Nurses and APRNs can actively participate in policy-making to help better provide care to patients as well as protect nurses. Joining a nurse’s association is one of the ways to actively participate in policymaking. “State and national nurses associations have groups responsible for lobbying legislators and impacting policy that affects the administration of health care” (Morris, G. 2023). Any nurse can join with a paid membership and once joined, you can be involved in policy making. Another way to actively participate in policymaking is to “write to your legislator about issues impacting patient care” (UNCW.edu. 2021). Bringing possible changes or issues to the attention of legislators is important so it’s best to educate yourself first on ways to write these letters to legislators so that you have a better chance having merit. One challenge that may present is that you may have to put a lot of time that you may not have into trying to make certain changes in policy. Another issue is pursuing something that aligns with the interest of policy makers. “Discretion is primarily seen as a possibility that street-level bureaucrats use to pursue their own, private goals. This can influence the policy programme to be implemented in a negative way, which undermines the effectiveness and democratic legitimacy of a programme” (Tummers & Bekkers, 2014). Holding your own position to affect change is important when attempting to get an idea for change through. Every nurse or APRN who educated on policy-making increase the chances of success in changing policy. Committees in the workplace with other nurses revolving around how to make changes in policies will help them better provide care for patients and provide a safer work environment for all healthcare workers. “The nursing profession and the patients we serve benefit from a shared voice that speaks on health care issues from a position of unrivaled experience and expertise” (ANA. n.d).

References

ANA (n.d) Organizational Affiliates. retrieved by https://www.nursingworld.org/ana/org-affiliates/Links to an external site.

Morris, G. (2023). 10 ways nurses can get involved in policy. Nursejournal.org. https://nursejournal.org/articles/ways-nurses-can-get-involved-in-policy/

‌Tummers, L., & Bekkers, V. (2014). Policy Implementation, Street-level Bureaucracy, and the Importance of Discretion. Public Management Review, 16(4), 527–547. https://doi.org/10.1080/14719037.2013.841978

UNCW.edu. (2021) How Nurses Can Shape Health Policy. Retrieved byhttps://onlinedegree.uncw.edu/articles/nursing/how-nurses-shape-health-policy.aspx

Empowering Nurses: Opportunities and Strategies for Engagement in Policymaking
Registered Nurses (RN) and Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRN) are among the many
health professionals who contribute to the development of healthcare policies, yet many are
unaware of political involvement options. As direct caregivers for patients, nurses have an inside
view and perspective of the state of patient care and the overall health sector and, therefore, must
be involved in policy formulation and making to ensure that they generate policies that work best
and are based on evidence. Available forums include supporting local state and national nursing
associations and occupying workplace administrative positions, which enable them to participate
in decision-making that shapes practice and patients. Nevertheless, constraints, including policy
process knowledge deficit or time constraints, limit their engagement. If these barriers and the
issues of advocacy are well managed then the RNs and APRNs are magnificently placed to have
a voice in the formulation and development of such policies to forward the practice of nursing
and health care. This exploration will consider exceptional opportunities, threats, and ways to
foster the engagement of nurses in policymaking.

Opportunities for RNs and APRNs in Policymaking

One significant opportunity for Registered Nurses (RNs) and Advanced Practice
Registered Nurses (APRNs) to engage in policymaking is through professional nursing
organizations. These institutions include the American Nurses Association (ANA) and the
American Academy of Nursing, which act as policy voice instruments. Through these groups,
the nurses get to engage in discussions fruitful for the making of policies within the local, state
and even national facilities. They can conduct research and evaluate the current problems,
provide recommendations, and contribute to issuing recommendations to legislative bodies,
cooperate with other healthcare workers (Chiu et al., 2021). This makes the nurses contribute

3
their opinion on the development of policies that affect them and also ensures that the policies
developed are replicative to the actual experience involving patient care. In addition, many of
these organizations offer materials and instruction to apprise the nurses of the challenges
involved in policy formulation and implementation, thus enabling the nurses to be better placed
to advocate for changes that may benefit both healthcare delivery systems and particular patients
or the entire population.
Another valuable opportunity for RNs and APRNs to engage in policymaking is
participating in healthcare facility committees and boards. Fortunately, several hospitals and
healthcare systems have institutionalized governance structures within which nurses are involved
in decision-making. If nurses are members of these committees, they can participate in decisions
about patient care, staffing and scheduling, quality assurance, and safety. Their experience of
interacting with patients and delivering healthcare assistance qualifies them to develop policies
that would greatly help in practice (Hajizadeh et al., 2021). For instance, the quality
improvement committee can have a nurse who calls for contract adjustments because of the
difference perceived amongst groups of patients, leading to increased general quality of
outcomes. Moreover, this involvement catalyzes the culture within healthcare facilities to
embrace interdisciplinary discussion that supplements research fundamental policies. Apart from
the above, direct engagement in these committees engages and empowers RNs and APRNs, as
well as maintaining the centrality of nursing within the hats, making policy decisions for the
organizations.
Another chance, therefore, for RNs and APRNs to participate in policymaking is the
advocacy work at the legislative level. One way that nurses can do this is by working with local,
state, and federal officials to lobby on legislative policy initiatives. This may include meeting

4
with legislators in town hall forums, participating in lobby days, which are organized by the
nursing associations or organizations, or deliberating with legislators on matters concerning the
nursing profession and the patients or clients. As special constituents of the healthcare system,
nurses can use the knowledge gained in the policy development process to educate the
policymakers about how specific laws and regulations affect the delivery of healthcare services.
Besides, most nursing associations offer courses to assist the nurses in understanding how to
advocate for themselves and wish on significant concerns. Many APRNs see policy participation
as a way to increase the nurses’ role in policy making and advocacy as well as giving meaning to
their practice.

Challenges in Policymaking Participation

Despite the multitude of chances for RNs and APRNs to be involved in policymaking,
there are still problems that keep RNs from participating. The first significant challenge is the
poor comprehension of the policy process. As such, many nurses may not have a clear
understanding of how policies are developed or the positions they can take within that system
(Hajizadeh et al., 2021). Such lack of information can lead to some degree of insecurity, making
the nurses reluctant to participate in advocacy activities. Lack of awareness of the proceedings of
legislation is one of the reasons why sometimes nurses cannot explain themselves well when it
comes to policymaking. In addition, most nursing education programs fail to prepare graduates
for direct involvement in policy by offering minimal or even no policy content for students to
learn about. To address this difficulty, both nursing associations and academic institutions need
to enhance policy literacy as well as make available relevant information and dissemination
agendas that support and facilitate the activities of a nurse while encountering bureaucratic
barriers to practice. With the increased insights into the policy process, this paper avails RNs and

5
APRNs a befitting platform to be more engaged and confident in influencing the healthcare
legislature.
Another significant challenge is the limited time and resources available for RNs and
APRNs to engage in policymaking activities. Nursing roles are usually very challenging when it
comes to workload and time issues, hence adverse effects on care advocacy and policy issues
(Hajizadeh et al., 2021). Generally, many nurses are overloaded with their work, especially in
patient care, and therefore, they cannot spare time to attend legislations meetings or be engaged
in professional organizations with the aim of addressing current policies. This lack of time can
create an impression that getting involved in policymaking is an extra job rather than the field of
professionalism. In order to overcome this challenge, much attention should be paid to
establishing an understanding of organizational culture that would engage the nurses in advocacy
activities. This may require offering work shift schedules to incorporate policy-related concerns
or directing personnel to spend specific time within their shift to be policy-oriented. Moreover,
the organizational leadership should educate the healthcare members on the significance of
advocacy in emphasizing that political involvement is an obligatory part of nursing practice that,
in the end, enhances the delivery of patient care as well as outcomes.
Overcoming Challenges

In order to eliminate the barriers realized by RNs and APRNs in policymaking,
participation, education, and training is essential. It is always very beneficial to work alongside
other workers who have earlier demonstrated similar policy activism, as they offer profound
insights regarding policy dynamics. This can be done through Continuing Education activities
such as training sessions, workshops, conference sessions, and mentorship for nursing
organizations, thereby launching an advocacy campaign on the development of health policies

