Post an explanation of at least two opportunities that exist for RNs and APRNs to actively participate in policy-making.

Discussion: the role of the rn/aprn in politic making

Opportunities for RNs and APRNs to participate in policy-making:

1. Serving as elected officials: Nurses can run for political office at the local, state, and national levels. They can use their nursing knowledge and experience to shape healthcare policies and legislation. For example, nurses in Congress, such as Representative Eddie Bernice Johnson, have advocated for healthcare reform and increased funding for nursing education.
2. Participating in healthcare organizations and committees: Nurses can join healthcare organizations and committees, such as the American Nurses Association and the National Council of State Boards of Nursing, to influence healthcare policies and regulations. They can also serve on committees that advise government agencies on healthcare issues. For example, the Institute of Medicine often invites nurses to participate in their committees to provide a nursing perspective on healthcare issues.

Challenges and strategies for overcoming them:

1. Lack of time: Nurses often work long hours, making it difficult for them to find time to participate in policy-making. To overcome this challenge, nurses can work with their employers to create flexible schedules that allow them to attend meetings and events related to policy-making.
2. Lack of knowledge and experience: Many nurses may feel intimidated by the policy-making process because they lack knowledge and experience in this area. To overcome this challenge, nurses can attend workshops and seminars on policy-making, join mentorship programs, and network with other nurses who have experience in policy-making.

Strategies to advocate for participation in policy-making:

1. Develop educational programs: Nursing schools and healthcare organizations can develop educational programs that teach nurses about policy-making and provide them with opportunities to participate in the policy-making process.
2. Increase awareness: Healthcare organizations and nursing associations can increase awareness of policy-making opportunities through social media, newsletters, and other communication channels. They can also invite nurses who have participated in policy-making to speak at conferences and events to inspire other nurses to get involved.

References:

American Nurses Association. (2020). Policy and advocacy. https://www.nursingworld.org/practice-policy/policy-advocacy/

Institute of Medicine. (2010). The future of nursing: Leading change, advancing health. National Academies Press. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK209880/

National Council of State Boards of Nursing. (2018). Policy and regulation. https://www.ncsbn.org/Policy.htm

Thompson, J. (2017). Nurses in Congress. American Nurse Today, 12(1), 10-11. https://www.americannursetoday.com/nurses-congress/