Posted: May 15th, 2023

Political Involvement and the Role of Advanced Practice Nurses

Throughout this course, you will have many opportunities to respond to the opinions and comments of your classmates. Take this opportunity to introduce yourself and to learn about each other. Be sure to include your name, location, and something about you that you would like your classmates to know.

Introduction:

Hello everyone,

My name is fr and I was born and raised in Uruguay, been living in Florida for 17 years now. I have been a nurse for 6 years, 2 of those years I spent travel nursing. Currently I work as a charge nurse in a CDU, but at times I work down in the ER. A fun fact about myself is that I have a twin brother who is also a nurse, and a sister who is a nursing director. I am looking forward to this class, to be able to keep working toward my goal.

Discussion Topic: Introduction and Policy Involvement

Please introduce yourself and describe how you, as an advance practice nurse, could be involved in the political system.

Describe any involvement that you have had. If you have not had any involvement, describe an area in which you would like to see public policy changed.

Instructions: APA style, 3 references, 1 page or 1 1/2 is enough.

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Political Involvement and the Role of Advanced Practice Nurses

Introduction:

Hello classmates,

My name is fr, and I am an advanced practice nurse based in Florida. With a background in nursing and experience in various healthcare settings, I am eager to explore the topic of political involvement and its relevance to advanced practice nursing. While I have not been extensively involved in politics, I believe that as advanced practice nurses, we possess the potential to contribute significantly to public policy and advocate for positive change within our healthcare system.

Involvement in the Political System:

To date, my involvement in the political system has been limited. However, I recognize the importance of advocacy and the need for advanced practice nurses to have a voice in shaping healthcare policies. As a nurse, I have actively engaged in professional organizations such as the American Nurses Association (ANA) and the Florida Nurses Association (FNA), which play a crucial role in advocating for the rights and interests of nurses. By participating in these organizations, attending conferences, and staying informed about relevant healthcare legislation, I have gained a better understanding of the impact of policy decisions on the nursing profession and patient care.

Additionally, I have taken opportunities to educate policymakers and the public about advanced practice nursing, highlighting the unique skills and contributions we bring to the healthcare team. Through presentations and discussions at local community events, I have aimed to dispel misconceptions and promote a comprehensive understanding of the capabilities of advanced practice nurses. These efforts serve to bridge the gap between policymakers and the nursing profession, fostering collaboration and facilitating policy changes that enhance patient outcomes.

Areas of Public Policy Change:

While I have not directly participated in advocating for policy changes, there are several areas in which I believe public policy changes could greatly benefit the healthcare system:

Scope of Practice: One area that warrants attention is the expansion of scope of practice for advanced practice nurses. By removing unnecessary regulatory barriers and granting advanced practice nurses full autonomy within their scope of practice, we can improve access to care, especially in underserved areas. This change would allow advanced practice nurses to work to the full extent of their education and training, resulting in improved patient outcomes and increased healthcare efficiency.

Healthcare Reimbursement: The current reimbursement structure often fails to adequately recognize the value and contribution of advanced practice nurses. Advocating for fair reimbursement policies that align with the services provided by advanced practice nurses is essential. Adequate reimbursement would not only ensure financial viability for advanced practice nurses but also strengthen the overall healthcare system by promoting interprofessional collaboration and team-based care.

Healthcare Workforce Development: There is a critical need for policies that support the recruitment and retention of advanced practice nurses. By implementing initiatives such as loan repayment programs, scholarships, and grants targeted towards advanced practice nursing students, we can encourage more individuals to pursue careers in advanced practice nursing. Such policies would contribute to expanding the healthcare workforce, especially in underserved areas, ultimately improving access to quality care.

Conclusion:

As advanced practice nurses, we possess unique expertise and experiences that can positively influence the political landscape and shape healthcare policies. While I have not been extensively involved in politics, I am committed to advocating for the advancement of our profession and the improvement of patient outcomes. By engaging in professional organizations, educating policymakers and the public, and actively participating in discussions surrounding healthcare policy, we can collectively make a meaningful impact on the political system and create positive changes within the healthcare system.

References:

American Nurses Association (ANA). (2021). Policy and Advocacy. Retrieved from https://www.nursingworld.org/practice-policy/policy-advocacy/

Florida Nurses Association (FNA). (n.d.). Our Mission. Retrieved from https://www.floridanurse.org/about-fna/our-mission/