6
(AANP, 2024). For example, the experienced staff of nurses can teach the young staff how to
engage the legislature, how to write policy briefs and the challenges they expect to face when
dealing with healthcare legislation. Also, the integration of health policy into nursing curricula
can provide students with knowledge of their positions as advocates from the time they enter the
classroom. Through the availability and support of the gap between mentorship and continuous
learning, RNs and APRNs can gain confidence in exerting their influence over policies, which in
turn strengthens their involvement in the implementation of policies to practice significant
healthcare differences.
Another vital approach to combating the main challenges of policymaking participation is
the timely organization of time management in healthcare facilities. Policy advocates should
specifically encourage organizations to promote bottom-up policymaking by offering employees
work-friendly schedules or special time off for policymaking advocacy. This could involve
setting aside specific hours during shifts for nurses to engage in policy discussions or attend
relevant meetings without compromising patient care. Therefore, to increase awareness regarding
the need to involve the nurses in the policy advocacy this has to be embraced mainly by the
healthcare leaders to ensure that the nurses engage with them fully. Also, the institutions might
come up with ways of formalizing the relationship between nurses and the legislative statutes;
this includes working hand-in-hand with regional legislative bodies or providing the best
materials for the nurses to attend the sessions. Through support and integrating of advocacy in
nursing roles, the RNs and APRNs can be effective contributors to the formulation of policy, and
this will be advantageous to the profession and the patients.

Strategies for Advocacy and Communication

7
To effectively advocate for and communicate the opportunities available for RNs and
APRNs in policymaking, one key strategy is to utilize social media platforms. Nursing
organizations can leverage platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to disseminate timely
information about relevant policy issues, advocacy opportunities, and legislative updates. Posts
that advert for actions to be taken, as well as achievements and educative materials can be of
interest to the nurses and would make them participate fully in advocacy actions. For example,
the ANA often disseminates information about the arising legislative measures and encourages
members to participate in advocacy (Chiu et al., 2021). Thus, nursing organizations can enhance
a web presence by introducing nurses to a community; the nurses feel linked with the
policymaking process. This approach not only increases the awareness of policy involvement by
nurses but also educates the single nurse and endows them with the equipment and knowledge
necessary to lobby for the nursing profession and patients.
Another effective strategy is to develop collaborative networks among nurses across
various specialties. It is possible to join other health care providers that help in powering the
voices of nurses in policy issues. Jointly held meetings, fora, or workshops enable the nurses to
discuss the actual scenarios they experience, ways of advising on policy change to enhance
health advocacy, and outcomes of research on current healthcare issues (Williams et al., 2018).
Such collaborations are beneficial, especially when power from many fighting for particular
legislation is beneficial when lobbying. For example, a stadium of nurses belonging to different
specialization groups could pool together their concerns like staffing or enrolment of care to
vulnerable patient groups. Also, these networks can potentially provide mentorship in which
senior advocates will lead junior nurses to understand how the policy is. These networks may
augment the intensity of the nursing advocacy and promote the solidarity and convergence of the

8
nursing professionals across various settings since the nurse staffing members of both networks
are assured of representing the interests of the diverse and multicurrent nursing professionals.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the active participation of Registered Nurses (RNs) and Advanced Practice
Registered Nurses (APRNs) in policymaking is essential for advancing healthcare and improving
patient outcomes. Several barriers, like an unclear policy process or inadequate time, may
discourage involvement; nevertheless, solutions like enlightenment, coaching, and flexible
working plans, among others, may alleviate these limitations. Social media can be used to
influence opportunities for nursing organizations to increase the ability of nurses to participate in
policy-related issues. Finally, whenever RNs and APRNs are given the authority to direct change
in health policy, they also enrich their professional responsibilities and support the evolving of
the healthcare system. Given their expertise and interface with patients in delivering care, nurses
have the capabilities alongside the mandate to influence policies based on experiences on the
ground, both in decision-making forums that deal with the nurse practice environment and more
so, in the communities they serve.

References

AANP. (2024). Advocacy Resources. American Association of Nurse Practitioners.
https://www.aanp.org/advocacy/advocacy-resource
Chiu, P., Cummings, G. G., Thorne, S., & Makaroff, K. S. (2021). Policy Advocacy and Nursing
organizations: a Scoping Review. Policy, Politics, & Nursing Practice, 22(4), 276–296.
https://doi.org/10.1177/15271544211050611

9
Hajizadeh, A., Zamanzadeh, V., Kakemam, E., Bahreini, R., & Khodayari-Zarnaq, R. (2021).
Factors influencing nurses participation in the health policymaking process: A systematic
review. BMC Nursing, 20(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12912-021-00648-6
Williams, S., Phillips, J., & Koyama, K. (2018, September 30). Nurse Advocacy: Adopting a
Health in All Policies Approach | OJIN: The Online Journal of Issues in Nursing.
Ojin.nursingworld.org. https://ojin.nursingworld.org/table-of-contents/volume-23-
2018/number-3-september-2018/adopting-health-in-all-policies-approach/

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Regina Candice Shaw

Discussion 8

Nurses are at the center of patient care and have the leverage to shape political policies. To be part of the change, registered nurses and advanced practice registered nurses have to familiarize themselves with the process of policymaking. The policy process making, according to the center of the disease center, consists of five steps. The first step consists of identifying the problem (CDC, n.d.) and looking for the systemic cause of the issue and its frequency. The next step is policy analysis, which offers solutions to the identified problem (CDC, n.d.). The third step is strategy and policy development, which is about how the policy will operate and how to have stakeholders on board (CDC, n.d.). Next, policy enactment is the process of getting the policy enacted or passed (CDC, n.d.). Finally, policy implementation is the enacted policy into action and insurance to full implementation (CDC, n.d.).

Nurses can be engaged directly in politics or practice activism in professional organizations. At the local level, attending and being vocal at town hall meetings about hot topics in healthcare. Being a member of nursing organizations that lobby with lawmakers, such as the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, for example, can open the proverbial door to being at the center of making changes. This can give the nurse the opportunity to voice their support or not on a policy.

Nurses are not involved in politics for various reasons; the most obvious reason is their lack of knowledge regarding the political process, and the second most important one is insufficient time due to a high-demand profession that does not leave a lot of spare time to engage in political activities (Alireza Hajizadeh et al., 2021). Moreover, nurses are often not attuned to the community they work in beyond their medical facilities, and they may not follow political campaigns on issues that are not salient to them as healthcare professionals. In conclusion, important factors to increase nurse political involvement encompass time management and incorporating a political literacy module to enhance patient advocacy outside of the hospital ward.

Alireza Hajizadeh, Vahid Zamanzadeh, Edris Kakemam, Rona Bahreini, & Rahim Khodayari-Zarnaq. (2021). Factors influencing nurses participation in the health policy-making process: A systematic review. BMC Nursing, 20(1), 1–9. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12912-021-00648-6

CDC Policy Process | AD for Policy | CDC. (n.d.). Retrieved October 16, 2024, from http://medbox.iiab.me/modules/en-cdc/www.cdc.gov/policy/analysis/process/index.html

Policy Making Opportunities for RNs and APRNs

Becoming active members of organizations like the American Nurses Association (ANA) or the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) to access policy committees and advocacy initiatives would be an excellent way to gain access to policy making opportunities. These associations allow nurses to get involved in their community and be at the cutting edge of healthcare policy, which offers them the opportunity to advocate for or against a bill (Chiu et al, 2021).

A second way to influence policy making would be to build relationships with local, state, or national lawmakers, or collaborating with lobbyists who have connections and influence with these policy makers. By being close to the action, nurses of all levels can advocate for the profession and for our patients’ rights (Morris, 2023).

