Introduction
Advanced Practice Nurses (APNs) play a vital role in shaping health policy at various levels, ranging from local to national. By actively engaging in nursing boards, local nursing associations, and even serving in Congress, APNs can influence the creation and advancement of legislation that impacts healthcare and patient outcomes. This essay explores the opportunities for APNs to contribute to health policy through their involvement in nursing boards and nursing associations, while also highlighting the remarkable achievements of nurses who have served in the United States Congress.
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APNs and Health Policy Involvement
Advanced Practice Nurses, including nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, nurse anesthetists, and nurse-midwives, possess advanced education and training that equips them to take on diverse roles in healthcare. These professionals are well-positioned to provide valuable insights into healthcare policy due to their extensive clinical experience and specialized knowledge.
One essential way APNs can participate in health policy is by serving on nursing boards. Nursing boards are responsible for regulating nursing practice and licensure within a specific jurisdiction. By being part of these boards, APNs can contribute their expertise to the development of regulations and standards that govern nursing practice, ensuring that they reflect evidence-based practices and meet the needs of patients and healthcare providers (ANA, 2023).
Additionally, active involvement in local nursing associations offers APNs another avenue for influencing health policy. Nursing associations often advocate for the interests of nurses and patients, and their efforts can lead to improvements in healthcare delivery and patient outcomes. By engaging in advocacy work, APNs can contribute to legislative initiatives, such as expanding access to healthcare services, promoting health equity, and advancing the nursing profession (AANP, 2023).
Nurses Serving in Congress
The impact of nurses in shaping health policy is further exemplified by the presence of nurses in the United States Congress. These nurse legislators bring a unique perspective to the policymaking process, drawing from their clinical experiences and expertise in healthcare management. Two remarkable examples of nurses serving in Congress are Congresswoman Lauren Underwood and Congresswoman Cori Bush.
Congresswoman Lauren Underwood (D-IL-14)
Congresswoman Lauren Underwood represents Illinois’ 14th Congressional district and holds the distinction of being the first woman, person of color, and millennial to serve her community in Congress. As the youngest African American woman to serve in the United States House of Representatives, Underwood’s historic achievement highlights the growing influence of nurses in politics (NursingWorld, n.d.).
Before her election to Congress, Underwood worked with a Medicaid plan in Chicago, focusing on ensuring high-quality and cost-efficient care. Her experiences extended to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), where she served as a Senior Advisor. In this capacity, she contributed to disaster preparedness and response efforts and played a role in implementing the Affordable Care Act to improve healthcare access and quality (NursingWorld, n.d.).
Beyond her public service roles, Congresswoman Underwood also taught future nurse practitioners, exemplifying the commitment of nurse leaders to educating the next generation of healthcare professionals. Her academic background includes degrees from the University of Michigan and Johns Hopkins University, underscoring the value of higher education in nursing leadership (NursingWorld, n.d.).
Congresswoman Cori Bush (D-MO-1)
Congresswoman Cori Bush’s election in 2020 marked a significant milestone as she became the first Black woman and first nurse to represent Missouri in Congress. Additionally, she holds the distinction of being the first woman to represent Missouri’s 1st Congressional District. Her nursing degree from Lutheran University of Nursing in 2008 laid the foundation for her subsequent roles as an ordained pastor, community organizer, and childcare worker (NursingWorld, n.d.).
Cori Bush’s political activism blossomed during the civil unrest in Ferguson, Missouri, in 2014. As a triage nurse and organizer during this tumultuous period, she witnessed the intersection of health and social justice issues, motivating her to advocate for change at a systemic level. Her commitment to nonviolence and social change earned her recognition from esteemed organizations, such as the Emmitt Till Legacy Foundation and the Hershel Walker Peace and Justice Awards (NursingWorld, n.d.).
