Role of the RN/APRN in Policy Evaluation Essay
Role of the RN/APRN in Policy Evaluation Essay
Two opportunities in which nurses or APRNs can become involved in policy review are getting to know your elected officials and attending meetings for the board of nursing.  Your elected official represents you and the community.  The hospital I worked for had a nurse’s union.  Issues within the hospital directly affecting the community, and neither side would give in, and the union discussed it with the then-elected mayor at the time.  These constant visits to the mayor’s office evolved into a relationship between the union and the mayor.  After merging with another hospital system, the hospital I worked for wanted to terminate their pediatrics department and transfer it to the other hospital.   The union informed the mayor of the hospital’s intention, town hall meetings were held, and it was also found to be a violation of a treaty between the city and the hospital. As nurses, we have a strong influence on policy (Brokaw, 2016).  The mayor that my union formulated a relationship with is now a senator, and he continues to advocate for changes in healthcare Role of the RN/APRN in Policy Evaluation Essay.  
Attending state board of nursing meetings is important if you are interested in the policy review.  The board of nursing has a lawyer that lobbies for changes.  Nurses are not familiar with legality.  Hence the reason a lawyer is a part of the board of nursing.  Issues are introduced at the board meeting, discussed, and then voted on whether to present to the constituent.   These meetings are very intense because many lobbyists are present, and according to which policy is being discussed, they know which senator to approach.  At one of the meetings I attended, the subject was the legalization of marijuana and how it will affect the APRN’s ability to prescribe?   Removing marijuana from the drug screen toxicology was also brought up.  If someone smoked in a state where marijuana is legal and travel to another state where marijuana is illegal, have they committed a crime.  Another topic discussed was the impaired nurses.  Penalties and years of suspension, working back towards license redemption, and should they go back to the bedside.  There is a log keeping track of the impaired nurses and their progress Role of the RN/APRN in Policy Evaluation Essay.   
Challenges to policy review are convincing nurses to get involved, lack communication, collaboration, and information sharing among nurses, and change the nurse-physician role (Rasheed, Younas, & Mehdi , 2020).  Nurses feel as though they are subordinates to physicians, and the gender role of men being in the position of authority are other challenges that nurses face (Rasheed, Younas, & Mehdi , 2020).  Nurses fail to realize that they do have an excessive influence concerning policy changes as the largest profession in size and direct interaction with the patient gives nurses a more powerful and louder voice.
Two strategies that may help bridge the gap and get more nurses involved are networking.  My union president took advantage of any opportunity she had to get more nurses involved.  There were chain text messages of upcoming meetings, and in the breakroom, many flyers were posted.  When attending the board meetings, we went in groups.  Groups held more accountability for each other Role of the RN/APRN in Policy Evaluation Essay.  
References
Brokaw, J. J. (2016, September 22). The nursing profession’s potential impact on policy and politics. Retrieved from American Nurses: https://www.myamericannurse.com/nursing-professions-potential-impact-policy-politics
Rasheed, S. P., Younas, A., & Mehdi , F. (2020, May 25). Challenges, extent of involvement, and the impact of nurses’ involvement in politics and policy making in in last two decades: an integrative review. Journal of Nursing Scholarship, 52(4), 446 – 455. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1111/jnu.12567
Shethna, J. (n.d.). 13 Basic benefits of joining a professional organization. Retrieved April 11, 2021, from EDUCBA: https://www.educba.com/joining-a-professional-organization/ Role of the RN/APRN in Policy Evaluation Essay
 response 1
 Registered Nurses (RNs) and Advanced Practicing Registered Nurses (APRNs) have several ways and opportunities to be involved with policy review. I was recently affiliated with a hospitals nursing union where we went on strike due to inappropriate nursing staffing ratios, health care plans, wages, and much more. I can attest that getting your local mayor and local representatives on your side is very beneficial and can aide in making changes. After creating a relationship with several local community members, several doors of opportunities can open, such as becoming a board member of other groups and actively participating within the union to review policies and to make changes happen. Even if that means a strike is necessarily. Just as you stated and Milstead and Short (2019) has mentioned, we can make change with numbers especially with nurses being one of the largest healthcare group.
Regarding the portion where you mention the policy changes in your area regarding marijuana use in legal states and then traveling to other states where it is illegal. I live in a state where recreational marijuana use is legal, except several employers in my area will not tolerate it. Employers have found it difficult to validate when the use occurred, so they do hold the right to fire employees for testing positive if positive for marijuana on a drug test (Barreiro, n.d.). So, it is interesting how some employers do not mind, as long as it is legal, while others can and will fire you if a drug screen is positive. As a nurse, we can advocate and change policy if we bring our concerns to the table. I am not saying it is right, but I am not saying it is wrong either. There is definitely a gray area in this subject, especially in this day and age Role of the RN/APRN in Policy Evaluation Essay.
Nursing is all about networking and making connections and it will continue to be that way. Nurses create a strong influence on people since we are always meeting and taking care of new people. Not only will these connections help make change, but they will always help us become more well-rounded and educate of us, nurses, on other topics that may influence our care and policies. Especially, if some of our connections are individuals that are elected officials, for they have the ability to make changes higher up, which is why we should continue to monitor congress.gov (n.d.) and reach out to governors’ regarding their ideas and plans. Especially because we have a professional obligation to involve ourselves with finding new solutions in health care (Laureate Education, 2018) Role of the RN/APRN in Policy Evaluation Essay.
Reference
Barreiro, S. (n.d.). State laws on off-duty marijuana use. NOLO. Retrieved April 27, 2021, from https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/state-laws-on-off-duty-marijuana-use.html#michigan
Congress.gov. (n.d.). Retrieved April 27, 2021 from https://www.congress.gov/
Laureate Education (Producer). (2018). Program policy and evaluation [Video file]. Baltimore, MD: Author.
Milstead, J. A., & Short, N.M. (2019). Health policy and politics: A nurse’s guide (6th ed.). Burlington, MA: Jones Bartlett Learning.
 