Challenges and How to Overcome

Challenges to becoming a nurse policymaker may include: lack of political knowledge and skills, limited time due to heavy clinical workloads, inadequate education on policy development, insufficient mentorship, perceived lack of power within the healthcare system, competing priorities, a negative perception of nursing in the political sphere, and a lack of confidence in navigating the political landscape. Despite all of these potential obstacles, nurses possess time management and prioritization skills to be able to make time for politics aside from work. Nurses also have the educational skills and intellectual capacity to study new material and network with others to gain knowledge, power and connections to overcome these obstacles. Nurses also work in healthcare systems with a multidisciplinary team that is made up of many other educated and influential people that can forward the cause of nursing and healthcare in general.

Strategies to communicate participation in policy making

Specific examples of strategies for advocating participation in nursing policy making include lobbying local politicians, and coalition building of colleagues and friends to influence legislation.

Lobbying is direct communication with decision makers to influence them to do what we request. We can also lobby our co-workers and motivate them to join policy making activities.

Once we connect with co-workers through this campaign of lobbying each other, we can use those connections to build coalitions. Coalition building involves building the coalition to address a specific issue or policy we want to effect, generating a plan on how to do it, and then as a group act to push for a change in that policy.

Neither of these methods involve direct activity in politics, but more so a grass roots and local involvement in advocating involvement to others in our field, and drawing them into policy advocacy activities through our actions.

Conclusion

Healthcare system is changing and developing day by day in this modern era. Nurses play a vital role in patient care. Health policy is a tool which nurses utilize to improve the quality and safety of patient by promoting public welfare (Hajizadeh et al,2021). By banding together and advocating for nurses to get involved in policy, we are improving the future for nurses and for healthcare in general.

References:

Chiu, P., Cummings, G. G., Thorne, S., & Schick-Makaroff, K. (2021). Policy Advocacy and Nursing Organizations: A Scoping Review. Policy, politics & nursing practice, 22(4), 271–291. https://doi.org/10.1177/15271544211050611Links to an external site.

Morris, G. (2023, 11 10). 10 Ways Nurses Can Get Involved in Policy. Retrieved 10 2024, from Nurse Journal: https://nursejournal.org/articles/ways-nurses-can-get-involved-in-policy/

Hajizadeh, A., Zamanzadeh, V., Kakemam, E., Bahreini, R., & Khodayari-Zarnaq, R. (2021). Factors influencing nurses participation in the health policy-making process: a systematic review. BMC nursing, 20(1), 128. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12912-021-00648-6Links to an external site.

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There are six steps in the policy making process at RNs and APRNs can take part at all levels (Short, 2022). According to Milstead’s Health Policy and Politics: A Nurse’s Guide the steps are as follows:

1.)     Identify the problem and then set an agenda

2.)     Analyze the Policy

3.)     Design

4.)     Enact

5.)     Implement

6.)     Evaluate outcomes

I am going to identify two specific ways that RNs and APRNs can influence policy, firstly being that many RN’s and APRN’s can offer specific realistic encounters either for or against why a policy should be enacted or vetoed, (Short, 2022, pp4). Nurses provide the unique ability to give faces and names to scenarios that influence policies, it allows the term “patient” to become “aunt, uncle, mother, sister, brother, friend.” Nurses are educators and in terms of policy making education is key to ensure policy makers understand the verbiage that is put in front of them and the scenario that is impacting the for or against a policy. Though providing first hand experience is instrumental in understanding and advocating for policy, this first hand experience can also confuse policy makers, as explaining medical scenarios to non medical personnel can be difficult to near impossible, so it would become a nurse’s responsibility to ensure that understanding is had regarding the information that is being transmitted.

Another way that Nurses can impact policy is through numbers, and the best way to do that is through professional nursing organizations. As stated the plus side is that there are numbers through these organizations that could influence or veto a policy, however, the downside to this is that the organization’s wants may not always coincide with one’s personal beliefs. Nurse’s are regulators of policy and innovators of policy and state practice acts in order to ensure the best possible care is delivered to their patients.

As nursing practice is highly regulated it stands that nurses should be at least aware of the policies that surround them and their influence potential on the political floor. Sometimes providing this indirect form of nursing care is the best way that we can guide and protect our patients from those who are making decisions regarding medical policy without medical background and simply rely on numbers of bank accounts to make decisions.

Short, N. (2022). Milstead’s Health Policy and Politics: A Nurse’s Guide. Jones and Bartlett. Burlington, Ma.

Williams, T. E., Baker, K., Evans, L., Lucatorto, M. A., Moss, E., O’Sullivan, A., Seifert, P. C., Siek, T., Thomas, T. W., & Zittel, B. (2016). Registered Nurses as Professionals, Advocates, Innovators, and Collaborative Leaders: Executive Summary. Online Journal of Issues in Nursing, 21(3), 7. https://doi.org/10.3912/OJIN.Vol21No03Man05

​Registered Nurses (RNs) and Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) have several avenues through which they can engage directly in policy and, thus, shape healthcare systems at local, state, and federal levels. One opportunity exists to increase involvement in professional organizations, including the American Nurses Association (ANA) or the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP). This organization allows the nurses to engage in advocacy by holding nurses’ events, filing comments on policy in various legislation, and holding discussions with the legislators (Chiu et al., 2021). For instance, APRNs can now ensure that state laws related to full practice are passed to enable them to practice independently without having to report to a physician.

​Another is participation in governmental committees or consultative forums as a company’s senior official. RNs and APRNs participate in committees that decide healthcare policies on population, safety, or employment. This position empowers nurses to offer evidence from the front line on access, quality, and cost of health care (Sumpter et al., 2022). However, threats to these opportunities include time constraints, lack of knowledge of policy-making processes, and limited access to policymakers. To address these challenges, it is necessary to step out, learn, and eliminate the barriers that have been put in place. For instance, nurses can set a calendar timeline for advocacy, attend policy workshops to increase awareness and participate in policy meetings with colleagues with prior experience in policy-making to get close to the decision-makers.

​Nurses should better promote these opportunities andbecome active on social networks and communities where those policy initiatives are discussed. Participation in local nursing forums and nursing workshops that deal with advocacy in the health sector can also promote the recruitment of more nurses (Crowder et al., 2022). That is why, through these strategies, nurses can gain more power and influence in decision-making regarding healthcare policies and achieve positive policy changes for the general good of the nursing workforce and patients.

References

Chiu, P., Cummings, G. G., Thorne, S., & Schick-Makaroff, K. (2021). Policy Advocacy and Nursing Organizations: A Scoping Review. Policy, Politics & Nursing Practice, 22(4), 271–291. https://doi.org/10.1177/15271544211050611Links to an external site.

Crowder, S. J., Tanner, A. L., Dawson, M. A., Felsman, I. C., Hassmiller, S. B., Miller, L. C., Reinhard, S. C., & Toney, D. A. (2022). Better together: Coalitions committed to advancing health equity. Nursing outlook, 70(6 Suppl 1), S48–S58. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.outlook.2022.02.013Links to an external site.

Sumpter, D., Blodgett, N., Beard, K., & Howard, V. (2022). Transforming nursing education in response to the future of nursing 2020–2030 report. Nursing Outlook, 70(6), S20-S31.https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0029655422000197Links to an external site.

Nurses hold more power in health policy decisions in their clinical practice and direct clinical care decision-making roles. Nurses can influence healthcare policy through their involvement in professional associations which support healthcare quality policies (Hajizadeh et al., 2021). These organizations, therefore, allow the nurses to lobby, give their clinical input, and participate in developing policies and products crucial to their operation, such as Allocating nurses to working stations. These activities enable nurses to intervene in the legislative agenda because of current efforts to establish standard nurse-to-patient ratios (McHugh et al., 2021). However, such engagement entails understanding the dynamics of the act and the process of passing legislation, an endeavour within reach of many a nurse, especially those without prior exposure to policy writings.

