The Role of the RN/APRN in Policy Evaluation Discussion Essay
RE: Discussion - Week 9-initial post
The aim of both Registered nurses and Advanced Practical Registered nurses is to influence healthcare delivery. Professional nurses have knowledge that includes human anatomy and physiology, along with diseases process and caring for all. It is necessary to involve nurses during policy making to guarantee patient’s safety and enhances standard of care. Most healthcare teaching facilities are allowing nurses to participate in policy making so as to advocate for their patient.
Evaluation is the phase of determining the value of the policy, checking for worthiness and reviewing for any corrections or amendments. For some reasons, nurses are not at the conference table during the evaluation phase (Milstead & Short, 2019).
Nurses can be involved during the evaluation phase by becoming the member of an evidence-based association such as National Institute of Nursing Research; so that they are allow to correct or change policy before implementation. It is very crucial for facilities to provide helpful resources with evidenced based practice to all professions to guide them during clinical intervention and to ensure safety of all patients (Williams & Anderson, 2018) The Role of the RN/APRN in Policy Evaluation Discussion Essay.
Nurse can be involved in the evaluation phase by joining the policy review team at the facilities where they work so as to protect the interest of both patient and staff. It enables nurses to speak up and amend any policy before implementation date.
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Nurse were faced with many challenges that reduces their involvement in policy. They did not participate during the policy making or evaluation period due to little chances for involvement, unaware about it or not informed, some lack required skills, and lack of access to accurate statistic or survey records. More so, studies indicates that nurses are not given sufficient support to generate the evidence required to influence healthcare policy (CDC, 2016).
There are many strategies that I have recommend overcoming these challenges that prevent nurses from participating during policy evaluation. Nurses should move forward and be advanced in their career to gain more knowledge, and skills needed during policy review. Advance Practice Registered Nurses gives room to apply for position such as Director for Policy. Nurse can join ANA which is an association that guides nurses regarding their right, policy in healthcare and educates nurse on skills needed to overcome fear during evaluation period. The best way to impact a patient’s life and improve health care is by advocacy (ANA, 2021) The Role of the RN/APRN in Policy Evaluation Discussion Essay.
References
American Nurses Association (ANA). (2021). Advocacy. Retrieved from
https://www.nursingworld.org/practice-policy/advocacy/
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2016). Brief 1: overview of
policy evaluation. Step by step—evaluating violence and injury prevention policies. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/injury/pdfs/policy/brief%201-a.pdf
Milstead, J. A., & Short, N. M. (2019). Health policy and politics: a
nurse's guide. Jones & Bartlett Learning.
Williams, J. K., & Anderson, C. M. (2018). Omics research ethics
considerations. Nursing
outlook, 66(4), 386-393
5 months ago
Lyndsey Cline
RE: Discussion - Week 9-initial post
Education is so important in health care, and I agree nurses need to advance their education. Getting involved at work or with an organization will help stay knowledgeable. Great post!
5 months ago
John Michael Natividad
RE: Discussion - Week 9-initial post
Great post Idowu, I agree with the evidence-based research; according to Mary Wakefield 2004 - Health policies are frequently developed without the evidence of study conducted by nurses (Wakefield, 2004). Data shows that nurses' roles are critical to achieving the fundamental transformation of the healthcare system, as we are the first line of medical personnel that applies connections with the patient and the newly developed healthcare policy. Documenting the effects of the recently implemented policies is critical for evaluating the impacts on the community (whether it has improved or degraded). An example of policy change is the poliovirus vaccination. "In response to the declining risk of poliomyelitis balanced against the continued occurrence of VAPP (Vaccine-associated paralytic polio) each year, the United States transitioned from OPV (Oral polio vaccine) to exclusive use of IPV (Inactivated poliovirus vaccine), the most contentious change in vaccination policy made since OPV replaced IPV in the early 1960s (Alexander et al., 2004).