response 2
Nurses spend more time with their patients and are ready to stand up for important issues to their patients. Nurses are taught to be caregivers and advocates, and they are never quiet when it comes to advocacy. However, nurse’s involvement in politics is usually not evidence.
I do agree with you on your recommendations. Nurses need to start from the basics by voting and getting to know their elected officials and calling the offices of these officers to advocate for policies they support Role of the RN/APRN in Policy Evaluation Essay. The nurse can develop and established contacts with legislators and forge relationships with elected officials (Milstead & Short, 2019).
Participating in a professional organization is also recommended; nurses can go the extra mile by seeking experienced nurse advocate for mentorship. There are still challenges nurses to face concerning impacting politics in total, and one of them is the view of the publics of nurses. A research poll of the public opinion of nurses showed that nurses are perceived as caregivers and not as decision-makers (Nitzky, 2018). suppose the workplace provides support and avenue for nurses to participate in their workplace policy, and employers respect and promote the nurses’ contributions. In that case, the public will start to view nurses differently.
Reference
Milstead, J. A., & Short, N. M. (2019). Health policy and politics: A nurse’s guide (6th ed.). Burlington, MA:
Jones & Bartlett Learning.
NItzky, A. (2018). How to lead change in nursing through political action. Oncology Nursing News Role of the RN/APRN in Policy Evaluation Essay.
https://www.oncnursingnews.com/view/how-to-lead-change-in-nursing-through-political-action
sample response 3
I support the fact that nurses should attend meetings conducted by the board of nursing. They have first to join professional nursing organizations before they can get the opportunity to participate in the meetings. While at the meetings, they can raise policy issues they have seen affecting healthcare delivery at their facilities and propose changes (Matthew, 2012). Through professional organizations, nurses can gain access to politicians who have a strong influence on decision-making. Therefore, nurses can participate indirectly in policy review by joining professional organizations, allowing them to interact with policymakers and give them ideas (Matthew, 2012).
Nurses need to become more involved in policy review by collaborating with other healthcare providers. Physicians should allow nurses to pursue leadership positions instead of having them working under them all the time. Some nurses are afraid to speak up before physicians and other healthcare personnel because they have not been allowed to do so. I think that nurses should not be intimidated by their positions as they strongly influence policymaking and review. Physicians need to provide nurses with training and mentorship to take up active advocacy roles (Turale & Kunaviktikul, 2019). Their voices need to be heard, and they should advocate for their best interests and that of their clients Role of the RN/APRN in Policy Evaluation Essay.
References
Matthews, J. (2012). Role of professional organizations in advocating for the nursing profession. Online J Issues Nurs, 17(3).
Turale, S., & Kunaviktikul, W. (2019). The contribution of nurses to health policy and advocacy requires leaders to provide training and mentorship. International nursing review, 66(3), 302-304 Role of the RN/APRN in Policy Evaluation Essay.
Discussion: The Role of the RN/APRN in Policy Evaluation
In the Module 4 Discussion, you considered how professional nurses can become involved in policy-making. A critical component of any policy design is evaluation of the results. How comfortable are you with the thought of becoming involved with such matters?

Some nurses may be hesitant to get involved with policy evaluation. The preference may be to focus on the care and well-being of their patients; some nurses may feel ill-equipped to enter the realm of policy and political activities. However, as you have examined previously, who better to advocate for patients and effective programs and polices than nurses? Already patient advocates in interactions with doctors and leadership, why not with government and regulatory agencies?
In this Discussion, you will reflect on the role of professional nurses in policy evaluation Role of the RN/APRN in Policy Evaluation Essay.
To Prepare:

In the Module 4 Discussion, you considered how professional nurses can become involved in policy-making.
Review the Resources and reflect on the role of professional nurses in policy evaluation.

By Day 3 of Week 9

Post an explanation of at least two opportunities that currently exist for RNs and APRNs to actively participate in policy review. Explain some of the challenges that these opportunities may present and describe how you might overcome these challenges. Finally, recommend two strategies you might make to better advocate for or communicate the existence of these opportunities. Be specific and provide examples.