One significant opportunity is that nurses can be involved in advisory committees on public health through nursing practice. Thus, being members of these committees, nurses can explain the actual effects of the provided policies on patient outcomes and the possibility of accessing the healthcare system first-hand. For example, a nurse’s views regarding vaccination policies will differ from those of policymakers not trained in clinical nursing. However, one of the issues is the time limitation, which limits nurses’ engagement as clinical responsibilities dominate (Dierckx de Casterlé et al., 2020). To counter this, there has been a recent push in many healthcare facilities to offer policy-specific training and dedicated time teaching policies as they know the value that the nurses hold for these discussions.

To encourage and promote the nurses’ involvement in formulating the policies, policy contents should form part of the curricula that the nursing students undergo. Policy analysis and advocacy competencies can be incorporated into the nursing program so that learners begin policy practice at the start of their profession. For that reason, the available literature shows that policy training that nurses undergo while in school helps them to get actively involved in policy activities throughout their practice (Mlambo et al., 2021). Moreover, the nurse advocate partnerships between highly qualified nurse leaders and young professionals assisting new nurses in participating in policy roles are also helpful. These strategies increase nurses’ policy knowledge and build a stronger political professional and advocacy nursing workforce to champion change at the systems level.

References

Dierckx de Casterlé, B., Mertens, E., Steenacker, J., & Denier, Y. (2020). Nurses’ experiences of working under time pressure in care for older persons. Nursing Ethics, 27(4), 096973301989579. https://doi.org/10.1177/0969733019895797Links to an external site.

Hajizadeh, A., Zamanzadeh, V., Kakemam, E., Bahreini, R., & Khodayari-Zarnaq, R. (2021). Factors influencing nurses participation in the health policy-making process: A systematic review. BMC Nursing, 20(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12912-021-00648-6Links to an external site.

McHugh, M., Aiken, L., Sloane, D., Windsor, C., Douglas, C., & Yates, P. (2021). Effects of nurse-to-patient ratio legislation on nurse staffing and patient mortality, readmissions, and length of stay: a prospective study in a panel of hospitals. The Lancet, 397(10288), 1905–1913. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(21)00768-6Links to an external site.

Mlambo, M., Silén, C., & McGrath, C. (2021). Lifelong learning and nurses’ continuing professional development, a metasynthesis of the literature. BMC Nursing, 20(62), 1–13. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12912-021-00579-2Links to an external site.

RN’s and APRNs are needed within the health care arena to help promote change for health care related policies. Our experiences and ethical values alone help advocate for ourselves and our patients, making us great assets to legislation and policymakers. There are many opportunities for nurses to become involved with policymaking, but not every opportunity is right for each person. Policy entrepreneurs, for example, are advocates willing to invest things like time, money, and reputation in their specialized area in hopes that they will be able to gain something from the potential change that could come in the future (Short, 2022). Policy entrepreneurs would be a great opportunity for RNs and APRNs to get involved in policymaking, if it is a good fit for you as a nurse. Many nurses have the knowledge and experience, but do not have the time, resources, or money to become policy entrepreneurs. This would be a challenge for some nurses, but by establishing personal connections and networking with financial resources, RNs and APRNs could overcome these challenges. Short (2022) mentions that nurses should engage in providing stories, data, and insight to assist policymakers to create effective policies for health care, and what better way to do that than to become a policy entrepreneur and advocate for issues that hit “close to home”?

Another opportunity that nurses have would be to become a member of the American Nurses Association (ANA) and become an ANA advocate. The ANA (n.d.) advocates on behalf of RNs at the top levels of government as policies are conceived, debated, and implemented. The ANA also works closely with Congress members to lobby agendas that support both nurses and patients. The ANA (n.d.) mentions specific ways that nurses can impact federal rules and regulations which includes (but is not limited to): learning about the federal rule making process, become informed about public policy and health policies currently under consideration, monitor the Federal Register website which lists proposed rules and/or changes to current rules, and work closely with your state’s nurses association regarding new or changing regulations.

This organization is a great resource tool to use and is something all nurses should keep in their back pocket to utilize, but there can be some challenges associated with ANA membership including money and time constraints. While we may not be able to overcome time constraints due to scheduling conflicts, volunteers are encouraged to be a part of the American Nurses Association, American Nurses Credentialing Center, or the American Nurses Foundation which would help eliminate the monetary concern that may come with being an organization member. Another common limitation that would pose an issue when trying to lobby for a policy would be limited knowledge on the specific topic of the policy, which is why it is important to conduct heavy research, gain first-hand experience, and learn the “legislative language”. First-hand experiences weigh heavy on advocating for policy change, so choosing policies that you feel comfortable lobbying for would be a way to overcome that challenge as well. Congress.gov (n.d.) is a great resource along with ANA (n.d.) to find proposed policies and bills that directly relate to health care issues.

References

ANA. (n.d.). Federal Advocacy. American Nurses Association. https://www.nursingworld.org/practice-policy/advocacy/federal/

Congress.gov. (n.d.). Find Your Members. https://www.congress.gov/members/find-your-member

Short, N. M. (2022). Milstead’s health policy and politics: A nurse’s guide (7th ed.). Jones & Bartlett Learning.

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Introduction

Registered Nurses (RNs), and Advanced Practicing Registered Nurses (APRNs) who make up most of the workers in the health care industry, contribute to the improvement of health systems. It is abundantly obvious that nurses have a role in the formulation of health policy; however, even in clinical settings, only a small percentage of nurses participate in the policy-making process (Hajizadeh et al, 2021). Below are some of the opportunities that might foster participation.

Nursing Organizations and Advocacy Groups

A notable avenue for registered nurses and advanced practice registered nurses to engage in policymaking is via nursing organizations and advocacy groups. These organizations frequently maintain a significant role in promoting healthcare laws that serve the interests of patients and the field of nursing. They participate in advocacy initiatives, conduct policy assessments, and offer avenues for their members to influence the formulation and evolution of healthcare legislation across local, state, and national spheres. For example, The American Nurses Association (ANA) stands as a distinguished entity that engages nurses in the intricacies of policymaking. ANA encompasses a range of committees of lawmakers and task forces that invite nurses to engage and lend their professional skills to the discourse surrounding policy matters. Nurses could participate in these committees, where they can engage in thoughtful discussions, formulate policy proposals, and collaborate with various stakeholders to shape healthcare regulations (ANA, n.d).

Advisory Committees and Task Forces:

To tackle healthcare concerns and propose policy changes, numerous government agencies and healthcare organizations form advisory committees and task forces. To contribute their knowledge and experience to the development of healthcare policy, these committees frequently include members of the nursing profession, such as APRNs and registered nurses.

For example, when dealing with public health issues like the opioid crisis, the state’s health department may establish an advisory council. To help design policies and methods to address opioid usage, they might recruit nursing experts, such as advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) with knowledge of addiction and mental health, to serve on the committee. This happened in Arizona during the heightening opioid crisis.

Challenges

Time Constraints: The time constraints experienced by nurses, particularly those working in direct contact with patients, make it difficult for them to take an active role in formulating or participating in policy making.

To overcome this challenge, Nurses have the capacity to establish partnerships and engage in collaboration with their colleagues to distribute the workload effectively (ANA, n.d.). Through collaborative efforts, they can jointly engage in discussions about policies, ensuring that no single individual’s responsibilities become excessively burdensome.

Limited knowledge in policy formulation:

A considerable number of nurses might possess a restricted understanding of the policy-making process and may lack the assurance needed to adeptly maneuver through the complexities of policy formulation and advocacy. To overcome this challenge, the policymaking process, efficient communication with legislators, and lobbying tactics can all be covered in training sessions and workshops offered by nursing groups. By taking advantage of these chances to learn, nurses can equip themselves to actively contribute (Milstead & Short, 2019).

Recommendations

Web-based/media campaigns

Web-based campaigns developed by nursing groups can bring attention to the value of nurses’ input into policymaking. They may spread the word about the great things that have happened because of nurses’ efforts to influence policy changes by using social media sites like WhatsApp, Telegram, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn (O’Connor, 2017).

