NSG 4074 Week 1 Discussion Are you involved in policy formulation that affects client services?

I am actively involved in policy formulation because I must improve the community’s health by all means. Participating in policy formulation allows me to provide opinions that will lead to developing policies that will positively affect the community’s health. It also provides a chance to make changes that meet the community’s needs, making it easier to solve public health issues (Parry et al., 2018). Participation in policy-making strengthens primary care and community-based services to ensure equitable and quality care at the community level.

Do you belong to a professional organization related to your current job position?

 I belong to the American Public Health Association (APHA), which aims to achieve health equity by highlighting the value of community and public health nursing. Belonging to the association has helped me become more dedicated to improving community health (American Public Health Association, 2019). All healthcare professionals should belong to an organization related to their speciality to give them more opportunities to improve patient outcomes.

Topic 2: Culturally Competent Care

In my area of nursing, I have experienced many times where there was a cultural difference from mine. I had one patient who could not speak any English. Whenever he would try to communicate with me, I never understood him. We came up with a plan to break this barrier. We used cards with pictures and learned his gestures or body language. If it was something important to relate, we called an interpreter.

The Purnell Model is a great resource. I would apply it by incorporating information at staff meetings on the importance of using this in the health care settings. Many healthcare providers in various locations can use the Purnell Model to help make the team-oriented healthcare environment more desirable (Purnell,2002). I feel communication is the most important of the twelve domains of this model; Communication is essential in health care. If everyone does not understand the situation, there could be significant trouble. That is why I love the communication book we use at my job. For example, if you are off for a few days, you will not be aware of certain things that could have occurred. The communication book provides information on what has been transpiring in the work area. This is a great tool to have.

References

 American Public Health Association. (2019). Public Health Nursing. Apha.org. https://www.apha.org/apha-communities/member-sections/public-health-nursing