Change can occur through advocacy and legislation.

 

Identify a problem or concern in your organization, local community, or state in which change can occur through advocacy and legislation.

Nurses often become motivated to change aspects within the larger health care system based on their real-world experience. As such, many nurses take on an advocacy role to influence a change in regulations, policies, and laws that govern the larger health care system.

Identify a problem or concern in your organization, local community, or state. Examples of problems relevant to nursing include, but are not limited to, title “nurse” protection, sharps injury prevention, nursing shortage, nurse well-being, valuation of nursing services, etc. Research the issue you selected and use the attached “Creating Change Through Advocacy” template to complete this assignment.

 

Sample Solution

Problem: Nursing Shortage in Kenya

Kenya, like many countries, faces a significant nursing shortage, impacting healthcare access and quality. This shortage is exacerbated by factors such as inadequate education and training, poor working conditions, and limited career advancement opportunities.

Proposed Legislation:

The Nursing Education and Workforce Enhancement Act

This proposed legislation aims to address the nursing shortage in Kenya by:

  1. Expanding nursing education: Increasing the number of nursing schools and training programs to meet the growing demand for qualified nurses.
  2. Improving nursing education quality: Ensuring that nursing programs adhere to high standards and provide students with the necessary skills and knowledge to practice effectively.
  3. Offering scholarships and financial aid: Making nursing education more accessible to students from diverse backgrounds.
  4. Creating supportive work environments: Improving working conditions, salaries, and career advancement opportunities for nurses to attract and retain talent.
  5. Promoting interprofessional collaboration: Encouraging collaboration between nurses and other healthcare professionals to enhance patient care.

Rationale:

The nursing shortage in Kenya has severe implications for healthcare access and quality. By addressing the root causes of the shortage, this legislation aims to improve the availability and affordability of healthcare services for all Kenyans. Additionally, it will help to ensure that nurses have the necessary education, training, and support to provide high-quality care.

Advocacy Strategies:

To advocate for this legislation, the following strategies can be employed:

  • Lobbying: Engage with policymakers and legislators to raise awareness of the nursing shortage and the proposed legislation.
  • Public awareness campaigns: Educate the public about the importance of nursing and the impact of the shortage on healthcare access.
  • Coalitions: Partner with other organizations and stakeholders to build a broad base of support for the legislation.
  • Research and data: Gather evidence to support the need for the legislation, such as studies on the nursing shortage and its impact on healthcare outcomes.
  • Grassroots mobilization: Encourage nurses and the public to contact their elected officials to express support for the legislation.

By implementing these strategies, it is possible to achieve significant progress in addressing the nursing shortage in Kenya and improving healthcare outcomes for all.

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