The Role of the RN/APRN in Policy Evaluation Discussion

The Role of the RN/APRN in Policy Evaluation Discussion

The Role of the RN/APRN in Policy Evaluation Discussion

The participation of registered nurses (RNs) and advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) in policy processes that include making, implementation, and review or evaluation is essential given the essential role that they play in healthcare delivery systems as patient advocates, primary care providers, and advancement of the nursing profession. One way to be involved in policy review or evaluation is through participation in committees (Derouin, 2019). Through these committees, nurses can share their insights and ideas on different ways to improve existing policies to meet patient needs. The next opportunity to get involved in policy evaluation is through their membership in professional organizations like American Nurses Association (ANA). Professional organizations help in data collection and dissemination by gathering information and knowledge to improve a policy and the outcomes of evaluation. These organizations allow nurses to learn from others through the use of evidence-based practice research findings.

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However, there are challenges inherent challenges associated with these opportunities. For instance, it is a challenge for many nurses to join committees because of their work schedule and the need for more knowledge. The implication is that they must have advanced knowledge and skills to be considered as members of these committees. Secondly, being a member of professional organizations requires one to subscribe actively participate in their activities yet nurses may be restricted to the bedside (Gazarian et al., 2020). A common challenge presented by these opportunities is the need for nurses to understand the legislative process and lobbying so that they effectively participate in policy evaluation.  Therefore, to overcome these challenges, it implores nurses to gain more knowledge and skills while leveraging their experiences to offer quality care. They should also ensure that they access resources and engage patients as one way of deal with the challenges.

Developing strategies to communicate existing opportunities for nurses in policy evaluation is critical. One can communicate these opportunities through research work and creating awareness to enhance overall use of these opportunities. Secondly, writing to legislature at state and federal levels is an essential way of communicating these opportunities (Waddell, 2019). Again, engaging stakeholders like the management hospitals and health systems, especially nurses lead to effective communication of these opportunities in the facility.

References

Derouin, A. (2019). Health policy and social program evaluation. In J. A. Milstead, & N. M.

Short (Eds.), Health policy and politics: A nurse’s guide (6th ed., pp 115-131). Burlington, MA: Jones & Bartlett Learning.

Gazarian, P., Ballout, S., Heelan-Fancher, L., & Sundean, L. J. (2020). Theories, models, and

frameworks used in nursing health policy dissertations: A scoping review. Applied Nursing Research. https://doi-org.ezp.waldenulibrary.org/10.1016/j.apnr.2020.151234

Waddell, A. (2019). Nursing organizations’ health policy content on Facebook and twitter

preceding the 2016 united states presidential election. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 75(1), 119–128. https://doi-org.ezp.waldenulibrary.org/10.1111/jan.13826

Discussion: The Role of the RN/APRN in Policy Evaluation
Discussion: The Role of the RN/APRN in Policy Evaluation
In the Module 4 Discussion, you considered how professional nurses can become involved in policy-making. A critical component of any policy design is evaluation of the results. How comfortable are you with the thought of becoming involved with such matters?
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 to advocate for patients and effective programs and polices than nurses? Already patient advocates in interactions with doctors and leadership, why not with government and regulatory agencies?
In this Discussion, you will reflect on the role of professional nurses in policy evaluation.
To Prepare:
• In the Module 4 Discussion, you considered how professional nurses can become involved in policy-making.
• Review the Resources and reflect on the role of professional nurses in policy evaluation.
By Day 3 of Week 9
Post an explanation of at least two opportunities that currently exist for RNs and APRNs to actively participate in policy review. Explain some of the challenges that these opportunities may present and describe how you might overcome these challenges. Finally, recommend two strategies you might make to better advocate for or communicate the existence of these opportunities. Be specific and provide examples.