Walden University Nursing Policy Dicussion Question
I need a response to the post below:
Nursing comprises a large amount of medical professional jobs in the United States. Nurses have the potential to be very influential in healthcare policy and politics. Examples of how nurses can influence policymaking are joining professional nursing organizations, completing internships with policy and lawmakers that directly focus on healthcare policy, and, of course, nurses can run for state offices to help influence healthcare matters (Brokaw, n.d.).
Some of the challenges that nurses experience in helping develop policy are lack of awareness, inadequate skills and, little involvement in the process (Brokaw, n.d.). Nurses work very long hours and are continuously short-staffed, so finding the time and dedication to changing healthcare policy can often be cumbersome. Often, we focus on advocating for our patients and families that we forget about advocating for ourselves and the career we love.
Strategies to help involve nurses in policymaking are providing educational courses as part of the nursing program (Brokaw, n.d.). Faculty and staff of nursing schools are encouraged to stand as role models for their students. Employers are encouraged to provide staff time and resources to influence local, state and, federal policy (Brokaw, n.d.). Nurses can use evidence-based practice (Oestberg, 2013). Speaking from experience can help lawmakers put a face and a story to an issue. Social networking with other nurses at multiple facilities can help show a real need for change (Oestberg, 2013).