Reference
Wakefield, M. (2004). Linking health policy to nursing and health care scholarship: points to consider. Nursing Outlook, 52(2), 111–113. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.outlook.2004.01.001
Alexander, L. N., Seward, J. F., Santibanez, T. A., Pallansch, M. A., Kew, O. M., Prevots, D. R., Strebel, P. M., Cono, J., Wharton, M., Orenstein, W. A., & Sutter, R. W. (2004). Vaccine policy changes and epidemiology of poliomyelitis in the United States. JAMA, 292(14), 1696–1701. https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.292.14.1696 The Role of the RN/APRN in Policy Evaluation Discussion Essay
5 months ago
Faith Momodu
RE: Discussion - Week 9-Response 2
Hello Idowu,
The recommendation in your discussion this week was knowledgeable. Nurses advancing their careers by going to school to gain more knowledge. Another way for nurses to gain knowledge is by participating in continuing education. “Continuing Professional Education (CPE) is a structured program of further education for practitioners in their professional occupations” (Continuing Professional Education, 2019). Continuing educations can help in educating nurses on policies and how to participate in reviews. It is important to advocate for changes in policies that are detrimental to patient care.
One of the few ways to advocate for these changes is via nursing associations. Joining a nurse association can help with getting support from other nurses. According to the code of ethics one of the important aspects of nursing is advocacy (Young, 2019). Nurses should advocate for the best care for their patients not just in facilities but also in policies.
Reference
Continuing Professional Education. (2019). Journal of the Australian Traditional-Medicine Society, 25(3), 179.
Young, J. (2019). An Educational Strategy to Inform Legislators and Nurses About the Professional Nursing Role. Journal of Continuing Education in Nursing, 50(4), 150–152. https://doi-org.ezp.waldenulibrary.org/10.3928/00220124-20190319-04
5 months ago
Sophie Enjema Ndumbe
RE: Discussion - Week 9-initial post
Hello Idowu,
Great post. I agree that nurses should be involved in policy development. Nurses play a very important role in healthcare; this sector cannot function without nurses. Nurses must advocate for patients; they need to join professional nursing association which helps to improve patient’s health and outcome. According to (Laureate Education, 2018) nurses must find solutions that improve or promote quality care. Some of the challenges which nurses face includes lack of knowledge and skills about policies, they need to attend conferences and seminars to learn about policy development. Some other challenges include lack of resources, lack of stakeholders, lack of comparative results (Milstead & Short, 2019).
References
Laureate Education (Producer). (2018). Managing Health Information Technology [Video file]. Baltimore, MD: Author.
Milstead, J. A., & Short, N. M. (2019). Health policy and politics: A nurse’s guide (6th ed.). Burlington
5 months ago
Misty Williams
RE: Discussion - Week 9-initial post
I agree with the necessity of involving nurses in policy making for the guarantee of patient’s safety and enhancement of standard of care. We have the advantage of witnessing the outcomes of the implementation of policies which gives us a reputable and knowledgeable source for investigating the effectiveness of policies put forth. The purpose of evaluation helps us to figure out how the policy was translated into operational practice, and to identify the occurrence and variation of intended and unintended outcomes (Center for Disease Control, 2014). Nurses need to be involved in this evaluation phase because we can see firsthand the value of the policy. Evaluation may inform and improve policy development, adoption, implementation, and effectiveness, and builds the evidence base for policy interventions (CDC, 2014).
According to Milstead and Short, the use of evaluation as a tool to ensure reliability and effectiveness should be perceived as an opportunity rather than a daunting or fearsome challenge (2017). Being involved in this process not only increases knowledge and the ability to create change but is a fantastic way to increase our confidence and communication skills.
References
Milstead, & Short, N. M. (2017). Health policy and politics (6th ed.). Jones & Bartlett Learning.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2014). Using Evaluation to Inform CDC’s Policy Process. US Department of Health and Human Services. https://www.cdc.gov/policy/analysis/process/docs/UsingEvaluationtoInformCDCsPolicyProcess.pdf
5 months ago
Scott Lamprecht
RE: Discussion - Week 9-initial post
The Role of the RN/APRN in Policy Evaluation Discussion Essay Great post and nurses do need to be at the policy making table. Why are we frequently left out?