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Expanding Opportunities for APNs in Health Policy
In addition to serving on nursing boards and engaging with local nursing associations, there are other opportunities for Advanced Practice Nurses to participate in health policy and legislative activities. These opportunities not only amplify the impact of their voices but also contribute to shaping healthcare policies that address the changing needs of patients and healthcare systems. Some of these avenues include:
State-level Policy Engagement: Many health policies are developed and implemented at the state level. APNs can actively engage in state-level health policy discussions through partnerships with state nursing associations, attending legislative sessions, and participating in policy forums. By working closely with policymakers and legislators, APNs can advocate for policies that promote nursing practice, improve patient outcomes, and enhance access to healthcare services.
Federal Advocacy Initiatives: National nursing organizations and associations often organize advocacy initiatives aimed at advancing healthcare policy at the federal level. These initiatives may include writing letters to congress members, participating in virtual or in-person lobbying efforts, and attending congressional hearings related to healthcare legislation. Through their active involvement in such advocacy campaigns, APNs can have a significant influence on shaping national health policies.
Health Policy Research and Publications: APNs can contribute to health policy by conducting research on healthcare issues and publishing their findings in academic journals, policy briefs, and other relevant publications. Policymakers often rely on evidence-based research to inform their decision-making processes, and APNs’ contributions can play a crucial role in shaping policy discussions.
Health Systems Leadership: Many APNs hold leadership positions within healthcare systems, such as chief nursing officer or director of advanced practice nursing. In these roles, they can actively participate in policy discussions at the organizational level, working collaboratively with hospital administrators and other healthcare stakeholders to develop and implement policies that align with the organization’s mission and values.
Policy Fellowship Programs: Several organizations offer policy fellowship programs specifically designed for nurses and other healthcare professionals. These fellowships provide intensive training in health policy, advocacy, and leadership skills, equipping APNs with the knowledge and tools to effect change in health policy arenas.
Academic and Policy Partnerships: Collaborations between academic institutions and policy organizations provide opportunities for APNs to engage in health policy research, participate in policy development, and contribute to policy-related publications. By fostering strong partnerships between academia and policy, APNs can bridge the gap between research and practice, ensuring that policies are grounded in the latest evidence and best practices.
The Impact of APN Engagement in Health Policy
The involvement of Advanced Practice Nurses in health policy can lead to numerous positive outcomes for the healthcare system and patients. Some of the key impacts of APN engagement in health policy include:
Enhanced Patient Advocacy: APNs, with their clinical expertise and patient-centered approach, can be strong advocates for patients’ rights and access to quality healthcare. Their involvement in policy development ensures that the patient’s perspective is considered in crafting healthcare regulations and legislation.
Improved Healthcare Quality: APNs’ active participation in health policy can contribute to the implementation of evidence-based practices, leading to improved healthcare quality and patient safety. By advocating for policies that prioritize patient outcomes and safety, APNs play a vital role in advancing the standard of care.
Increased Access to Healthcare Services: APNs are well-equipped to identify healthcare disparities and work towards policies that enhance access to care, particularly for underserved populations. Their contributions can lead to the expansion of healthcare services in areas with limited resources and promote health equity.
Strengthening the Nursing Profession: As APNs actively engage in health policy, they elevate the visibility and credibility of the nursing profession. Their involvement in policy discussions showcases the expertise and leadership capabilities of nurses, leading to greater recognition and respect within the healthcare community.
Conclusion
The role of Advanced Practice Nurses in health policy is multifaceted and significant. By actively participating in nursing boards, nursing associations, and even serving in Congress, APNs can influence the development and advancement of legislation that impacts healthcare at various levels. Their expertise, coupled with their dedication to patient care and advocacy, positions them as crucial stakeholders in shaping health policy and promoting the well-being of individuals and communities. As the nursing profession continues to evolve and expand, APNs’ active engagement in health policy will remain pivotal in driving positive changes in healthcare systems and ultimately improving patient outcomes.
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References
American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP). (2023). Advocacy and Policy. Retrieved from https://www.aanp.org/advocacy
American Nurses Association (ANA). (2023). Nursing Regulation. Retrieved from https://www.nursingworld.org/practice-policy/nursing-regulation/
NursingWorld. (n.d.). Nurses Serving in Congress. Retrieved from https://www.nursingworld.org/practice-policy/advocacy/federal/nurses-serving-in-congress/