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

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

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

One of the most apparent, and possibly one of the easier methods for registered nurses (RN) and advanced practice registered nurses (APRN) to become active in policymaking is by joining nursing organizations. These organizations range from local or regional organizations to national organizations. Within these organizations are often members who work within the legislative process. “These organizations often have lobbyists that bring nursing issues to Capitol Hill” (American Nurses Association, 2016). These lobbyists can also act as an aid for nurses or advanced practice registered nurses to get their foot in the door with legislators to present the concerns they would like to address.

A second opportunity for registered nurses and advanced practice registered nurses to participate in the policy-making process is to write to legislators. As discussed earlier in the semester, this is most effective if the nurse does research prior to and voiced their concerns to policymakers who have similar views on the concern (Laureate Education, 2018).

Challenges that inhibit nurses and APRNs include a lack of understanding in regard to the policymaking process. This may include lacking a full understanding of the relevant knowledge of the specific legislator the nurse is working with (Shariff, 2014). A strategy to overcome this barrier to policymaking would be for the RN or APRN to work with other members of their organizations who have previously done this. A second strategy is for the RN or APRN should also familiarize themselves with the legislators they plan to approach in order to invoke change. As discussed previously in the semester, nurses will be more successful in making changes if they have something to offer the legislator. The nurse or advanced practice registered nurse should find a way they can help the legislator while also pushing for change on the specific issue at hand (Laureate Education, 2018).

References

American Nurses Association. (2016, September 22). The nursing profession’s potential impact on policy and politics. https://www.myamericannurse.com/nursing-professions-potential-impact-policy-politics/

Laureate Education (Producer). (2018). The Policy Process [Video file]. Baltimore, MD: Author.

Shariff, N. (2014, July 10). Factors that act as facilitators and barriers to nurse leaders’ participation in health policy development. National Institutes of Health. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4105513/