Just like in policy development, RN’s and APRN’s have the opportunity to participate in policy review. When programs and policies are implemented it is not a given that they will be effective, will work out as intended, or not have unforeseen impact (Laureate Education, 2018). Policy review is just as important, if not more so, than policy development. The evaluation component is something that needs to be considered from the beginning because it is important to see if a bill needs to be reshaped and written in a way to reach the legislators or public in a better way (Laureate Education, 2018).
APRN’s have a direct line into program evaluation in their line of work. Programs funded by governments, nonprofit organizations, and most private foundations require that these programs be evaluated regularly to meet a variety of criteria, including ensuring that the program is being conducted as developed, that there is fiscal responsibility, that goals and objectives are being met, and increasingly, that the outcomes are examined (Milstead & Short, 2019). Most APRN’s are directly involved in these types of programs. Especially in small, community-based programs, an APRN could be selected to study the needs of different social groups, plan program interventions, help to write proposals, as well as work to develop the evaluation process (Milstead & Short, 2019). This is one example of how a professional nurse can actively participate in policy review.
Another way a professional nurse can directly participate in policy review would be for the RN or APRN to develop a relationship with local legislators who are the ones supporting whatever legislation you are trying to get passed. You can be the one to provide the evaluation data to them to demonstrate that the program you are suggesting is or will work. They can then provide you with questions or feedback of things that need to be revised in the program, and you can take that information back to recraft the program if needed (Laureate Education, 2018).
Nurses policy influence is the nurse’s ability in influencing decisions and affairs related to health through political knowledge, effective communication, and collaboration with other members of the health team, which results in the improvement of nurse’s job environment and increases patient outcomes (Arabi, Rafii, Cheraghi, & Ghiyasvandian, 2014). We can see the importance of nurse’s influence of policy development and evaluation, but there are struggles to accomplish these tasks. If an APRN works in a place where government funded program design isn’t happening, it may be hard for them to become involved in policy review and evaluation. They may have to look at how their policies are developed and figure out how they can use where they are at to become an active participant in this area. Another foreseen barrier would be the struggle to develop relationships with legislators. This may take many years. You may have to work your way up the ladder by researching their view on topics, who works beneath them and start to develop those relationships lower down the ladder until you can work your way up.
Arabi, A., Rafii, F., Cheraghi, M. A., & Ghiyasvandian, S. (2014, May). Nurses’ policy
influence: A concept analysis. Retrieved April 20, 2020, from
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4061635/
Laureate Education (Producer). (2018). Program Policy and Evaluation[Video file]. Baltimore,
MD: Author.
Laureate Education (Producer). (2018). The Importance of Program 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.
Hi K..,
I enjoyed reading your post. You listed some great ideas on how nurses can get involved in policy evaluation. Here are a few suggestions to consider as well. Many nurses think they must get involved in a major nursing association or contact their congress members to be involved in this evaluation step of health policy. However, we are involved daily with evaluation. The patient evaluation we document daily is compiled to be used in reports that are forwarded on to people who use this information at the state and federal levels to make policy changes and improvements. This information becomes evidence-based to justify or improve efficiency (Laureate Education (Producer), 2018). As nurses, we must be mindful of this every time we chart patient outcomes. Everyone involved in the policy procedure of design, implementation, and evaluation can view documentation provided by nurses to see the effect their policies and programs have and whether they are efficient and productive or not (Milstead, J. A., & Short, N. M.,2019). It takes all of us to design, implement, and evaluate health policies and programs for the best patient outcomes possible.
References
Laureate Education (Producer). (2018). The Importance of Program 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
Week 9
Kayla, I enjoyed reading your post as you made good points regarding policy review. In one of your challenges you posted you said that it may be hard to develop a relationship with legislators. I have also wandered how a nurse or anyone for that matter can start to develop a relationship with a legislator to be able to get there voice out there. I feel that without having a means of a relationship will greatly increase the difficulty of trying to participate in political matters. I am sure that representatives are also overwhelmed at times by lobbyist, and without proper planning, time, and research in whatever you are trying to change your actions may just be thrown to the side. This is why I feel it necessary to develop relationships and spend time with your local representatives and lobbyist. An introduction from the American College of Clinical Pharmacy states “An effective and sustained relationship with a Member of Congress and staff members in the Congressional office is built upon a foundation of personal communications and face-to-face exchanges. These must occur consistently over time so that the other communications that you will invariably need to use – letters, e-mails, phone calls, — will have the kind of personal impact and value that can result in real action from the office in support of the issues of importance to you” (Webb, E. n.d.).
There are also some ways you can start building these relationships. These tips I found from the American Academy of Ambulatory Care Nursing seem to be a good starting point for nurses to take to get to the initial development of knowing and having your representatives know you. “face-to-face meetings, telephone calls, letters, or e-mails. Generally, the more personal the contact, the more effective. If you cannot meet with a legislator, a meeting with his/her legislative assistant is almost as good” (Phillips. R. 2003). Generally, this is what lobbyist do. So, you can technically call yourself a nursing lobbyist by performing these tasks.
References
Phillips, R. (2003). The ABC’s of Lobbying. American Academy of Ambulatory Care Nursing.