5 months ago
Misty Williams
RE: Discussion - Week 9-initial post
Thank you Dr. Scott. There are many reasons why nurses are frequently left out at the policy making table. Nurses need to be involved but often it is our own lack of confidence that keeps us from participating in the process. A common reason for this is lack of education on the policy making process. I honestly was not aware of how much nurses are needed as a resource for policy making and policy review before taking this class. I did not know or retain in previous education the importance of being involved in the process to know where to begin. Another factor is the belief that nurses are excluded and are not part of the health policy development process and that they are not present in large enough numbers to make a difference (Shariff, 2014). Another factor is fear of conflict or confrontation. Nurses often work in a highly stressful environment and the thought of adding more stress is a barrier to involvement The Role of the RN/APRN in Policy Evaluation Discussion Essay. Finally, time is a constraint for a lot of nurses. We are overworked and being involved can take on more time-consuming activities that interfere with family, work, and everyday activities.
References
Shariff. (2014, July 14). Factors that act as facilitators and barriers to nurse leaders’ participation in health policy development. PubMed Central (PMC). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4105513/
5 months ago
KAREN MARUYAMA
Main Post: Discussion - Week 9
The evaluation/review of policy is an “overarching domain” that is applicable to each step (domain) of the policy process of: Problem identification; Policy analysis; Strategy and policy development; Policy enactment; And Policy Implementation. (CDC, 2014). “Evaluation has become increasingly valuable as federal, state, and local policymakers recognize that nearly every decision they make and every program they propose ultimately affects the health status of the population”. (Milstead & Short, 2017, p, 116).
The CDC (2015) defines policy evaluation/review as a method to,
Formally assess the appropriate steps of the policy cycle, including the impact and outcomes of the policy; Define evaluation needs, purpose, and intended uses and users; Conduct evaluation of prioritized evaluation questions (e.g., was the problem defined in a way that prioritized action, how were stakeholders engaged, is the policy being implemented as intended, what is the impact of the policy); And to Disseminate evaluation results and facilitate use.
One opportunity for RNs and APRNs to actively participate in policy review is, by working for a legislative office, where nurses would work in collaboration with policymakers to “adjust, analyze, and create various health care policies”. (Johnson & Johnson, n.d.). Some of the challenges for nurses working in legislative offices with policy evaluation/review are, time constraints, and adequate knowledge of current and past health care policies, and the resulting action needed to influence health policy creation or adjustment. (Shariff, 2014). Additionally, nurses need to consider the political stance of the legislator on health care issues or policies to ensure congruency on the topics that the nurse and legislator would advocate for or seek to reform together.
One suggested way to overcome the challenge of time constraints and adequate policy knowledge and history is by nurses obtaining a Health Policy Nurse (HPN) education at the baccalaureate level or Master of Nursing. HPN can “make a difference by becoming a leader in advocacy, research, analysis, policy development, implementation, and evaluation". (Johnson & Johnson, n.d.). A HPN could potentially decrease the amount of time that would be required for a non-HPN type nurse to perform a literature review and present suggestions to the legislator on health care policy reform or creation.
I recommend a few strategies to educate nursing of the existence of a HPN degree plan of study. The first is, for a nursing policy course is to become a permanent and required element of the nursing education curriculum at the baccalaureate level. The HPN would be defined and job roles in different work areas could be described, as well as to discuss the impact an HPN can have on health care policies and issues. In addition, a case study could be performed describing the health care policy and the influence that a collaborative partnership between nursing and a legislator can have. I suggest as a second strategy, is to have a nurse politician as a guest lecturer to speak on the importance of the role of a HPN in policymaking.
Another opportunity for RNs and APRNs to actively participate in policy evaluation/review is by joining a nursing organization such as the American Nurses Association (ANA), as the ANA has a political action team that meets with legislators with whom they can collaborate on healthcare-related issues at hand. (ANA, n.d.).
The Role of the RN/APRN in Policy Evaluation Discussion Essay ANA leadership, its members, and staff continuously develop new and evolving legislative priorities while ANA’s federal lobbyists work in a bipartisan fashion to educate lawmakers and develop legislation on these priorities. The RN Action team alerts ANA members and nurse advocates across the country on important legislative developments such as a new bill on a nursing issue being introduced or voted out of committee. The RNAction team will call on ANA members and concerned nurse-advocates to take action and help amplify the work ANA is doing on Capitol Hill. ANA maintains constant contact, coordination, and amplification to ensure any state legislative priority has the full backing of ANA. (ANA, n.d.)
