Policy-making in healthcare is a complicated process where different parties are involved. It is important to understand that nurses are essential members of the medical team who can see the flaws of the healthcare policy through their everyday work. Therefore, registered nurses (RNs) and advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) should be aware of their policy-making opportunities and be able to suggest their ideas. Even though they do not usually take an actual part in policy-making, they can influence the decisions of legislators. For example, Burke (2016) recommends RNs explore the general principles of policy-making and contact different nursing organizations, such as AARP. She states that it is always possible to volunteer to participate in policy-making activities and prepare a report on the necessary changes to present to decision-makers.
APRNs are more experienced, and therefore, may have a greater influence on decision-making. The problem for both RNs and APRNs may be the lack of knowledge on how to address legislation-related issues (Houskova, 2018). Burke (2016) emphasizes that a nurse should always seek opportunities to increase knowledge in this field by exploring related resources. Moreover, participation in conferences and nursing associations is a good way to discuss these issues with colleagues and exchange experience.
Legislators confirm that the engagement of NPs and APRNs in policy development is vital, but their opportunities are not addressed properly. One of the solutions would be to raise awareness of these opportunities through professional nursing organizations (Patton et al., 2018). It is also possible to form coalition groups to advocate for nurses’ engagement and collect their opinions about the current public policy (Patton et al., 2018). Another strategy is connected with the lack of nurses’ knowledge about the general principles of policy-making. American Nurses Association California suggests providing its members with necessary educational material and continuous support (Houskova, 2018). Together, these methods would demonstrate the opportunities for RNs and APRNs and increase their involvement in the policy-making process.
References
Burke, S.A. (2016). Influence through policy: Nurses have a unique role. RNL. Web.
Houskova, M. (2018). Nursing engagement in policy development and advocacy. DNP Qualifying Manuscripts, 11, 1-22. Web.
Patton, R.M., Zalon, M.L., & Ludwick, R. (Eds.). (2018). Nurses making policy: From bedside to boardroom (2nd ed.). Springer Publishing Company.