Mentorship Programs:

To help new nurses become involved in policymaking, nursing organizations should set up mentoring initiatives where more seasoned nurses can act as guides and mentors. Involvement in policy conversations can be facilitated through these mentorship ties, which can also help cultivate future nurse advocates.

Conclusion

Registered nurses (RNs) and advanced practicing registered nurses (APRNs) possess numerous avenues for engaging in the policymaking process. Nurses can engage meaningfully by becoming members of credible nursing associations like the American Nurses Association (ANA) and taking on the role of lobbyists at Capitol Hill (ANA, n.d.). Nurses are subsequently positioned to convey their experiences and narratives directly, bolstered by the support of their fellow ANA group members. Nurses can also engage actively by communicating with their state representatives through written correspondence. Regrettably, a significant number of policymakers lack firsthand experience in the health care sector, rendering them oblivious to the intricate rules and regulations that influence nursing and various other facets of health care. Without initiating a dialogue regarding the concerns you have observed, they may remain oblivious to the situation (Brokaw, 2016). The capacity for nurses to articulate their concerns, perspectives, and insights into lawmakers fosters a deeper understanding and confidence among lawmakers, thereby enhancing their ability to navigate tricky problems

Reference

American Nurses Association. (n.d.). American Nurses Association (ANA). https://www.nursingworld.org/

Cherry, B., & Jacob, S. R. (2016). Contemporary nursing: Issues, trends, & management (7th ed.). Elsevier.

Hajizadeh, A., Zamanzadeh, V., Kakemam, E., Bahreini, R., & Khodayari-Zarnaq, R. (2021). Factors influencing nurses’ participation in the health policy-making process: A systematic review. BMC Nursing, 20(1), 128. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12912-021-00648-6

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

O’Connor, S. (2017). Using social media to engage nurses in health policy development. Journal of Nursing Management, 25(8), 632-639. https://doi.org/10.1111/jonm.12501

Nursing professionals (RNs) and Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) have various ways to get involved in policy development by joining professional associations and participating in legislative advocacy. Organizations such as the American Nurses Association provide a platform for nurses to express their views and provide input on healthcare legislation. Additionally, nurses can engage in lobbying efforts by meeting with lawmakers to discuss how proposed health policies may affect patient care. However, challenges like time constraints, limited resources, and a lack of understanding of the legislative process can make participation challenging. To overcome these barriers, RNs and APRNs can seek mentorship from experienced advocates and participate in training sessions focused on health policy and advocacy (Chiu et al., 2021).

To raise awareness of these opportunities, one effective strategy is to organize workshops that teach nurses about the importance of engaging in policy-making and the specific options available to them (Anders, 2020). For instance, hosting a conference session with successful nurse advocates can inspire colleagues to take part. Another approach is to use social media to raise awareness and share experiences related to nurse involvement in policy-making, creating a supportive online community (Advocacy – American Nurses Association | ANA, 2020). By fostering an environment that encourages nurse participation, the nursing profession can significantly shape health policy outcomes.

References:

Advocacy – American Nurses Association | ANA. (2020, April 27). ANA. https://www.nursingworld.org/practice-policy/advocacy/

Anders, R. L. (2020). Engaging nurses in health policy in the era of COVID‐19. Nursing Forum, 56(1), 89–94. https://doi.org/10.1111/nuf.12514

Chiu, P., Cummings, G. G., Thorne, S., & Schick-Makaroff, K. (2021). Policy Advocacy and Nursing Organizations: A scoping review. Policy Politics & Nursing Practice, 22(4), 276–296. https://doi.org/10.1177/15271544211050611

Initial Response

Nurses are the backbone of healthcare and often experience deep relationships with their patients meaning their voices in policy-making are extremely important (Rasheed et al., 2020). Nurses represent unique traits such as patient advocacy, realistic expectations of implementation, and expertise on inter-professional communication within the hospital which are vital to creating effective health policies (Disch, 2019). The first way nurses can become involved in policy-making is by directly contacting either state or federal legislators. Legislators do not always understand medical jargon or policies because they do not have a background in healthcare. Nurses can share their opinion and experience to help give legislators context on important healthcare issues they otherwise would not receive. Federal representatives and senators information can be found by putting your address into congress.gov (n.d.). Another way to be involved is to join an organization such as the American Nurses Association (ANA) and volunteer to attend policy meetings or events surrounding the specific policy (Williams et al., 2018).

Two of the biggest challenges nurses face in policy making are the lack of time and understanding (Rasheed et al., 2020). Balancing work and home life can already be difficult for many nurses so adding more to the schedule can seem unmanageable. Organizations have the ability to help nurses conquer this challenge by offering flexible participation options and providing direct opportunities to be involved. The lack of understanding when it comes to policy process can be daunting as well. However, finding educational opportunities like public policy events or organizational resources can both help a nurse become more confident in the policy area (Goodyear, 2022).

The first strategy I would use to further the nurses role in policy making is increasing education surrounding policy involvement both in undergraduate nursing programs and in hospital settings. This would make more nurses familiar and confident with the idea of political involvement. Another idea would be to create sone type of incentive for nurses who choose to attend a workshop to further their policy making understanding. Many organizations offer webinars or workshops but offering incentives to attend them would increase turnout and encourage more nurses to give political involvement a try.

References

Congress.gov. (n.d.). Find your members. Retrieved October 15^th, 2024, from https://www.congress.gov/members/find-your-memberLinks to an external site.

Disch, J. (2019). Nursing leadership in policy formation. Nursing Forum, 55(1), 4-10. https://doi.org/10.1111/nuf.12375Links to an external site.

Goodyear, C. (2022). Advocating for public policy to advance nursing. Nursing Management (Springhouse), 53(7), 48. https://doi.org/10.1097/01.NUMA.0000834512.45322.d0Links to an external site.

Rasheed, S., Younas, A., & Mehdi, F. (2020). Challenges, extent of involvement, and the impact of nurses’ involvement in politics and policy making in the last two decades: An integrative review. Journal of Nursing Scholarship, 52(4), 446-455. https://doi.org/10.1111/june.12567Links to an external site.

Williams, S.D., Phillips, J.M., & Koyama, K. (2018). Nurse advocacy: Adopting a health in all policies approach. OJIN: The Online Journal of Issues in Nursing, 23. https://doi.org/10.3912/OJIN.Vol23No03Man01Links to an external site.

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Opportunities for Participation

RNs and APRNs can become members of organizations such as the American Nurses Association (ANA) or the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP). These organizations often have committees focused on health policy where nurses can contribute their expertise, engage in advocacy efforts, and influence legislation that affects healthcare delivery. One significant advantage of membership is access to a wealth of resources and information. Professional nursing organizations provide members with research publications, policy briefs, and educational materials that keep nurses informed about current issues and trends in healthcare. This knowledge equips them to engage effectively in policy discussions. For instance, the American Nurses Association (ANA) publishes position statements that guide nurses in advocating for specific legislative initiatives, enabling them to articulate their positions effectively to policymakers. Networking and collaboration are other vital aspects of membership. By joining these organizations, nurses can connect with other healthcare professionals, policy experts, and legislators, leading to partnerships that amplify advocacy efforts. Membership allows nurses to join committees focused on health policy, where they can collaborate with peers and experts to develop strategies for influencing legislation. Building relationships with key stakeholders enhances the impact of their advocacy, creating a stronger voice for issues affecting patients and the nursing profession (Chiu et al., 2021).

Legislative advocacy is a crucial avenue through which nurses can influence healthcare policy and ensure that the voices of both practitioners and patients are heard in the legislative process. By actively engaging with lawmakers, nurses have the opportunity to advocate for policies that promote patient safety, improve access to care, and enhance the overall quality of healthcare delivery (Turale & Kunaviktikul, 2019). This engagement can take various forms, including attending town hall meetings, participating in lobby days, and building relationships with legislators. Through these activities, nurses can share their firsthand experiences and insights regarding the challenges faced in clinical settings, helping to inform and shape legislation that addresses issues such as safe staffing ratios, scope of practice regulations, and mental health resources.

