power dynamics

Nurses can offer distinctive and lasting contributions to the development of health policy because they have a deep understanding of patients, their health condition, and the factors that influence this (Tarale & Kunaviktikul, 2019). Because of their expertise, boldness, and the public’s esteem for their job, nurses can also influence the evolution of health policy. For the benefit of their organizations and careers, nurses should participate in the policy review process. By becoming a member of a professional nursing organization, nurses can take part in policy evaluation. Professional groups are “requested to assist with data collection and ultimate dissemination of summative evaluation data,” according to (Derouin 2019). (p. 122) Nurses who assist in data collection might take part in policy review by learning more about how to improve a policy and assessing its results. A fantastic way to learn from people in your organization and gain their input on policy review is through professional associations. Another way nurses can participate in policy review is through their place of employment. Nurses can assist in policy review by improving their working environment to give patients with better healthcare. They may also have an impact on how management decides to revisit the policy. The workplace makes sure that regulations support high-quality patient care and nurse safety.

Challenges

There are various obstacles, including a lack of political sophistication, time constraints due to family and professional obligations, and a lack of confidence when it comes to nurses being involved in policy making and or review (Anders, 2021) Examining nursing organizations’ policy realms of influence and impact, decision-making procedures, and advocacy strategies can be very helpful in strengthening this function of nursing organizations. While there is much to be learnt from the policy advocacy work of groups in other fields, advocacy groups are not all created equal when it comes to their potential to affect public policy; some have more political clout than others (Chinu et al., 2021)

These challenges can be worked through by proper education, repetition, and consistency. Some nurses lack political sophistication and lack of confidence with policy review. It is my opinion that the lack thereof comes from poor preparation or lack of education.

Strategies to communicate/Advocate for these opportunities

It is crucial to develop communication methods between nurses and policy review. To find strategies to improve healthcare, Gazarian et al. (2020) suggested employing research on how to implement health policy. Using writing tools like Grammarly to help with punctuation and plagiarism is one way to assist with writing to the legislature on policy review. Utilizing trustworthy and credible databases to investigate evidence-based facts is another strategy when crafting legislation. Nurses must employ evidence-based research to enhance healthcare and health policy. As a nurse, you can look for areas of nursing policy that you’d like to improve and join nursing organizations that can inform you about taking part in policymaking activities. Nursing groups have been crucial in spreading awareness of supply chain issues, equipment shortages, and the difficulties in making care decisions during patient surges, particularly during the pandemic (5 ways nurses can shape policy 2021) One can also help other nurses hone their communication and public speaking abilities so they feel at ease taking part in meetings and public conversation. Moreover, one could teach other nurses how to contact government officials in letters, raise money for causes, advocate for nursing policies that are relevant to them and give suggestions for preserving a work-life balance (5 ways nurses can shape policy 2021)

discussion 2

Evaluation is becoming more valuable as federal, state, and local policymakers recognize that nearly every decision they make and every program they propose impacts the population’s health (Milstead & Shorts). Professional nurses are typically well versed in evaluating and analyzing the effectiveness of their assessment, planning, and implementation efforts, regardless of their practice setting, expertise, or level of education. Qualitative and quantitative program evaluations are essential to effective policy and programming, just as the nursing process is intended to ensure safe and effective patient care, create and facilitate excellent health professional academic and training programs, and ensure reliable research data and dissemination. (Milstead & Shorts). Evaluation is also an essential aspect of the nursing profession. It is the key to improving clinical practice quality, safety, and efficiency and assessing the impact of emerging innovations and science (Milstead & Shorts).

Opportunities for Nurses to Participate in Policy Review

RN/APRN’s employer’s leadership team. Nurses as a group have an ethical and moral obligation to participate in policy and political decision-making for the benefit of their patients. Registered nurses (RNs) who work as nurse managers are uniquely positioned to inspire and influence positive changes in public health policy and political decision-making at the local, state, and national levels. RNs are increasingly involved in healthcare policy development, advocacy, analysis, implementation, and effective clinical care. RNs hold elected and appointed positions at the local, state, and federal levels, work for healthcare organizations, and serve on boards and committees that oversee decision-making (Duquesne University, 2020).

Research role, Nurse researchers have contributed to the policy formation stage of the policy process by providing evidence on effective interventions that inform policy deliberations. Nurse scientists in health policy are responsible for expanding knowledge in the field and providing evidence to inform and advance health policies to improve national health outcomes. Nurse researchers understand how their research can advance and inform health policies by considering policy research in the context of the six policy process stages. When research identifies health problems, provides evidence to keep an issue on the agenda, tests potential policy solutions, increases knowledge of policy legitimation and implementation, and evaluates policy outcomes, the policy process advances (Hall Ellenbecker & Edward, 2017).

Challenges to Nursing Participation

According to Parveen Rasheed et al (2020), Intra and interprofessional power dynamics, marginalization of nurses in policymaking, and nursing profession-specific challenges are among the major challenges. The level of involvement is insufficient, and nurses primarily serve as policy implementers rather than policy developers. Nurses involved in policy development focus on health promotion to build healthy communities and empower nurses and the nursing profession. Nurses should be adequately prepared for policymaking by educational institutions and nurse leaders. Nurses should participate in policymaking at the organizational, system, and national levels (Parveen Rasheed et al., 2020).

Strategies to Better Advocate Policy Review Opportunities

I would use social media. For example, running a campaign on Facebook or creating a website could be helpful. Also, education would be a good strategy. Nurses need to be trained, not only in schools but also in the workplace, about the different opportunities for policy-making and evaluation.