inclined to remain involved in policymaking. Knowing your advocating for your patients and profession makes you a better leader.
References
https://www.myamericannurse.com/nursing-professions-potential-impact-policy-politics/
American Nursing Association. (n.d.). Nursing students. American nursing association. Retrieved January 19, 2022, from https://www.nursingworld.org/membership/student-nurses/
A Sample Answer 6 For the Assignment: NURS 6050 Discussion 2: The Role of the RN/APRN in Policy-Making
Title: NURS 6050 Discussion 2: The Role of the RN/APRN in Policy-Making
I have worked at a rural hospital for the past ten years and was also present for the transformation from paper charts to Certified Electronic Health Records (EHR). We also had some physicians that fought the implementation of the EHR. However, when funding was being affected, they quickly went on board. For rural and smaller hospitals, this requirement could be challenging to convert to EHR related to the cost of an EHR system. However, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) addressed this challenge by decreasing reimbursement by 75% in 2017 for hospitals that did not meet this meaningful use unless the hospitals were approved for a hardship. Eligible hospitals could have applied for hardship exceptions to avoid the payment adjustment. Hardship exceptions were granted case-by-case basis and only if CMS determines that requiring an eligible hospital to be a meaningful EHR user would result in a significant hardship (American Medical Association, n.d.; Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, 2018).
Assessing a Healthcare Program/Policy Evaluation
Healthcare programs or policies can be state-based, community-based, or at the organizational level. They are formulated to address specific health programs. Evaluation helps to determine healthcare programs’ effectiveness. In most cases, evaluation is progressive if the program or policy is continuous. It can also be done at different intervals depending on the objectives. The purpose of this program evaluation analysis is to examine the Racial and Ethnic Approaches to Community Health (REACH) program, whose main aim is to reduce racial and ethnic health disparities.
| Healthcare Program/Policy Evaluation | The Racial and Ethnic Approaches to Community Health (REACH) program evaluation |
| Description | The REACH program started in 1999 to reduce racial and ethnic health disparities (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2020). It is a national program administered by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Generally, the program’s recipients carry out extensive local and culturally appropriate programs to address a wide range of issues faced by racial and ethnic minorities such as African Americans, Hispanics, and American Indians. The primary objective is to promote health disparities related to chronic illnesses, mental health, preventive health, and overall health coverage (Carratala & Maxwell, 2020). The program also seeks to improve healthy behaviors. |
| How was the success of the program or policy measured?
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After a decade, the REACH had significant success as far as its targets are concerned. However, instead of evaluating the program generally, REACH uses data to evaluate the change in the health status of its target communities. For instance, it used data between 2014 and 2018 to assess the number of people it has helped access healthy foods, access to chronic health programs, and opportunities for physical activity. A progressive increase in the population it serves is the primary success indicator. |
| How many people were reached by the program or policy selected? How much of an impact was realized with the program or policy selected?
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The evaluation between 2014 and 2018 showed that millions of people have benefitted in various ways under the REACH program. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2020), over 2.9 million people had better access to healthy foods and beverages, while over 322,000 people benefitted directly from tobacco-free interventions. CDC further reported that about 1.4 million people got opportunities for physical activity, as over 830,000 people got access to chronic disease programs (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2020). Using these reflection points, there is no denying that the impact of the REACH program cannot be underestimated. |
| At what point in program implementation was the program or policy evaluation conducted? | The REACH program is continuous, where evaluation is done at different implementation points. In most cases, evaluation happens after the completion of a project at the community level. As illustrated in the various CDC reports, evaluation can be after a decade or after some years, depending on the element being assessed. |
| What data was used to conduct the program or policy evaluation?
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Change in health behaviors was the reference data for the evaluation between 2001 and 2009. For instance, Hispanic taking medication for hypertension increased from less than half to more than two-thirds of the affected population. In the same period, vaccination rates for pneumonia increased from 50.5% to 60.5% in black communities (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2020). The other data is the impact across REACH communities through a 2009-2012 evaluation. The data examined reduction in smoking and obesity rates in REACH communities. |
| What specific information on unintended consequences was identified?
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The program’s impact is huge as far as disparities’ reduction is concerned. However, impact evaluation showed that ethnic gaps continue being affected by societies, culture, and the environment (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2021). As a result, REACH must use many strategies to address health gaps to ensure that health performance in ethnic and racial minorities reaches the desired state. |
| What stakeholders were identified in the evaluation of the program or policy? Who would benefit most from the results and reporting of the program or policy evaluation? Be specific and provide examples. |
REACH partners with local health departments, community-based organizations, universities, and tribes. Respective partners were consulted during program evaluation to determine success and areas of improvement. On who would benefit from results and reporting of the program evaluation, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention would be the primary beneficiary. CDC would use the report to examine the health performance in the minority groups as the basis of improving outcomes or using other interventions to supplement outcomes.
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| Did the program or policy meet the original intent and objectives? Why or why not?
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To a huge extent, REACH achieved the original intent using the data from the different evaluations. CDC reports reveal significant community successes, including reducing chronic illnesses and unhealthy behaviors such as smoking as access to healthy food and beverages and physical health activities increases. |
| Would you recommend implementing this program or policy in your place of work? Why or why not?
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I would recommend the program in my place of work. Firstly, health care organizations should partners with national and community-based organizations to reduce health disparities. Carratala and Maxwell (2020) reported that ethnic and racial minorities continue to be burdened by chronic illnesses and mental health problems. Since such illness burden at the communities has a domino effect in health care organizations, it is crucial to implement the REACH program to improve health outcomes in underserved populations.
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| Identify at least two ways that you, as a nurse advocate, could become involved in evaluating a program or policy after one year of implementation.