Retrieved from: https://www.aaacn.org/volunteer/teams/legislative/abcs-lobbying
Webb, E. (n.d.). Building Relationships with Elected Officials. American College of Clinical
Pharmacy. Retrieved from: https://www.accp.com/docs/govt/advocacy/ga_build.pdf
Just like in policy development, RN’s and APRN’s have the opportunity to participate in policy review. When programs and policies are implemented it is not a given that they will be effective, will work out as intended, or not have unforeseen impact (Laureate Education, 2018). Policy review is just as important, if not more so, than policy development. The evaluation component is something that needs to be considered from the beginning because it is important to see if a bill needs to be reshaped and written in a way to reach the legislators or public in a better way (Laureate Education, 2018).
APRN’s have a direct line into program evaluation in their line of work. Programs funded by governments, nonprofit organizations, and most private foundations require that these programs be evaluated regularly to meet a variety of criteria, including ensuring that the program is being conducted as developed, that there is fiscal responsibility, that goals and objectives are being met, and increasingly, that the outcomes are examined (Milstead & Short, 2019). Most APRN’s are directly involved in these types of programs. Especially in small, community-based programs, an APRN could be selected to study the needs of different social groups, plan program interventions, help to write proposals, as well as work to develop the evaluation process (Milstead & Short, 2019). This is one example of how a professional nurse can actively participate in policy review.
Another way a professional nurse can directly participate in policy review would be for the RN or APRN to develop a relationship with local legislators who are the ones supporting whatever legislation you are trying to get passed. You can be the one to provide the evaluation data to them to demonstrate that the program you are suggesting is or will work. They can then provide you with questions or feedback of things that need to be revised in the program, and you can take that information back to recraft the program if needed (Laureate Education, 2018).
Nurses policy influence is the nurse’s ability in influencing decisions and affairs related to health through political knowledge, effective communication, and collaboration with other members of the health team, which results in the improvement of nurse’s job environment and increases patient outcomes (Arabi, Rafii, Cheraghi, & Ghiyasvandian, 2014). We can see the importance of nurse’s influence of policy development and evaluation, but there are struggles to accomplish these tasks. If an APRN works in a place where government funded program design isn’t happening, it may be hard for them to become involved in policy review and evaluation. They may have to look at how their policies are developed and figure out how they can use where they are at to become an active participant in this area. Another foreseen barrier would be the struggle to develop relationships with legislators. This may take many years. You may have to work your way up the ladder by researching their view on topics, who works beneath them and start to develop those relationships lower down the ladder until you can work your way up.
Arabi, A., Rafii, F., Cheraghi, M. A., & Ghiyasvandian, S. (2014, May). Nurses’ policy
influence: A concept analysis. Retrieved April 20, 2020, from
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4061635/
Laureate Education (Producer). (2018). Program Policy and Evaluation[Video file]. Baltimore,
MD: Author.
Laureate Education (Producer). (2018). The Importance of Program 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.
RE: Discussion – Week 9 Initial Post
Promoting Evaluation
Nurses’ influence on health policy remains a newer concept in nursing. There are many opportunities for nurses to become involved in policymaking and policy enhancement. S.1602 was established to increase the availability of school nurses in school districts, that 20% of students were granted reduced or free lunches. There were many supporting findings, such as in 2017, the National Association of School Nurses reported 39.3% of schools employed a full-time school nurse (Davidson, 2014). Furthermore, national data indicates that between 15-20% of school children have a chronic health condition. Since S.1602 has been introduced, if passed, it will be imperative to evaluate its success in measurable units.
Many times, nurses also have difficulty evaluating evidence-based health care policy. In this particular S.1602- Nurse Act Bill, nurses have the opportunity to show effectiveness by evidence. The success can be measured by the increase of nurses hired and the enhanced health of the students. Items that should be computed are students’ attendance, classroom time, academic achievement, and health (Congress, 2021). APRNS and nurses can assist with this by being active participants. Practice change occurs when there is an active engagement of nurse leaders (Davidson, 2014). Active engagement is challenging because there is limited time and resources for APRNs to research and practice. A way to increase participation is funding, and S.1602 has allotted a sufficient amount to hire nurses to practice. One additional step would be to fund nurses to gather the data and research the items that should be computed.
Although nurses form the most significant profession of the United States’ healthcare workforce, we lack involvement in health care making and enhancement. Every day is an opportunity to become involved. Search topics that are important to you and take your stance as a health care leader to ignite the implementation and evaluation of policies for the wellness of our communities.
References:
Congress. (2021). S.1602 Nurse Act. 117th Congress. https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/senate-bill/1602/text?q=%7B%22search%22%3A%5B%22nurse%22%2C%22nurse%22%5D%7D&r=2&s=1
Davidson, J. (January 1, 2014). Evaluation of nurse engagement in evidence-based practice. AACN Advanced Critical Care, 25(1):43-55. https://doi.org/10.4037/NCI.0000000000000006
Glasgow, R.E., Lichtenstein, E. & Marcus, A.C. (2003). Why don’t we see more translation of health promotion research to practice? Rethinking the efficacy-to-effectiveness transition. American Journal of Public Health, 93(8), 1261-1267. https://eds-p-ebscohost-com.ezp.waldenulibrary.org/eds/detail/detail?vid=0&sid=034020d0-0a73-4bfa-b6f1-ab78c877d060%40redis&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWRzLWxpdmUmc2NvcGU9c2l0ZQ%3d%3d#AN=10595993&db=bth