Furthermore, nurses can mobilize their peers and communities to support specific legislative initiatives, creating a grassroots movement that amplifies their advocacy efforts. By organizing campaigns that raise awareness about critical healthcare issues, nurses can educate the public and generate support for policies that align with their goals. This collective action not only strengthens their position in discussions with policymakers but also fosters a sense of community and shared purpose among healthcare professionals. Additionally, many nursing organizations provide resources and training to help nurses navigate the legislative process, equipping them with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively advocate for change.

Challenges and Solutions

One major challenge in participating in policy-making is the lack of time and resources. Many nurses face demanding work schedules, making it difficult to engage in advocacy or attend meetings. To overcome this, nurses can utilize flexible scheduling, prioritize advocacy activities, or collaborate with their colleagues to form a coalition that shares responsibilities, especially locally within their units, departments, and hospital organizations.

Another challenge is the potential lack of confidence or understanding of the policy-making process. Hajizadeh et al. (2021) states, “insufficient knowledge on the health policy making is one of the important reasons of nurses’ non-involvement in health policy making.” Many nurses may feel ill-equipped to navigate this area. To address this, mentorship programs can be established where experienced nurse advocates guide newcomers, providing them with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively participate in policy discussions.

Strategies for Advocacy

Organizing workshops or webinars that educate nurses on the policy-making process, the importance of advocacy, and how to get involved can be an effective strategy. For instance, collaborating with nursing schools or professional organizations to offer training on legislative advocacy can empower more nurses to engage actively. Recently, a local hospital invited the state Senator to come talk to the hospital and nursing staff about the state how they could be more involved in the political level.

Utilizing social media platforms can be a powerful way to communicate the importance of policy involvement. Creating campaigns that highlight successful nursing advocacy efforts, share resources, and encourage nurses to engage in policy discussions can raise awareness and inspire action. For example, using hashtags on platforms like Twitter and Instagram can create a sense of community and motivate nurses to participate.

References

Chiu, P., Cummings, G. G., Thorne, S., & Schick-Makaroff, K. (2021). Policy Advocacy and Nursing Organizations: A scoping review. Policy Politics & Nursing Practice, 22(4), 276–296. https://doi.org/10.1177/15271544211050611Links to an external site.

Hajizadeh, A., Zamanzadeh, V., Kakemam, E., Bahreini, R., & Khodayari-Zarnaq, R. (2021). Factors influencing nurses participation in the health policy-making process: a systematic review. BMC Nursing, 20(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12912-021-00648-6

Turale, S., & Kunaviktikul, W. (2019). The contribution of nurses to health policy and advocacy requires leaders to provide training and mentorship. International Nursing Review, 66(3), 302–304. https://doi.org/10.1111/inr.12550

Hi Colleague,

Two opportunities that exist for RNs and APRNs to actively participate in policy-making is to join state or national nurse associations and become a lobbyist and focus on causes you have a liking for.  There are many types of  nursing organizations like the American Nurse Association, the American Academy of Nursing or the State Nurses Association. Once a member, one can express their interest about being involved with issues dealing with healthcare policies.  Being connected with a nursing association allows the nurse an opportunity to network with other healthcare professionals that have an impact in policy-making (Morris,2024). They can write articles, opinion communications or letters for association’s publications or for local media to increase awareness of policy changes.  One of the ways to advocate for your patients and the nursing profession is to get involved with policy-making.  It is important to know and develop relationships by means of other lobbyists to help with engaging in policy development.  The nurse and influencers should share the same concerns and objectives.  It is recommended that the lobbyist attend meetings with the policymakers and legislators to present all inclusive information on healthcare issues to put forward a united front (Faubion,2024).

Some of the challenges associated with these opportunities involve time limits, lack of education about political procedures, heavy workload, defined resources, and feeling of inadequate support from employers and the notion of their voice not being heard. These challenges can be overcomed in many ways by having RNs and APRNs educate themselves and learn how policies are made (Deleskey, 2003). They can also join organizations that influence nurses and patients. Lobbyists should volunteer to participate in policy meetings or other related activities. Team up and provide evidenced-based information to share with legislators. Connect with elected officials and mentor nursing students. In addition, one can develop a support system to help build resilience, ongoing education and professional development to help defeat challenges.

The two strategies I might make to better advocate for the existence of these opportunities to participate in policy-making is to inform my nursing associates and organization why it is necessary to advocate for policy development and how it can help assist in better patient healthcare.  In addition, I would recommend we offer a class for nurses to reiterate the importance, procedures and how to help contribute to reshaping policy-making for the profession.

Reference

1. Morris, G. November 10,2023. NurseJournal.10 Ways Nurses Can Get Involved in Policy. Retrieved from https://nursejournal.org/articles/ways-nurses-can-get-involved-in-policy/Links to an external site.
2. Faubion, D. (2024). Nurse process. 11 Most Common Ways Nurses Can Get Involved in Policy Making. Retrieved from https://www.nursingprocess.org/ways-nurses-can-get-involved-in-policymaking.htmlLinks to an external site.
3. Deleskey K. (2003). Factors affecting nurses’ decisions to join and maintain membership in professional associations. Journal of perianesthesia nursing : official journal of the American Society of PeriAnesthesia Nurses, 18(1), 8–17. https://doi.org/10.1053/jpan.2003.18030008Links to an external site.

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The Role of the RN/APRN in Policy-Making

Policy-making is vital in shaping healthcare delivery and influencing patient outcomes. Registered Nurses (RNs) and Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) are uniquely positioned to influence these policies due to the clinical expertise, patient advocacy roles, and their first hand understanding of the healthcare system. Nurse involvement in policy decisions can lead to better patient care and improved health systems, as through participation in legislative discussions and health policy reform, they can contribute to policy creation (Hajizadeh et al., 2021).

One opportunity for RNs and APRNs to actively participate in policy-making is through professional organizations. Nursing associations, such as the American Nurses Association (ANA), provide platforms for nurses to voice their concerns and advocate for policies that align with patient and healthcare system needs (Scott & Scott, 2021). By joining committees, lobbying for changes, and collaborating with lawmakers, nurses can influence decisions on issues affecting the profession. Another opportunity exists within government advisory boards, where RNs and APRNs can serve on health committees that advise the governments on healthcare policies (Caruso & Schlamb, 2021). Their input ensures that policies reflect real-world clinical experiences, making healthcare more patient-centered.

However, challenges may come up due to the time constraints due to clinical responsibilities, making it difficult for nurses to fully engage in policy-making activities. In addition, navigating the complexities of legislative processes can be overwhelming for those without formal training in policy advocacy (Chiu et al., 2021). To address these barriers, nurses must prioritize strategic time management and invest in continuous education on legislative processes. Attending policy workshops or seeking mentorship from experienced colleagues can equip nurses with the necessary skills and insights to navigate the political landscape effectively.

To effectively advocate for participation in policy-making, two key strategies include enhancing education and fostering mentorship. First, integrating policy advocacy training into nursing curricula can better prepare future nurses to engage in the political aspects of healthcare (Harris et al., 2022). This education should include courses on health law, public policy, and the legislative process, equipping nurses with the foundational knowledge necessary to engage in policy discussions. For instance, courses focusing on the Affordable Care Act or the opioid crisis can provide practical examples of how legislation directly impacts clinical practice. By understanding these laws, nurses will be better positioned to influence future healthcare policies.

Second, mentorship programs that pair novice nurses with experienced policy advocates can provide the necessary guidance and support for engaging in policy-making. Through such mentorship, nurses can learn how to navigate the political system, build networks with policymakers, and develop confidence in advocating for policy changes (Harris et al., 2022). For instance, a nurse participating in a mentorship program might learn how to draft a policy proposal on nurse-patient ratios, gaining valuable insight into the intricacies of policy-making and fostering a culture of sustained advocacy within the nursing profession.

