Introduction
Nurses are a strong force in any type of health care advocacy. Nurses are best placed to advise on some of the policies that relate to patient care and population health as they are the link between the patient and his or her family and the facility. According to Begley (2010), nurses’ involvement in policy and health advocacy is a relatively new concept. In the past, nurses were merely involved in the management of facilities. Begley (2010) notes that nurses are important in both management and health advocacy, as patients tend to trust them more than they trust other frontline healthcare providers. Begley (2010) introduces the term “good nurse” to refer to a nurse with professional attributes, autonomy, advocacy skills, is accountable, and assertive. The paper will look into the responsibility of a nurse as a health/population health advocate particularly with regards to returning veterans and their families. The essay poses that a nurse has full responsibility to be a health advocate because one, they are well suited for the task, and two because they have the closest relationship with the patients.
Summary
It is important to note that returning veterans and their families have special health needs. Thus, advocating for their health concerns has to be targeted and specific. It can be argued that there are several types of health care concerns for returning veterans and their families. However, as per the requirements of the assignment, only two will be discussed. The two types are mental and emotional healthcare needs. Nurses have also to be well versed with the current policies on the same to be effective health advocates in the two areas mentioned, (Jackonis, Deyton & Hess, 2008). Milstead (2016) explains that policy development, even in health care, involves a lot of politics. Thereby, nurses have to be fully aware of the political stance on the health issue they want to advocate and then make a plan on the same (Health policy and politics, 2009).
I would ensure I first have the right skills to advocate for the two areas mentioned. Some of the skills I would need include proper communication, lobbying, and negotiation skills. I would also require leadership and management skills. There are various ways I will develop the stated skills. One such way is through training. The second way is through practicing what has been taught in training in real life. It is crucial to note that after getting the necessary training and exposure, I would advocate for the two stated needs through lobbying and negotiating with the hospital management to ensure quality and timely provision of services, among other objectives.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a nurse is a crucial element in health advocacy due to his or her close link with the patient and his or her family. The special health care needs required by returning veterans and their families are understood more by nurses than by other healthcare providers. Additionally, the nurse is the link between the hospital and the patient and his or her family. Nurses, however, should have specific skills that make them effective advocates for returning veterans and their families. Some of the skills required include communication, negotiation, leadership, management, and lobbying skills. It is also essential for nurses to consider the political angle of health advocacy for returning veterans and their families.
References
Begley, A. M. (2010). On being a good nurse: Reflections on the past and preparing for the future. International Journal of Nursing Practice, 16(6), 525-532.
Jackonis, M. J., Deyton, L., & Hess, W. J. (2008). War, its aftermath, and U.S. health policy: Toward a comprehensive health program for America’s military personnel, veterans, and their families. Journal of Law, Medicine & Ethics, 36(4), 677.
Health policy and politics: A nurse’s guide (3rd ed.). (2009). Australian Nursing Journal, (7), 32.
Milstead J. A. (2016). Health policy and politics: A nurse’s guide, (5th ed.). Burlington, MA: Jones and Bartlett Publishers.