One challenge to professional organization memberships such as the ANA could be with membership costs for becoming a part of and maintaining membership with a professional organization. I personally had a difficult time being able to afford a membership to these types of professional organizations because of the sheer costs, sometimes amounting to almost $250 annually. If costs can be made more affordable for nurses to join associations at the state or national level, perhaps more nurses could potentially become active in health care policy. (Vandenhouten, et al., 2011). One way to offset costs would be for organizations such as the ANA to utilize their monetary donations to offset membership costs to promote nursing membership and participation with their political action team. To advocate for and better communicate the needs of joining a professional organization such as the ANA and to promote nursing presence in the evaluation/review of policy, I suggest that for organizations such as the ANA to advertise the policy action team aspect of the ANA, for example, to local nursing unions and state-level professional organizations. Another suggestion I can make to advocate for and better communicate the needs of joining a professional organization, such as the ANA, to promote nursing presence in the evaluation/review of policy, is to have a nurse politician as a guest lecturer to speak on the importance of nursing presence in policy evaluation/review.
References
American Nurses Association. (n.d.). ANA advocacy toolkit. Retrieved October 22, 2021, from
https://ana.aristotle.com/SitePages/toolkit.aspx
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2015, May 29). Cdc policy process. Retrieved October 24,
2021, from https://www.cdc.gov/policy/analysis/process/index.html
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2014). Using evaluation to inform cdc’s policy process.
Retrieved October 24, 2021, from https://www.cdc.gov/policy/analysis/process/docs/UsingEvaluationtoInformCDCsPolicyProcess.pdf
Johnson & Johnson. (n.d.). Health policy nurse at a glance. Retrieved October 26,
2021, from https://nursing.jnj.com/specialty/health-policy-nurse#.V9HYBfkrKUk
Milstead, J. A., & Short, N. M. (2017). Health Policy and Politics (6th Ed). [[VitalSource Bookshelf
version]].
Shariff, N. (2014, July 10). Factors that act as facilitators and barriers to nurse leaders’ participation in
health policy development. Bio Med Central, 13, 20. doi: 10.1186/1472-6955-13-20
5 months ago
Orsela Younano
RE: Main Post: Discussion - Week 9
Excellent post, Karen! Policy evaluation is crucial for progress in the healthcare field. It is not enough to just create and implement policies, but to consider and evaluate the kind of change the policy is creating. Proper analysis of polices must performed, specifically on an evidence-based level to enhance public health (Policy evaluation 2015). The increasing acknowledgment of policy evaluation is critical to identifying a policy’s effectiveness and limitations (Kaczmarek & Romaniuk, 2020).
In addition, I really enjoyed reading your suggestions on how to address some of the challenges nurses face in being involved in policy evaluation. I agree with your suggestion that a HPN (health policy nursing) course should be initiated for a BSN education as well. I believe that an earlier introduction HPN helps the nurse begin to formulate ideas, identify trends and problems in healthcare and begin to look for solutions. This will increase engagement and participation in policy making sooner as nurses will be more familiar with the arena of policy making and be equipped to pursue it more proficiently and knowledgeably as they continue in their career and education.
References
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2015, July 6). Policy evaluation. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved October 29, 2021, from https://www.cdc.gov/policy/analysis/process/evaluation.html.
Kaczmarek, K., & Romaniuk, P. (2020). The use of evaluation methods for the overall assessment of health policy: Potential and limitations. Cost Effectiveness and Resource Allocation, 18(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12962-020-00238-4
5 months ago
KAREN MARUYAMA
Response to Reply: Main Post: Discussion - Week 9
Hi there Orsela! Thank you for great response!
The Role of the RN/APRN in Policy Evaluation Discussion Essay I agree with your statement of increasing acknowledgment of policy evaluation is critical to identifying a policy’s effectiveness and limitations. You also make a good point that an earlier introduction of the role a HPN in collegiate education can assist RNs and APRNs in the formulation of ideas, identifying trends and problems in healthcare, increasing engagement and participation in policymaking.