By Day 6 of Week 9

Respond to at least two of your colleagues* on two different days by suggesting additional opportunities or recommendations for overcoming the challenges described by your colleagues.

As members of the largest segment of the healthcare workforce, nurses have an important role in policy and program evaluation” (Milstead & Short, 2019, p. 117). Nurses have a huge role in patient care and advocacy.  They are, in most cases, the last line of defense for the patient. Therefore, a nurse’s role in policy and program change are the most important part of the team Role of the RN/APRN in Policy Evaluation Essay.
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The first opportunity to participate through the workplace, as part of a committee. “Working on organizational boards or involvement in shared governance offers firsthand knowledge” (Jurns, 2019). Most facilities offer committees to assist and get people involved in policy making and leadership. Take advantage and ask your leadership how to get involved. The second opportunity is to work with local politicians on policy that could be part of the legislative process. Politicians look for expert advice from healthcare professionals to implement change in healthcare policy. This would be an excellent way to give input into policy or programs.
 
One challenge for these opportunities is finding a point champion with the knowledge and skills necessary to lead a team for a change of policy. “Having a skilled and knowledgeable point champion and adequate resources are key to a successful evaluation” (Milstead & Short, 2019, p. 122). This person not only should be knowledgeable on the subject but be able to lead and communicate with his/her team. Another challenge would be any ethical dilemmas that may arise from changes in policy. Many organizations, including the CDC has ethical guidelines that you can follow to make sure any policy changes are ethically correct, so its important to review some of these guidelines before making any important decisions Role of the RN/APRN in Policy Evaluation Essay.
“When implementing policies or programs designed to improve the health of populations and communities, professional nurses must adopt strategies to minimize evaluation challenges” (Milstead & Short, 2019, p. 122). The first strategy I would recommend is to contact your local politician and ask how you could get involved. Every state website has the email and phone numbers of all the local politicians and how you may contact them regarding policy and legislation. The second strategy I would use would be recognizing any possible conflicts that may arise between the members of your team.  Remember that nothing will ever get final if there is conflict and indecisiveness amongst the team.  Negotiate and compromise as much as you can and listen to one another’s concerns.
 References
 Milstead, J. A., & Short, N. M. (2019). Health policy and politics: A nurse’s guide (6th ed.). Burlington, MA: Jones & Bartlett Learning.
Jurns, C. (2019). Policy Advocacy Motivators and Barriers: Research Results and Applications Role of the RN/APRN in Policy Evaluation Essay. Online Journal of Issues in Nursing, 24(3), N.PAG. https://doi-org.ezp.waldenulibrary.org/10.3912/OJIN.Vol24No03PPT63
response
As you and Milstead & Short (2019) has stated, nurses are one of the largest healthcare workforces and we supply an exponential amount of money for healthcare policies, lobbyists, and more. That being said, we should be a large sum of the individuals that participate within health care policy making and evaluation. Being an advocate and actively participating in your community I think is very important. Those are the people that know you and should know you and will speak highly of you. As we all know, word of mouth travels fast, positively and negatively, especially within the healthcare field. Somehow a patient will know someone, who knows someone, that is related to a politician Role of the RN/APRN in Policy Evaluation Essay.
Hopefully, at this point in time in our career, that is a good thing. At least for myself, I want to advocate for my community members and if that means I can speak directly to a politician regarding a health care concern, I would be ecstatic. Nurses are great at communicating concerns, identifying issues, and of course providing recommendations (Olson, 2020). The whole ISBAR (identify, situation, background, assessment, and recommendation) is a great tool to utilize not only when speaking to healthcare providers, but also politicians, making it easy and relatable for non-healthcare providers to relate to situations and influence their decisions (Milstead & Short 2019).
As we know, there are always challenges, even with the best communications skills. You mentioned that having the skills and knowledge are keys to success, which I could not agree more with. Knowing how to approach issues appropriately can be difficult if you do not have to proper tools or any for that matter. Although, finding a mentor or a reputable resources or organization to aid in yourself growth is important, especially if you want to begin your adventure with policy review Role of the RN/APRN in Policy Evaluation Essay. Knowing where to start and how to find it is only the beginning and sometimes, we may not be aware of an issue until is it in legislation (Laureate Education, 2018). So, finding an organization or induvial to walk you through the steps and assist you to speak up when the time is right (Milstead & Short, 2019) is very important and something we are learning, especially in this course.
Resources
Milstead, J. A., & Short, N.M. (2019). Health policy and politics: A nurse’s guide (6th ed.). Burlington, MA: Jones Bartlett Learning.
Laureate Education (Producer). (2018) Program policy and evaluation [Video file]. Baltimore, MD: Author.
Olson, K. (2020). Influence through policy: four steps YOU can take. Nursing Centered. Retrieved April 28, 2021, from https://nursingcentered.sigmanursing.org/commentary/more-commentary/Vol42_2_influence-through-policy-four-steps-you-can-take Role of the RN/APRN in Policy Evaluation Essay