The role of the rn aprn in policy manking

Running head: THE ROLE OF THE RN/APRN IN POLICY EVALUATION
The Role of the RN/APRN in Policy Evaluation
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THE ROLE OF THE RN/APRN IN POLICY EVALUATION
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The Role of the RN/APRN in Policy Evaluation
About four million nurses are operating in the United States. Their number means they
can influence policymaking, which in turn can transform the delivery of healthcare. RNs and
APRNs can function advocates for patients to help improve healthcare practices (Milstead &
Short, 2019). The paper provides opportunities for RNs and APRNs to contribute in policy
change keenly. It also identifies the challenges that they present and how they can be overcome.
The opportunities for both RNs and APRNs are that they can influence politics at the
local, federal, and state levels. They can influence policy by collaborating with government
officials and help in the formulation of legislation, which can influence the healthcare industry
(Capitol Beat, 2019). RNs and APRNs are also able to join professional nursing organizations
and act as lobbyists and activists in healthcare (Capitol Beat, 2019). Since nurses today are more
diverse, educated, and younger, they can bring more energy and ideas in the nursing profession
that can have a positive impact on political activism that leads to policy change. However, for
change to be effective, RNs and APRNs require support from nurses and other healthcare
practitioners.
The main challenges that prevent RNs and APRNs in participating in policy change and
politics include lack of awareness, inadequate skills, and little opportunity for involvement. In
addition, lack of resources and time can also prevent them from getting involved in politics and
policy change (Capitol Beat, 2019). RNs and APRNs can overcome the challenges through
support. For example, nursing schools need to encourage political involvement in their
curriculum to encourage policy change in nursing profession. In addition nurses need resources
and time which can allow them to engage in policymaking and politics that affect the healthcare
sector in the local, federal, and state levels.
THE ROLE OF THE RN/APRN IN POLICY EVALUATION
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It is recommended that RNs and APRNs should be on the frontline to transform the
healthcare sector. However, they require support from the government and the nursing boards
and organizations to allow them to effect changes in healthcare policy (Milstead & Short, 2019).
The American Association of Colleges of Nursing and the National League for Nursing should
create awareness and educate nurses on their role in policy formulation and change. Partnership
and cooperation would be essential in policymaking and bridging the gaps in the healthcare
sector.
THE ROLE OF THE RN/APRN IN POLICY EVALUATION
References
Capitol Beat. (21 August 2019). ANA Capitol Beat. Nurses are speaking, and Congress is
listening as August recess wraps up. Retrieved from https://anacapitolbeat.org/
Milstead, J. A., & Short, N. M. (2019). Health policy and politics: A nurse’s guide (6th ed.).
Burlington, MA: Jones & Bartlett Learning.
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