Influencing Health Policy

Full Answer Section

      This example demonstrates how nurses can go beyond direct patient care to address broader systemic issues that impact patient outcomes. Example 2: Advocacy for Safe Staffing Levels Scenario: A nursing unit is experiencing chronic understaffing, leading to increased patient workloads and compromised patient safety. Advocacy: Nurses can advocate for safe staffing levels by:

• Documenting patient care workload: Accurately recording the number of patients assigned to each nurse and the time spent on patient care tasks.
• Reporting unsafe staffing levels: Communicating concerns to nurse managers, administrators, and regulatory agencies.
• Participating in collective action: Joining professional organizations or unions to advocate for mandatory staffing ratios or other legislative measures.

This example highlights the importance of nurses advocating for themselves and their patients to create a safe and optimal work environment. These examples demonstrate how nurses can act as patient advocates and advocates for the nursing profession as a whole. By addressing systemic issues and advocating for safe and equitable care, nurses can improve patient outcomes and contribute to a healthier society.  

Sample Solution

     

Example 1: Patient Advocacy for Access to Care

Scenario: A patient with a complex chronic illness faces barriers in accessing specialized care due to insurance limitations and limited provider availability in the area.

Advocacy: The nurse can advocate for the patient by:

• Coordinating care: Working with social workers, case managers, and other healthcare providers to identify alternative care options, such as telemedicine or traveling to a specialized facility.
• Educating the patient: Providing information about the patient's condition, treatment options, and the appeals process.
• Advocating for policy change: Collaborating with patient advocacy groups or policymakers to address systemic barriers to care access.