In the Module 4 Discussion, you considered how professional nurses can become involved in policy-making. Evaluating the results is a critical component of any policy design. How comfortable are you with the thought of becoming involved with such matters? The Role of the RN-APRN in Policy Evaluation The Role of the RN-APRN in Policy Evaluation 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 advocates for patients and effective programs and policies than nurses? Already, patient advocates are involved in interactions with doctors and leadership, so why not with government and regulatory agencies? In this Discussion, you will reflect on the role of professional nurses in policy evaluation.

Multiple opportunities exist that allow nurses to actively participate in the review and design of health policies affecting the nursing profession. Professional nursing organizations provide nurses with such opportunities. These organizations exist at both the state and federal levels and have actively been involved in championing the welfare of nurses. The highlight organization is the American Nursing Association, whose efforts to ensure nurses’ welfare have been evident across the country. Another avenue for nurses to influence various policies is by joining the political arena. Nurses accord themselves opportunities to directly influence policies by proposing the various changes and resolutions relatable to healthcare systems as legislators by assuming political roles.

However, the opportunities described above present various challenges to the overall policy review processes. These challenges include lack of goodwill and support from the various organizational members, inadequate resources, time constraints, and inadequate or lack of policy education (Arabi et al., 2016). Time, resources, and lack of goodwill remain significant factors in the political field. Moving some healthcare motions at the legislative level often presents considerable opposition among other members not aligned with the course and, in most instances, consumes a lot of time. Overcoming these challenges requires a redefinition of purposes and aligning individuals towards the common good. Additionally, strengthening the various professional organizations and rallying them towards pushing these policy agendas can be beneficial.

Various strategies can be utilized to publicize the opportunities available for policy design and review. Formal policy education and promoting awareness are some of these strategies. Policy education involves imparting specific skills relating to these opportunities to the various nurses. This can be done as short courses or via seminars and conventional programs. Awareness creation and promotion are also crucial in this regard. Awareness reinforces the significance of these opportunities to the various nurses and may improve their interest in these opportunities.

Health policies remain a key component in the realization of quality care. Opportunities like politics and nursing organizations are crucial in policy review and design. Nurses should therefore utilize these opportunities in channelling their needs. Awareness creation and formal policy education can provide tools to which nurses are educated on the significance of these opportunities.

References

Arabi, A., Rafii, F., Cheraghi, M. A., & Ghiyasvandian, S. (2016). Nurses’ policy influence: A concept analysis. Iranian journal of nursing and midwifery research, 19(3), 315–322.

Milstead, J. A., & Short, N. M. (2019). Health policy and politics: A nurse’s guide (6th ed.). Burlington, MA: Jones & Bartlett Learning