Community Health Initiative for Nurses
Free blood pressure screening for customers is an amazing initiative that can be effective in blood pressure control. Unfortunately, many people avoid seeing the doctor until they have a serious health problem (Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, 2016). The atmosphere in a barbershop is friendlier and less tense, as compared with that in a hospital. Thus, people may feel safe discussing their health concerns or asking some questions. I believe that some people have known about their high blood pressure only thanks to this initiative, which makes it even more important.
Free blood pressure screening is a community health initiative for nurses as it engages them around improving health in the areas of safety and quality of life. Nurses are thus enabled to maximize their contribution to enhancing the community health, educating people about the importance of regularly monitoring their blood pressure, and addressing healthcare disparities (Harkness & DeMarco, 2016). This initiative not only encourages nurses to support the health sector but also recognizes their role in leading change.
Nurses’ Role in Health Policy
Nurses have a rich preparation in knowledge to participate in health policy decision making. One particular way they can influence health policy is by conducting research and considering the policy implications of their work (Arabi, Rafii, Cheraghi, & Ghiyasvandian, 2014). New protocols elaborated and tested by nurses, as well as evidence-based practices, may be further used as a basis for policy alternatives and modifications (World Health Organization, 2019). For example, Linda Aiken’s research on nurse staffing entailed the creation of regulations for staffing criteria (Harkness & DeMarco, 2016). Since nurses have basic vital evidence, they can make an impact on healthcare.
I would consider becoming a member of a healthcare organization and getting involved in agenda-setting. I will participate in the practice problems identification and the determination of tools and methods to deal with them. I think it is a good way to take part in health policy decision making because many nursing organizations, such as ANA, help their members become a part of governing boards in each state.
References
Arabi, A., Rafii, F., Cheraghi, M. A., & Ghiyasvandian, S. (2014). Nurses’ policy influence: A concept analysis. Iranian Journal of Nursing and Midwifery Research, 19(3), 315-322.
Harkness, G. A., & DeMarco, R. F. (2016). Community and public health nursing: Evidence for practice (2nd ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott Williams and Wilkins.
Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. (2016). Heart disease and stroke.Web.
World Health Organization. (2019). Nursing staff are vital for making progress towards universal health.Web.