Participation Participation in processes that influence the health care delivery system. |
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Becoming an informed consumerThe first step to learning policy is learning what it's all about. As a sophomore, I did not know how to deeply analyze advertising or how to educate and protect my clients from false advertising. This assignment tested my ability to think through, analyze and break down advertisements that impact health. My analysis of Acai burn.com goes into detail about the intricacies of deception in advertising and the vulnerability of the consumer population who may be my future clients. This analysis goes to the heart of debunking "pop" fads in healthcare. As a nurse, I must be able to inform my clients on the true, evidence-based practices that will improve their health. This assignment demonstrates my ability to put a rationale eye to advertising.Participation in the political processOn February 2nd, I attended the Washington State Nurse's Association lobby day. This event was attended by both students and nurses statewide. At the event I learned about the big issues facing nursing such as rest breaks and ensuring funding for nursing programs. The association explained the basics of legislation, how bills get passed and what power I as a nurse has in creating change. I was even encouraged to talk to legislators directly about bills I supported! I see now that by joining a large association like WSNA, I can be given a voice in policy making. My WSNA reflection paper demonstrates what I learned on Nurse Lobby Day. Bill analysisThis bill analysis I wrote on SB 6052 encouraging insurance coverage for bariatric surgery demonstrates my ability to analyze and articulate the purpose of a particular bill and its value to the public. Bill analysis is an important part of becoming an informed voter and an informed nurse activist. One must be able to look at a bill in its raw form and decipher its value or flaws. I did not know how to read a bill at all before my policy and politics class and this assignment taught me how to do that.Becoming an informed voterBecoming an informed voter takes more than listening to one's parents or the news. In old testament literature class we were taught how the bible has a significant influence on our society and thus policies. Formal debates are another good way to get informed and participating in one will make you an expert. Such I learned as I prepared myself for my group's Initiative-1000 debate in policy and politics class. This I-1000 statement proposal demonstrates my ability to work with a group to create a succinct report on an issue. Change projectBringing about change in an organization is tough and demands tact and superb communication to accomplish it. In leadership class, a group of students came together to create a new patient information board system at St. Joseph's Medical Center that improved communication about pertinent client information in a confidential manner. In the end, the product we came up with was well received by the nurse managers on our target floors. Through this project I learned how to effectively communicate with people in power in an organization and how to persuade them of the importance of our project.Before taking this class, I had never before taken on (and completed) a project of this magnitude before. There were several set-backs and barriers that made our group want to quit more than once. But we didn't. This may be the biggest take home message of this project and for me as a senior nursing student. For when I enter the practice, I imagine there will be things I do not like and want to change. The perseverance and organization necessary to complete this project will aid me with my future change projects. Future DevelopmentTo further my development in participation in policy, I plan to join the Washington State Nurses Association and fight for issues that matter to the nursing profession. I also plan to stay informed on issues within administration at my workplace. Keeping abreast of issues will help me be an informed voter with my union or participate in floor meetings at work. Outside of nursing, discussing upcoming bills and issues for vote with family and friends will increase awareness within the voting population at large. Being a nurse means more than what you are at work. You are also the face of health care in the community and I plan to act as such. |
How does a nurse influence policy? Nurses can identify health problems as policy problems and then implement health policy strategies on behalf of the consumer. Nurse Citizen: Brings the perspective of health care to the voting booth. Involved in community activities and educational public forums. Nurse Activist: Joins politically active nurses organizations. Registers people to vote, writes editorials and contacts public officials. Nurse Politicians: Desires to develop the legislation, not just influence it. |
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