8 Ways Nurses Can Shape Healthcare Policy and Improve Quality of Care
Nurses are on the front lines of care, providing medical treatment to patients who require immediate attention. They also play a central role in research and education. They have been trained to understand how to improve patient care and reduce health disparities; they’re experts in areas like nutrition, physical therapy, and psychology.
The Role of Nurses in Shaping Healthcare Policy
Health policy is the set of laws and regulations governing health care delivery. It includes financing, regulation, accountability, and quality assurance (QA) policies. It’s important to note that health policy affects not just nurses but everyone—from physicians and hospital administrators to patients and their families.
Nurses are important in health policy because they have a unique perspective on the needs of patients. They understand the impact of healthcare costs on families and know how to make changes that will improve patient outcomes. This article will explore a few ways nurses can shape health policy and improve the quality of care in their communities.
Pursue higher education
Nurses are encouraged to pursue higher education to improve the quality of healthcare. In fact, a 2016 study found that nursing students who had earned a master’s degree were more likely to participate in health leadership roles at their hospitals than those who did not earn one—and they also experienced lower rates of burnout.
So, while RNs can work in healthcare settings without advanced education, to play their part in improving the healthcare equation, they need to pursue advanced degrees. After a bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN) and a master’s degree such as MSN, they can enroll in a post masters DNP program to get an opportunity to apply for leadership roles and further advance their careers.
Raise awareness to educate the public
Communicating and educating the public, from patients to policymakers, is one of the most powerful ways to shape healthcare policy and improve the quality of care. Nurses at some hospitals have taken it upon themselves to create awareness about how critical it is that patients understand their rights when they go into the hospital. These nurses work with patients and families individually, helping them understand what happens from their admission to discharge.
Focus on the curriculum
It is vital to ensure that nursing students learn what they need to know about healthcare to succeed in their careers. For this to happen, schools must first change how they teach nursing. For example, some classes focus on memorizing facts and procedures instead of focusing on practical skills such as problem-solving or communication. Students who learn these skills will be more likely to succeed after graduation because they’ll better understand how things work within our healthcare system.
Representation in hospital committees
Nurses should have a voice in how their jobs are structured and should be involved in decisions that affect their practice and patients. It can be done through shared governance models, which allow nurses to be represented on hospital committees that make decisions that affect them.
For example, a nurse who has been working at a hospital for three years might want to apply for a management position but isn’t sure if qualified. The nursing organization could help them get on the job training track by providing resources about preparing for this next step in their career (e.g., workshops).
Another nurse may need extra help managing patient care because they haven’t had much experience with older adults yet—and maybe need new equipment or tools to meet these needs without having to spend extra time researching online resources first!
Moreover, this can help ensure a more comfortable stay for all patients. Securing Intensive Care Unit room amenities such as better supply, stationing space for relatives, Wi-Fi, convenient workstations, etc, can make a world of difference for both patients and nurses. These small changes can go a long way in improving the quality of care provided.
Workplace wellness programs
Workplace wellness programs can be used to promote healthy behaviors among workers. Nurses should also be encouraged to take advantage of workplace safety initiatives that help ensure their own safety and the safety of others in the hospital setting.
They should also use their influence on these issues at work by advocating for flexible schedules, allowing them more time off when necessary. Or, they can play their part in creating new policies supporting this behavior, such as providing paid time off for teaching classes or volunteering at local organizations.
Join a National Nursing Organization
Nursing associations are nonprofit organizations that serve the interests of nurses in their communities. They promote education, training, research, and advocacy for healthcare professionals such as registered nurses (RN). Many national nursing organizations can help you connect with other nurses and provide resources and opportunities for professional development.
The American Nurses Association (ANA) is one example of a national organization that has worked on issues like Medicare payments to hospitals; it also works to improve patient safety through monitoring adverse events in hospitals or other institutions.
Join a State Nursing Organization
Joining a state nursing organization with the help of a recruitment agency in healthcare is vital in helping you get involved in policymaking. Nurses can join a state organization, like the National Organization of State Nurses (NSNA), to learn more about how they can shape policy, and they can also learn about state politics, legislation, and budgeting. It will help them become better advocates for their patients and themselves.
As a member of an organization like NSNA, you can learn how to lobby your state representatives and senators. You can visit their offices, write letters, make phone calls, and attend meetings. These are all ways that nurses can get involved in policymaking at the state level.
Mentor the future policymakers
Nurses can also help shape future policy by mentoring students and new nurses. Mentorship is an effective way to build leadership skills, create networks of influence, and cultivate relationships that will last beyond the clinical setting. A nursing mentor’s role is essential in establishing trust within the healthcare system.
Conclusion
We hope you’ve found these ideas helpful for your self-development and career advancement as a nurse. We also encourage you to seek out opportunities in your local community, state, or online so that you can continue contributing on an ongoing basis and get a chance to shape healthcare policy and improve the quality of care in the sector.
