Nurse's Roles In Politics: The Role Of Nurses

Nurses provide a vital role in the health care system. Sure, we may not be able to diagnose or write prescriptions. However, we are the main advocates for the patients. We also stand by the side of our patients through their entire hospital stay. It is the nurse who notices the smallest changes in their patients.

Leadership has many definitions. Chin, Desormeaux, and Sawyer (2016) define leadership as a relationship between followers and a leader with the intent to promote change through a mutual vision. Therefore, leaders are active influences in the outcome of organizations, through their decision-making, strategies, and influence on followers (Dinh et al., 2014). Additionally, in the nursing context, it has been documented that a leader 's style plays a factor in patient outcomes (Fischer, 2016). Indeed, in an ever-changing, complex health care environment, nursing leadership has become a crucial factor in managing challenges and maintaining patient safety (Fischer, 2016).

(2008). I would like to challenges Chief Nurse Executives (CNEs) to lead the journey and highlights how patients, their families, and health care organizations would benefit immeasurably if CNEs stepped forward and accepted this leadership role, then and only then can the best practice changes begin to improve what we as nurses already know. The processes of leading are intended to enable more people to develop into leaders and more people to share the roles of leading, to enhance the quality and safety of patient care (Stone P. Hughes R, Dailey M.

Patient care experience and the need for improvement toward patient-centered care is aligned with nursing excellence (Stimpfel, Sloane, McHugh, & Aiken, 2015). With the expectation of nursing excellence, the role of the nurse has expanded over the years with the current trend of focus on policy change. These policy changes are geared towards changes in patient care which will have a positive impact on patient outcomes. The nurse can become a leader in advocacy with the goal of raising awareness to health care concerns (Mason, Gardner, Outlaw & O'Grady, 2016). The purpose of this post is to describe two organizations which impact the practice of nursing and show the role these organizations play in nurse education and research.

The very act of lobbying and the lobbyist has a preconceived notion that they are riddled with corruption and bribery. To society, they are the bad guys and cause the government to be dominated by powerful special interest groups that are only out for themselves and to increase their wealth. However, I wanted to get a fresh perspective on lobbying and to determine if its utilization has any positive attributes as it relates to nursing. This chapter was very enlightening.

1. IOM: Nurses should be leaders and partners with physicians and health care professionals. Nurses work first hand with most of the material that is wasted in the health care setting, they would be able to identify needed changes, and be able to track progress much easier and effectively than other health care providers. 2. Heller:

Nurses have an important role in the political process because they can offer their experience and knowledge to current healthcare issues. They can affect the political arena by actively participating in lobbying and creating an awareness for their cause. In addition, nurses play a role in patient advocators, so it is only natural for them to become involved in the political process. In the following discussion, meaning of a lobbyist and advocate will be defined as well as the similarities and differences and how it is related to the organization I chose with regards whether it advocates or a lobbyist.

The four spheres of political action in nursing are government, workplace, professional organizations, and community. They are all interrelated and interconnected. The government enacts policies that govern and affect all spheres. Healthcare policies are often made to ensure access, quality, and affordability of care. It determines the scope of nursing practice at a state level.

Transformational leaders, who empower nurses to advocate, understand that communication and professional collaboration are the core ingredients to foster safe nursing care and to collectively advocate for improved health care policies. Of interest, due to communication and collaborative efforts among state hospital associations and the ANA along with the state nurses associations, seven states have enacted safe staffing legislation using the Registered Nurses Safe Staffing Act’s committee approach (ANA, n.d.). Conclusion The essence of an effective nurse leader lies in the ability to inspire and motivate others to action, which begins with communication and professional collaboration skills.

According to Mason, Gardner, Outlaw, & O 'Grady (2016), the four spheres of political action in nursing are government, workplace, professional organization, and community. These four spheres play a significant role in opportunities for nurses to get politically involve. Government sphere focuses on laws and regulations concerning nursing practice, as well as reimbursements for healthcare, and influencing local, state, and national policies (Nault, 2012). Government can also determine what health services people are eligible for at certain age, and determines who receives what type of health services.

The nurse leader should demonstrate expectations for quality care, and motivate those around them to do the same. To achieve this key practice, it is emphasized that nurse leaders need to be clear about their expectations and values when delivering high quality care. Inspiring a shared vision is the next step in becoming an effective transformational leader. This is done through understanding those whom the leader is leading. To create

“A leader is the person who influences and guides direction, opinion, and course of action. Leaders are in the front, moving forward, taking risks, and challenging the status quo (Marquis & Huston, 2012).” I had the pleasure of observing and interviewing Sheila Barcimo, who is a charge nurse on the DOU unit at Beverly Hospital in Montebello, CA. Background Sheila Barcimo had a passion for nursing ever since she can remember.

(Finkelman, et al, 2013). The importance to having all health care members working together in leadership roles is imperative to positive changes within the health care setting. Nurses can give an insight on matters that only a nurse can, and this is an important viewpoint that needs to be included when

Teamwork: When it comes to the healthcare field, teamwork is very important to ensure ultimate patient care. The nursing

They are able to connect, communicate and coordinate across multiple departments, professional opinions and voices, and the daily schedules of patients. Advocating and designing care with the patient and family is a true skills set and cultural attribute that adds tremendously to a culture of safety and patient – centeredness but requires the most able leadership to build these bridges across the many professionals engaged in care. Building this culture is a leadership challenge and there is no one in my experience better able to make these changes than nursing leaders ( Maureen Bisognano, 2009). Nurses should not just be at the bedside or within the nursing community but must be involved as leaders and decision – makers throughout the healthcare system. As Maureen Bisognano (2009) points out, the best nurses are accomplished envoys among different players and interests involved in direct patient care, which is a skill needed throughout organizations and businesses, not just in hospitals or