Chamberlain University-Health Policy NR708

Health Policy NR708

Week 6 Discussion Board

Chamberlain University

Health Policy NR708

Week 6 Discussion Board

Q1 The selected nursing organization is the American Nurses Association (ANA). This is an organization that was established in 1896 and has members across all of the US states. ANA is regarded as the premier entity that represents the interests of all registered nurses in the country (Schaeffer & Haebler, 2019). The political function of this organization is to advance the nursing profession through four major objectives: (a) Enhancing high nursing practice standards, (b) advocating on diverse healthcare issues, which impact the public and nurses, (c) strengthening the wellness and health of nurses, and (d), fostering an ethical and safe work environment (Schaeffer & Haebler, 2019). Additionally, ANA engages in political advocacy to push the government to facilitate all American citizens and residents with universal access to essential healthcare services. Therefore, the political role of this organization is not only related to the rights of nurses but those of the general public as well.

Q2: There are three legislative initiatives, which are supported by the organization. First, there is the “Safe Staffing for Nurse and Patient Safety Act of 2018 (H.R. 5052, and S.2446)” (Pearce et al., 2018). This legislative initiative is related to safe staffing. ANA asserts that many nurses work beyond their normal working hours, a trend that leads to medical errors and burnout. In turn, the safety of the patients and nurses is at risk. This legislative initiative was established to ensure nurses are directly involved in the staffing plans for their individual units. Second, there is the “Title VIII Nursing Workforce Reauthorization Act (S. 1109/H.R. 959)” (Craig & Hewitt, 2020). This legislative initiative strives to provide funding for the education of nurses through diversity grants and nursing scholarships, among others. The objective is to deal with the nursing shortage that has adversely impacted the country for years. Finally, there is the “Addiction Treatment Access Improvement Act of 2017 (H.R. 3692)” (Fornili & Fogger, 2017). This initiative is related to the opioid epidemic. It strives to give nurse midwives, nurse anesthetists, and clinical nurse specialists the certification to administer lifesaving treatment to opioid addicts.

Q3: My position on all the three initiatives outlined above is that they are all necessary for enhancing healthcare services in the country. The initiative on safe staffing is vital in reducing burnout among nurses and promoting safer clinical work. The initiative on education funding is important in reducing the nursing shortage in the country. Finally, the initiative on the opioid epidemic I crucial in ensuring fewer lives are lost to opioid overdoses in the country. Overall, I agree with the organization’s position and advocacy platform since it advances the interests of both the nurses and the general public in the context of vital healthcare issues.

Q4: A tweet, which reflects my position on the legislative initiative is: “ANA is doing an excellent advocacy job improving the healthcare outcomes for all in the country and empowering nurses to enhance their trade”

References

Craig, G., & Hewitt, S. (2020). Federal legislative agenda: ANA focuses on key workplace and workforce issues. American Nurse Journal, 15(3), 34-36.

Fornili, K. S., & Fogger, S. A. (2017). Nurse practitioner prescriptive authority for buprenorphine: From DATA 2000 to CARA 2016. Journal of Addictions Nursing, 28(1), 43-48.

Pearce, P. F., Morgan, S., Matthews, J. H., Martin, D. M., Ross, S. O., Rochin, E., & Welton, J. M. (2018). The value of nurse staffing: ANA principles redevelopment and direction for the future. Nursing Economics, 36(4), 169-176.

Schaeffer, R., & Haebler, J. (2019). Nurse leaders: Extending your policy influence. Nurse Leader, 17(4), 340-343.