Some additional information I located about the role of a HPN,
As a Health Policy Nurse (HPN), your role is to aid in the research, creation and enforcement of health policies. Whether it’s new legislation surrounding healthcare accessibility, protective laws for patients and doctors, or communicating with government officials about societal health needs, HPNs are heavily relied upon advocates within the world of healthcare. (Johnson & Johnson, n.d.)
A Health Policy Nurse plays an active role in forming and communicating public health policies with the goal of improving the overall well-being of society. With a strong background of hands-on nursing expertise, HPNs are able to aid and act as policymakers within our government and healthcare systems. As healthcare laws and matters of accessibility are under constant scrutiny by elected officials, it’s the responsibility of HPNs to make sure everyone has the resources and information they need to best serve their constituents. (Johnson & Johnson, n.d.)
Amazingly, I have found that “Oregon, Pennsylvania, Hawaii, California, Georgia, Maryland, Arizona, Minnesota” are states where nurses are serving at the state legislature. (Larson, n.d.).
Because they approach the job from the perspective of a nurse, nurse legislators can represent the interests of their colleagues in a way that no one else can. “I certainly see the world through the eyes of a nurse, even though it’s been a long time since I’ve been in active nursing,” said Helen Thomson, RN, a Democratic member of the California State Assembly. She added that many people have caught on to the severity of the nursing shortage, allowing her an audience with many of her fellow legislators because she is a nurse. (Larson, n.d.)
References
Johnson & Johnson. (n.d.). Health policy nurse at a glance. Retrieved October 30,
2021, from https://nursing.jnj.com/specialty/health-policy-nurse#.V9HYBfkrKUk
Larson, J. (2017, June 15). Nurse legislators: Representing health care in state government. Retrieved October 23,
2021, from https://www.americanmobile.com/nursezone/nursing-news/nurse-legislators-representing-health-care-in-state-government/
5 months ago
Orsela Younano
RE: Discussion - Week 9
It is important that nurses stay well informed and engaged with their communities, professional organizations, and policy makers/political leaders. There is no other healthcare group that is better experienced and trusted than nurses to help shape policies that affect our daily work and our patient population. In order to advance the national dialogue to topics that are vital to our field, nurses must collaborate and coordinate together to bring about meaningful change (Policy and Advocacy 2021). However, it is just as important to contribute to policy making as it is to policy review and evaluation.
As nurses become health legislators, their bold voice becomes the catalyst for advancing a patient’s quality of care and improving working conditions of nurses which can also contribute to patient safety (Arabi et al., 2014). Looking back and reviewing policies that were either implemented before or during Covid-19, we can identify many policy failures. This should create a greater drive to be involved in policy review on a public level (Anders, 2020).
Opportunities to participate in policy making and review exist at the workplace for entry-level. Moreover, nursing professional associations provide additional opportunities. For example, AACN provides opportunity platforms in scope of practice, clinical advocacy, appropriate staffing etc. Furthermore, social media, although a little riskier, presents a familiar and wide platform to engage the public and policymakers to strategically align objectives (Anders, 2020) The Role of the RN/APRN in Policy Evaluation Discussion Essay.
Many nurses may have the interest to engage in policy making and review but may be hesitant as it is uncharted territory for them. Lack of experience in the public policy realm intimidate many from proceeding with confidences to highlight topics that are important to them and their patients (Pope et al., 1995). Therefore, networking with peers and beginning at the entry-level may help alleviate some of the fears. For example, nurses can begin within their department when they’ve identified a need for policy change and begin to expand their advocacy to their specific institution and after that, their community. From there, they can proceed to their specific state representatives and even impact policy changes and review on a national level.
References
Anders, R. L. (2020). Engaging nurses in health policy in the era of COVID‐19. Nursing Forum, 56(1), 89–94. https://doi.org/10.1111/nuf.12514
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. https://doi.org/https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4061635/
Policy and Advocacy. Aacn.org. (2021). Retrieved October 26, 2021, from https://www.aacn.org/policy-and-advocacy.