Conclusion

The active participation of RNs and APRNs in policy-making is essential for advancing healthcare reforms and ensuring patient-centered care. Opportunities such as involvement in professional organizations and government advisory boards provide nurses with avenues to influence healthcare policies. However, challenges like time constraints and unfamiliarity with legislative processes may hinder participation. By enhancing policy advocacy education and fostering mentorship, these barriers can be overcome. Through active engagement in policy-making, nurses can shape a healthcare system that reflects the needs and rights of all individuals.

References

Caruso, A. M., & Schlamb, C. (2021). PCNP: A new era in shaping health policy. Journal of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, 33(11), 857-861. https://doi.org/10.1097/JXX.0000000000000528Links to an external site.

Chiu, P., Cummings, G. G., Thorne, S., & Schick-Makaroff, K. (2021). Policy Advocacy and Nursing Organizations: A Scoping Review. Policy, politics & nursing practice, 22(4), 271–291. https://doi.org/10.1177/15271544211050611Links to an external site.

Hajizadeh, A., Zamanzadeh, V., Kakemam, E., Bahreini, R., & Khodayari-Zarnaq, R. (2021). Factors influencing nurses participation in the health policy-making process: a systematic review. BMC nursing, 20, 1-9. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12912-021-00648-6Links to an external site.

Harris, O. O., Bialous, S. A., Muench, U., Chapman, S., & Dawson-Rose, C. (2022). Climate change, public health, health policy, and nurses training. American journal of public health, 112(S3), S321-S327. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2022.306826Links to an external site.

Scott, S. M., & Scott, P. A. (2021). Nursing, advocacy and public policy. Nursing ethics, 28(5), 723-733. https://doi.org/10.1177/0969733020961823Links to an external site.

Anameeka Hanif

Wk 8 Discussion

October 16

Opportunities for RNs and APRNs to Participate in Policy-Making are listed below:

1. Engaging in Professional Nursing Organizations:

RNs and APRNs have the opportunity to participate in policy-making through professional nursing organizations such as the American Nurses Association (ANA) or specialty organizations like the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP). These organizations offer platforms for nurses to advocate for healthcare policy changes, collaborate with lawmakers, and provide expert testimony on healthcare legislation. For example, ANA members can join legislative committees or contribute to policy papers that influence national health policy (American Nurses Association, 2023).

Challenges:

One challenge in engaging with professional organizations is the time commitment required, especially for nurses balancing demanding clinical workloads. Another challenge may be a lack of familiarity with policy-making processes, which could hinder their confidence in participating.

Overcoming Challenges:

To overcome time constraints, nurses could seek opportunities that align with their schedules, such as participating in virtual advocacy events or webinars. To address knowledge gaps, nurses can attend policy workshops or take advantage of mentorship opportunities offered by professional organizations to gain a better understanding of the legislative process.

2. Direct Engagement with Lawmakers:

RNs and APRNs can directly engage with lawmakers by meeting with legislators, participating in town hall meetings, or writing letters to their representatives. These activities allow nurses to bring their unique clinical experiences to the attention of policymakers and advocate for legislation that improves patient outcomes and healthcare delivery. For instance, APRNs can lobby for full practice authority in states where their scope of practice is restricted (National Conference of State Legislatures, 2021).

Challenges:

A significant challenge is that nurses may feel intimidated by the political process or may not know how to approach lawmakers effectively. Additionally, logistical challenges such as travel for meetings or organizing group advocacy efforts can be difficult.

Overcoming Challenges:

Nurses can start by connecting with advocacy groups that provide guidance on how to interact with lawmakers. Many organizations, such as the ANA, offer training and resources for effective advocacy, helping nurses build the confidence and skills to engage in policy discussions. Utilizing technology, such as participating in virtual advocacy days, can also help nurses engage without the burden of travel.

Strategies to Advocate for Policy-Making Opportunities:

1. Incorporating Policy Education in Nursing Curriculum:

One strategy to better advocate for nurses’ involvement in policy-making is to enhance nursing education programs with a stronger focus on health policy and advocacy. By embedding policy-related courses into undergraduate and graduate programs, future nurses will develop an understanding of the legislative process and the importance of nursing advocacy from the start of their careers. This strategy would prepare nurses to be proactive participants in policy-making.

2. Leveraging Social Media and Technology:

Another strategy is to use social media platforms and digital tools to communicate policy-making opportunities to a broader audience. Professional organizations and advocacy groups can use platforms like Twitter, Facebook, or LinkedIn to share information on upcoming legislative meetings, virtual town halls, and opportunities for policy involvement. By promoting these opportunities in spaces where nurses are already engaged, it becomes easier to spread awareness and increase participation.

Examples of Success:

For example, the AANP’s advocacy efforts to expand full practice authority for nurse practitioners have been largely driven by organized efforts that include direct engagement with legislators and collaboration with state policy leaders. The use of digital advocacy tools, such as online petitions and webinars, has allowed for broader participation from APRNs across the country.

References

1. American Nurses Association. (2023). Policy & advocacy. https://www.nursingworld.org/practice-policy/advocacy/

2. Congress.gov. (2021). H.R.8812 – Improving Care and Access to Nurses Act. https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/881

3. Institute of Medicine. (2011). The future of nursing: Leading change, advancing health. The National Academies Press. https://doi.org/10.17226/12956

4. National Conference of State Legislatures. (2021). Full practice authority for nurse practitioners. https://www.ncsl.org/research/health/scope-of-practice-for-nurse-practitioners.aspx

                                                          Main Discussion Post

Opportunities for RNs and APRNs in Policy-Making

Nurses are crucial players, especially Registered Nurses (RNs) and Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs), in the development of health policies that affect patient care and nursing practice overall. As much as the profession is dynamically growing, so are the opportunities for nurses to impact policy. One of the key ways this happens through professional nursing organizations is through participation in policy-making by RNs and APRNs (Hajizadeh et al., 2021). Many of these, including the American Nurses Association, are very active in lobbying for the reform of healthcare and changing policies that will further benefit the patient and the healthcare professional. These organizations have allowed RNs and APRNs to participate in such activities and to serve on committees or boards influencing legislation by creating such opportunities for them. Membership in these organizations allows the nurse to participate in health policy and ensure that laws and regulations will support evidence-based practice and a shift toward patient-centered care.

Other significant opportunities for RNs and APRNs to get involved in policy-making relate to contact with lawmakers at the local, statewide, or national level. Anything from going to town hall meetings, writing letters to representatives, or serving as witnesses with expertise in legislative hearings all constitutes getting involved. Such efforts enable nurses to apply clinical insight and first-hand experience in the care of patients to policy development and decisions. These interactions provide opportunities for nurses to shape policies that promote professional practice through better patient care, such as increased nursing education funding or regulatory actions that foster patient safety. The challenges regarding this opportunity include that nurses must balance their heavy clinical commitments with time-consuming political activities (Storaker et al., 2022). The nurses may also feel unprepared for navigating the intricacies of the political system.

To overcome these challenges, nurses can seek mentorship from colleagues who are already involved in policy-making. Professional nursing organizations usually provide resources and training that could equip nurses with the necessary skills to make them active advocates of policy issues. Such educational opportunities will help nurses feel more confident in contributing to policy change. Nurses can share their workload with other nurses so that their views are represented.

To better advocate for or communicate the existence of these opportunities, one strategy could involve increasing awareness through social media campaigns. Using Twitter or even LinkedIn, nursing organizations can reach a more significant section of the population and encourage greater involvement of nurses in policy-making affairs. Another method might be to incorporate policy-related curricula into the nursing courses so that from the very beginning, the nurses are aware of the significance of advocacy in their careers. Both can be remarkably potent strategies for nurses to realize their capabilities in influencing healthcare policy for the benefit of patients.

References

American Nurses Association (ANA). (n.d.). Advocacy. https://www.nursingworld.org/practice-policy/advocacy/Links to an external site.

