Health issue requiring advocacy from the nursing
Identify a health issue requiring advocacy from the nursing
profession on a local, regional, state, national, or international level. This topic can be related to
health promotion, population health, disease management, or patient safety in the community or
other healthcare setting. You are assuming the role of advocate in various capacities. The topic
you select for this paper will be the subject of your Policy Brief and Advocacy Letter
Assignment. Therefore, research thoroughly your topic of interest to ensure that it can be applied
across both assignments.
In this paper you will identify a health issue which may or may not already be represented in the
form of legislation or health policy. Individuals may just take a position on an issue affecting
local policy with decision makers.
An example of this with legislation includes:
• Health issue: primary care access for patients
• Health policy: increasing primary care providers using nurse practitioners; support of PA
HB 765 for CRNP independent practice
An example of this without legislation includes:
• Health issue: increased chronic back pain from integration of technology in healthcare
• Health policy: ergonomic evaluation of work environments for all employees; letter of
support to employers for new healthcare organization policy
Using APA format and criteria from the Grading
Rubric for Written Assignments, in 5 double spaced pages (excluding the title page and reference
page) present the following details:
Criteria for Your Advocacy as a Nursing Professional
Introduction
Outline of health issue and existing or necessary health policy
and/or politics. Why is this significant to nursing?
List and discuss any other stake holders who would be concerned
with the health issue, in favor or opposition.
Propose a plan on this health issue advocacy:
• Effect of the health issue on health policy and politics
• Interventions to be implemented in this advocacy to enact
change; incorporate health politics as pertinent
• Identify opposition which can be encountered.
Conclusion
Health issue requiring advocacy from the nursing profession:
Primary care access for patients
Introduction
Primary care is the first line of defense against disease and illness. It is essential for preventing and managing chronic conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. Primary care also provides essential services such as immunizations, preventive screenings, and mental health care.
However, many people do not have access to quality primary care. This is especially true for people in rural and underserved communities. These communities often have a shortage of primary care providers, and people may have to travel long distances or wait long periods of time to see a doctor.
Existing or necessary health policy and/or politics
One way to address the shortage of primary care providers is to expand the role of nurse practitioners (NPs) and physician assistants (PAs). NPs and PAs are highly trained healthcare professionals who can provide a wide range of primary care services. However, in many states, NPs and PAs are required to work under the supervision of a physician. This can limit their ability to practice independently and to meet the needs of patients in underserved communities.
One policy that could help to improve access to primary care is to allow NPs and PAs to practice independently. This would allow NPs and PAs to open their own practices in underserved communities and to provide care to patients without having to rely on a physician.
Why is this significant to nursing?
Nurses are the largest group of healthcare professionals in the United States. They play a vital role in providing primary care to patients. By advocating for policies that expand the role of NPs and PAs, nurses can help to improve access to primary care for all patients.
Other stakeholders
Other stakeholders who would be concerned with the health issue of primary care access include:
- Patients: Patients are the primary stakeholders in this issue. They are the ones who are most affected by the shortage of primary care providers.
- Physicians: Physicians are another important stakeholder group. They may be concerned about the impact of expanding the role of NPs and PAs on their own practices.
- Policymakers: Policymakers are responsible for developing and implementing policies that affect access to healthcare. They are another important stakeholder group in this issue.
- Contact their elected officials and urge them to support legislation that would expand the role of NPs and PAs.
- Work with the ANA and other healthcare organizations to advocate for these policies at the national and state levels.
- Educate policymakers and the public about the benefits of expanding the role of NPs and PAs.
- Share stories of patients who have benefited from care provided by NPs and PAs.
- Support organizations that are working to expand the role of NPs and PAs.