Pope, A. M. P., Snyder, M. A., & Mood, L. H. (1995). Nursing, Health & the Environment: Strengthening the relationship to improve the public's health. National Academy Press.
5 months ago
Idowu Oshokoya
RE: Discussion - Week 9
Orsela,
Thank you for the post. I do agree that nursing is one of the trusted professions that can influence policies. It is very important to include and work with nurses during policy making and evaluation; to achieved realistic and meaningful changes that can be beneficial to patients, and it can protect the goals of all nurses ( AACN, 2021). You are correct that some nurses are willing to participate in policy making and evaluation. However, they are unable to be involved due to lack of experience, and fear of approaching large groups to present important topics on nursing and patient’s safety (Pope et al., 1995).
References
AACN. (2021). Policy and Advocacy. Retrieved from https://www.aacn.org/policy-and-advocacy.
Pope, A. M. P., Snyder, M. A., & Mood, L. H. (1995). Nursing, Health & the Environment: Strengthening the relationship to improve the public's health. National Academy Press.
5 months ago
Angela Sullivan
RE: Discussion - Week 9
Two opportunities for RNs or APRNs to become involved in policy review is by joining a professional nursing organization or by becoming involved in their place of employment. Examples of nursing organizations are the American Nurses Association (ANA), Emergency Nurses Association (ENA) or the American Academy of Nursing (AAN).
By joining a nursing organization, they already have committees dedicated to the review of nursing and health policies. The potential for reviewing the proposals and joining the committees within the organization are there. Joining an organization is hindered due to the costs associated with it. On top of the initial and yearly dues, there could be extra continuing education hours needed to remain a part of the organization, which can also be costly.
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The Role of the RN/APRN in Policy Evaluation Discussion Essay By becoming involved in the place of employment, committees are already formed. Sometimes there is a potential to develop new committees based on research and needs. The committees could be unit or hospital based. The goal of these committees is to look at evidenced based practice to enhance the outcomes and care of the patients. A barrier to a hospital or unit committee is that there are limited positions for these committees. Most times those on the committee are already on there for a designated amount of time and there would be a need for a position to open before it can be refilled. Usually the members of these committees are voted on by the current committee members. If you are newer to the unit or organization, it may be awhile before you can be placed on a committee because you haven't developed that rapport or reputation with your peers yet. Being proactive and seeking out new opportunities and educating yourself allows for that exposure.
"It is the moral and professional obligation of nurses to be engaged in legislation that impacts their patients" (American Nurse, 2021). Unfortunately nurses have little influence and involvement in policy making that affects health care delivery. Reasons for limited nursing participation in policy and politics could be related to lack of awareness, inadequate skills, and little opportunity for involvement (American Nurse, 2021). I believe a course on policy and politics while in the nursing program could influence how nurses become involved in and out of the workplace. Educating yourself by taking online courses is also of benefit. If joining an organization, reviewing what policies are being presented and actively getting involved in the research of those committees and providing feedback is also a way to become involved in the policy change process.
One study done in the past shows that both facilitators and barriers exist from nurse leaders participation in policy development (Shariff, 2014). "Some barriers include the "lack of involvement, negative image of nursing and structures and processes which exclude them" (Shariff, 2014). Nurse leaders are crucial for the advancement of health policy reform.
American Nurse. (2021, March 10). The nursing profession's potential impact on policy and politics. American Nurse. Retrieved October 27, 2021, from https://www.myamericannurse.com/nursing-professions-potential-impact-policy-politics/.
Shariff, N. (2014, July 10). Factors that act as facilitators and barriers to nurse leaders' participation in Health Policy Development. BMC Nursing. Retrieved October 27, 2021, from https://bmcnurs.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1472-6955-13-20.
5 months ago
Orsela Younano
RE: Discussion - Week 9
I enjoyed reading your post, Angela. There are many challenges nurses face in the workforce and public health. It is important to be involved in organizations that are geared in advocating in legislative issues that impact nursing and the care that is provided. Working with congressional leaders is an important avenue for nurses as many of the policies are overseen and dictated by them. Another important group for nursing leaders to investigate is American Organization for Nursing Leaders (AONL). This is an advocacy organization that is also affiliated with the National Hospital Association. Together, they provide crucial information on federal health policies and foster nursing involvement in issues such as health and patient care. AONL is dedicated in encouraging nurse participation in the political process to promote quality care (About AONL advocacy 2021).