Hajizadeh, A., Zamanzadeh, V., Kakemam, E., Bahreini, R., & Khodayari-Zarnaq, R. (2021). Factors influencing nurses participation in the health policy-making process: A systematic review. BMC Nursing, 20(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12912-021-00648-6Links to an external site.

Storaker, A., Heggestad, A. K. T., & Sæteren, B. (2022). Ethical challenges and lack of ethical language in nurse leadership. Nursing Ethics, 29(6). https://doi.org/10.1177/09697330211022415Links to an external site.

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Week 8

Registered Nurses (RNs) and Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) operate in a critical area that is frequently overworked and underserved. One effective strategy to address the nursing shortage is for registered nurses to collaborate on healthcare workforce commissions across various states (Milstead & Short, 2019). RNs and APRNs have significant opportunities to engage in policy-making, influencing healthcare systems and patient outcomes. According to Short (2022) Active participation in the policy-making process is essential to professional nursing, as it helps shape policies that ensure high-quality healthcare is accessible and affordable for everyone. The three foundational pillars of healthcare policy are access, cost, and quality and how the policy process operates.

Opportunity for RNs and APRNs in Policymaking:

1. Participation in Health Policy Committees

• Nurses can take part in health policy committees at local, state, or national levels that shape healthcare regulations and practices. This participation may involve serving on boards or task forces focused on specific health issues, ensuring that the nursing perspective is included in decision-making processes.
• Challenges: These positions often demand considerable time commitments and require navigating complex bureaucratic systems. Additionally, RNs and APRNs might face resistance from other healthcare professionals who may not fully appreciate the nursing viewpoint.
• Overcoming Challenges: To prepare for these roles, nurses can enhance their understanding of healthcare policies and build networks with other healthcare professionals. Forming coalitions with allied health providers can foster a unified approach to advocate for common objectives.

2.     Advocacy through Professional Organizations

• RNs and APRNs have the opportunity to join organizations like the American Nurses Association (ANA) or the American Academy of Nursing (AAN), which typically feature policy committees and advocacy initiatives. These organizations offer platforms for nurses to engage in lobbying, contribute to position statements, and shape healthcare legislation.
• Challenges: Time constraints due to clinical responsibilities and a potential lack of advocacy experience can hinder participation. Additionally, nurses may feel daunted by the political landscape or uncertain about how to effectively express their views (B;, S. L. C. R. n.d.-b).
• Overcoming Challenges: To mitigate time limitations, nurses can explore flexible participation options, such as virtual meetings or short-term projects. Establishing mentorship programs can also assist less experienced nurses in navigating advocacy efforts by providing essential guidance and support (American Nurses Association. 2019).

Strategies for Advocacy and Communication

1. Utilizing Social Media and Online Platforms

• Creating and sharing informative content on social media about the importance of nursing participation in policy-making can raise awareness. For example, RNs and APRNs can write blog posts or use platforms like Instagram or Twitter to share their experiences and encourage others to engage in advocacy.
• Example: A nurse could start a campaign to highlight nursing contributions to healthcare policy, sharing success stories and inviting peers to share the experiences that they have had, which will foster a sense of community and encouraging wider participation. “Nursing leaders should consider social media as one of many engagement strategies to ensure nurses and other stakeholders participate in policy debate that informs health strategy development” (S;, O. n.d.).

2. Organizing Workshops and Educational Seminars

 Organizing workshops that focus on essential advocacy skills, such as public speaking, understanding legislative processes, and writing policy briefs, can empower nurses to actively participate in policy-making (American Nurses Association 2019).

 Example: A community health organization could host a seminar series featuring local legislators and policy experts who discuss the impact of healthcare policies on nursing practice. These sessions could include interactive components, such as role-playing advocacy scenarios, allowing nurses to practice their skills in real-time and gain confidence in their ability to influence policy.

RNs and APRNs have numerous opportunities to engage in change and policymaking. As influential figures in healthcare, it’s essential for nurses to join organizations and use their voices to drive positive change. Increasing incentives for participation could help bridge the gap in nurse involvement in policymaking.

References

American Nurses Association. (2019). Nursing: Scope and standards of practice (4th ed.). Nursesbooks.org.

B;, S. L. C. R. (n.d.-b). Nurses’ perspectives of their impact while serving on boards. The Journal of nursing administration. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35060952/

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

S;, O. (n.d.). Using social media to engage nurses in health policy development. Journal of nursing management. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28736934/

Short, N. M. (2022). Milstead’s health policy and politics: A nurse’s guide (7th ed.). Jones & Bartlett Learning.     Chapter 4, “Policy Analysis and Design” (pp. 77–93)

Discussion 5

NURS 6050

Brianna Cole

October 16, 2024

Introduction

Nursing is the most populated field in healthcare. Nurses wear many hats to fulfill their role. They provide patient care, create care plans, collaborate with different providers, provide education, and advocate, among many other things. The role of a nurse often seems never ending. Nurses learn to advocate well for the safety and treatment of a patient. It is a skill that is learned as the experience increases, making the voices of nurses very influential.

Opportunities for RNs and APRNs in Policymaking

There are many ways that nurses can use their voices to build a platform for themselves that address much needed concerns that are happening. Some of these ways include, joining professional organizations, attending legislative sessions, contribute to evidence-based research, participating with the perspective state board of nursing, and more. (Morris, 2023)

Joining professional associations is a vital way that nurses can be a part of the policy-making process. Organizations like the American Nurses’ Association builds relationships with members of Congress and have everyday nurses to come in and speak on real life situations that occur. (ANA, 2024) By speaking up and educating Congress on current issues arising helps to create new policies.

Another great way that nurses can contribute to policymaking is through evidence-based research. Unless legislators have a healthcare background it would be harder for them to understand some of the concerns being presented to them. Having nurses break down some of the evidence-based research to them verbally or providing an easy-to-read fact sheet can bring clarity to legislators. Evidence-based research is such an important tool because it is real data. Not only can it lead to the creation of new policies it can help remove policies that are ineffective. (Zanti & Thomas, 2021)

Challenges

As there are many opportunities for nurses to contribute to change there are challenges that hinder those changes. One of the biggest challenges is time constraints. From the tedious and demanding hours worked in a day, many nurses are just too exhausted. Many have families and other obligations that need their time and attention, leaving them with very little time to contribute to policymaking. Another challenge can be from a lack of support from the employer. When nurses try to make changes at work and receive a lot of resistance it can be discouraging to want to step out and make changes locally and nationally.

Strategies for Change

Some strategies I would implement is finding some type of funding that hospitals can use to send nurses to events to speak out on these issues. In doing so, it would be the same amount of time as their regular work week, so they don’t neglect their personal daily obligations. Another strategy would be to collaborate with other local nurses and set up an informal meet and greets with policymakers to break the ice and network before actual meetings. Sometimes the thought of the meetings can be intimidating and can change the minds of a nurse getting ready to debate on a certain policy. Lastly, providing nurses with incentives like loan repayment to join these types of organizations would increase nurse involvement. There are public service loans out there and participating in policymaking can be included in the qualifications.

Conclusion

There are many opportunities for RNs and APRNs to be involved in change and policymaking. Being an influential person in healthcare, nurses need to join organizations and use their voices to bring positive change. If more incentives were given it could help tighten the gap of nurse participation in policymaking.

References

ANA. (2024). Federal advocacy. American Nurses Association. https://www.nursingworld.org/practice-policy/advocacy/federal/Links to an external site.

Morris, G. (2023). 10 ways nurses can get involved in policy. Nursejournal.org. https://nursejournal.org/articles/ways-nurses-can-get-involved-in-policy/Links to an external site.

Zanti, S., & Thomas, M. L. (2021). Evidence-Based Policymaking: What Human Service Agencies Can Learn from Implementation Science and Integrated Data Systems. Global implementation research and applications, 1(4), 304–314. https://doi.org/10.1007/s43477-021-00028-xLinks to an external site.