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One way I could be involved in evaluating a program after one year of implementation is by being part of the evaluation committee. Here, I can share my knowledge on the reference points to consider when determining whether a program was a success or not. The other way is to avail information concerning the program by performing individual research. My information would guide on how to conduct a summative evaluation of the program. |
| General Notes/Comments | Evaluation reliably indicates whether a program achieved the desired outcomes. Healthcare programs can be at the state, community, or organizational levels, and their evaluation can be yearly, terminal, or progressive, as considered appropriate. Nurses should advocate for program evaluation to determine their success and provide the basis for continuous improvement. |
References
Carratala, S., & Maxwell, C. (2020, May 7). Health disparities by race and ethnicity. Center for American Progress. https://www.americanprogress.org/issues/race/reports/2020/05/07/484742/health-disparities-race-ethnicity/
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020, Mar 10).REACH program impact. https://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpao/state-local-programs/reach/program_impact/index.htm
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021, Jul 15). Racial and ethnic approaches to community health. https://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpao/state-local-programs/reach/index.htm
A Sample Answer 7 For the Assignment: NURS 6050 Discussion 2: The Role of the RN/APRN in Policy-Making
Title: NURS 6050 Discussion 2: The Role of the RN/APRN in Policy-Making
When talking about the healthcare professionals, the roles of nurses, either the registered nurses (RNs) or the advanced nurse practitioners APRNs) can not be underrated. Nurses offer a unique, expert perspective on every aspect of the health care system and have an important voice in efforts to improve health (American Nurses Association [ANA], n.d.). Based on this, their involvement in the policy-making process is very paramount. The participation of the nurses in policy-making will facilitate patient care delivery. RNs’ and APRNs’ influence in health policies protects patient safety, increases the quality of care, facilitates their access to the required resources, and promotes quality health care (Arabi et al., 2014).
Nursing organizations promote active participation by nurses in policymaking. For instance, the American Association of Colleges of Nursing emphasizes the role of nursing in the policy. For example, many educational programs incorporate policymaking into their curriculum. The National League for Nursing and the American Nurses Association also expect nurses to address policy as part of their professional role (Burke, 2016a).
How Nurses Can Partake in Policy-Making Process
A few of the numerous ways a nurse can partake in policymaking process are reading through pieces of literature and learning how policy is developed. Also, one should seek out policy areas one wants to influence, search the internet, research, and contact nursing organizations that participate in policy development. Nursing organizations and organizations such as AARP have multiple user-friendly internet sites that provide information about participating in policymaking activities (Burke, 2016b). Another way to become actively involved in policymaking is to meet with both local and state legislatures. Also, nurses can become actively involved in policymaking by becoming a nursing organization member such as American Nurses Association (ANA) or any other nursing professional organization (ANA, n.d.).
Challenges in Policy-Making Process
As there are many opportunities to get involved in the policymaking process, so are some challenges. One of those challenges includes difficulty in getting the ideas/agenda to the floor of the house. To overcome this challenge, one must be sure that he/she is knowledgeable with evidence-based facts regarding the issue before presenting to the policymakers. Involving the media is another way to get one’s agenda to the floor of the house and finally passed into law. Disseminating the information through social media brings the issue to the public’s awareness, which in turn pressurizes the law makers. Social media can support nursing campaigns and help the profession build relationships with key stakeholders to influence policy and political processes (O’Connor & Holloway, 2019).
References
American Nurses Association. (n.d.). Health Policy. Retrieved January 17, 2021 from https://www.nursingworld.org/practice-policy/health-policy/
Arabi, A., Rafii, F., Cheraghi, M. A., & Ghiyasvandian, S. (2014). Nurses’ policy influence: A concept analysis. Iranian journal of nursing and midwifery research, 19(3), 315–322.
Burke S. (2016). Influence through policy: Nurses have a unique role. Retrieved January 17, 2021 from https://nursingcentered.sigmanursing.org/commentary/more-commentary/Vol42_2_nurses-have-a-unique-role
Grading Rubric Guidelines
| Performance Category | 10 | 9 | 8 | 4 | 0 |
| Scholarliness
Demonstrates achievement of scholarly inquiry for professional and academic decisions. |
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| Performance Category | 10 | 9 | 8 | 4 | 0 |
| Application of Course Knowledge –
Demonstrate the ability to analyze, synthesize, and/or apply principles and concepts learned in the course lesson and outside readings and relate them to real-life professional situations |
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| Performance Category | 5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 0 |
| Interactive Dialogue
Replies to each graded thread topic posted by the course instructor, by Wednesday, 11:59 p.m. MT, of each week, and posts a minimum of two times in each graded thread, on separate days. (5 points possible per graded thread) |
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Summarizes what was learned from the lesson, readings, and other student posts for the week. |
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| Minus 1 Point | Minus 2 Point | Minus 3 Point | Minus 4 Point | Minus 5 Point | |
| Grammar, Syntax, APA
Note: if there are only a few errors in these criteria, please note this for the student in as an area for improvement. If the student does not make the needed corrections in upcoming weeks, then points should be deducted. Points deducted for improper grammar, syntax and APA style of writing. The source of information is the APA Manual 6th Edition |
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| 0 points lost | -5 points lost | ||||
| Total Participation Requirements
per discussion thread |
The student answers the threaded discussion question or topic on one day and posts a second response on another day. | The student does not meet the minimum requirement of two postings on two different days | |||
| Early Participation Requirement
per discussion thread |
The student must provide a substantive answer to the graded discussion question(s) or topic(s), posted by the course instructor (not a response to a peer), by Wednesday, 11:59 p.m. MT of each week. | The student does not meet the requirement of a substantive response to the stated question or topic by Wednesday at 11:59 pm MT. |
Also Check Out: NURS 6050 ASSESSING A HEALTHCARE PROGRAM/POLICY EVALUATION