You also highlighted an important barrier to participation in professional nursing organizations and that is the fiscal cost. In 2010 the ANA stated that almost 80% of nurses in the U.S. were not members of a professional organization. Moreover, 50% of the 80% identified membership fee and time as the reason for them not joining a professional organization (Walton, 2017). Clearly, membership fees should be looked at more closely to increase nursing participation in important policy making and evaluation.
References
About AONL advocacy. AONL. (2021). Retrieved October 30, 2021, from https://www.aonl.org/advocacy/about.
Walton, K. R. (2017). Barriers to Membership in a ProfessionalOrganization for Advanced Practice Nurses. Walden University ScholarWorks Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies . Retrieved October 30, 2021, from file:///C:/Users/15592/AppData/Local/Temp/Barriers%20to%20Membership%20in%20a%20Professional%20Organization%20for%20Advance.pdf.
5 months ago
Idowu Oshokoya
RE: Discussion - Week 9
Angela,
Great post! I do agree with you that nurses can participate in policy evaluation by joining a professional nursing organization or by becoming involved in their place of employment. Also, they are limited to involvement during policy making due to inadequate skills, and little opportunity for involvement (American Nurse, 2021). More so, nurses were faced with many barriers that includes "lack of involvement, negative image of nursing and structures and processes which exclude them" (Shariff, 2014).
References
American Nurse. (2021, March 10). The nursing profession's potential
impact on policy and politics. American Nurse. Retrieved from https://www.myamericannurse.com/nursing-professions-potential-impact-policy-politics/.
Shariff, N. (2014). Factors that act as facilitators and barriers to nurse
leaders' participation in Health Policy Development. BMC Nursing. Retrieved from https://bmcnurs.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1472-6955-13-20.
5 months ago
Idowu Oshokoya
RE: Discussion - Week 9
Angela,
Great post! I do agree with you that nurses can participate in policy evaluation by joining a professional nursing organization or by becoming involved in their place of employment. Also, they are limited to involvement during policy making due to inadequate skills, and little opportunity for involvement (American Nurse, 2021). More so, nurses were faced with many barriers that includes "lack of involvement, negative image of nursing and structures and processes which exclude them" (Shariff, 2014).
References
American Nurse. (2021, March 10). The nursing profession's potential
impact on policy and politics. American Nurse. Retrieved from https://www.myamericannurse.com/nursing-professions-potential-impact-policy-politics/.
Shariff, N. (2014). Factors that act as facilitators and barriers to nurse
leaders' participation in Health Policy Development. BMC Nursing. Retrieved from https://bmcnurs.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1472-6955-13-20.
Discussion: The Role of the RN/APRN in Policy Evaluation
In the Module 4 Discussion, you considered how professional nurses can become involved in policy-making. A critical component of any policy design is evaluation of the results. How comfortable are you with the thought of becoming involved with such matters?
Some nurses may be hesitant to get involved with policy evaluation. The preference may be to focus on the care and well-being of their patients; some nurses may feel ill-equipped to enter the realm of policy and political activities. However, as you have examined previously, who better to advocate for patients and effective programs and polices than nurses? Already patient advocates in interactions with doctors and leadership, why not with government and regulatory agencies? The Role of the RN/APRN in Policy Evaluation Discussion Essay
In this Discussion, you will reflect on the role of professional nurses in policy evaluation.
To Prepare:
- In the Module 4 Discussion, you considered how professional nurses can become involved in policy-making.
- Review the Resources and reflect on the role of professional nurses in policy evaluation.
By Day 3 of Week 9
Post an explanation of at least two opportunities that currently exist for RNs and APRNs to actively participate in policy review. 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. Be specific and provide examples.
By Day 6 of Week 9
Respond to at least two of your colleagues* on two different days by suggesting additional opportunities or recommendations for overcoming the challenges described by your colleagues. The Role of the RN/APRN in Policy Evaluation Discussion Essay.