Nurs-6050N-9: Policy and Advocacy for Pop. Hlth
Initial Post
The influence of nursing on important health care decisions at all levels
I have been a nurse for close for almost ten years and from my experience nurses have limited authority when it comes to making important health care decisions either in regards to patient care or in hospital/ health care administration. Research has showed that most nurses are often dissatisfied and want better working condition and better freedom in making decision. That is why autonomy plays an important role in a nurses job satisfaction and retention Mrayyan (2004) . In a study done to examine how nurses manager play a role in enhancing hospital nurse staff autonomy, showed that in
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Mrayyan, 2004 stated that one of the factors that decrease nurses autonomy and affect decision making process are autocratic management, doctors and heavy workload. Nursing have very limited autonomy, but this can be increased by a more effective support from auxiliary members of the health care community (Maryann, 2004). Cronewett et al., 2007 also proposed several challenges on what it means to be a competent and respected nurse. These challenges include preparing nurses with further education that will allow them to contribute in the improvement of quality and safety of the healthcare system in which they are a part of. Other areas that is needed is preparing nurses with competences necessary in patient centered care, quality improvement and evidence based practice. The benefits of having nurses involved in important health care decision was stated in laureate education (2012e). In March 23rd 2010, health insurance reform became a law in the united states. The impact of the reform on nursing practice. The health care reform the first step in delivery care reform and it had a huge impact on nursing practice. Majority of nurses practice in the health care delivery settings. The reform allowed nurses to move out into the community and become more active in patient care. The nursing community are now able to advocate on behalf of patients and work as a part of that advocacy is …show more content…
An organization that empowers its employee shows that they trust and care about their workers wellbeing or that they value their work. Empowering nurses can be a way to increase nurse satisfaction, thereby improving patient care. The research shows that one of the factors that influence job satisfactions among workers, leadership position and empowerment ( Morrison, Jones & Fuller, 1997).In the future, if interventions are designed that allow for empowering various category of nursing personnel as well as having respective influence of leadership style, may be a better strategy and it can also have greater influence on affecting nurses attitude and job satisfaction. ( Morrison, Jones & Fuller,
On the morning of May 17th, 2005, Nola Walker was involved in a two-car collision. Police and Ambulance were dispatched and arrive on scene at the intersection of Kenny and Fernley Street. Ambulance conducted various assessments on Ms. Walker which revealed no major injuries and normal vital signs. Mrs walker denied further medical investigation and denied hospital treatment. Later on, Queensland police conducted a roadside breath test that returned a positive reading, police then escorted Ms. Walker to the cairns police station. Ms. Walker was found to be unconscious, without a pulse and not breathing. An ambulance was called but attempts to revive her failed (Coroner’s Inquest, Walker 2007). The standard of Legal and ethical obligation appeared by paramedics required for this situation are flawed and require further examination to conclude whether commitments of autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence and justice were accomplished.
The IOM report had four key messages needed for advancing the future of nursing. “Nurses should practice to the full extent of their education and training; achieve higher levels of education and training through an improved education system that promotes seamless academic progression; be full partners, with physicians and other health care professionals, …and; effective workforce planning and policy making require better data collection and an improved information infrastructure” (Institute of Medicine, 2011). The report also included eight recommendations needed to facilitate the necessary changes to in the nursing profession so meet to demands of the healthcare reform.
One of the vitals skill required by the Registered Nurse is the skill to assign tasks to subordinates (Saccomanos and Pinto-Zipp 2011). When tasks are delegated to subordinates, the RN remains accountable (Nursing and Midwifery Council 2008). On the other hand, an individual who has been given a task also bears responsibility for the task and is answerable to the RN. Hence, delegation involves “responsibility, accountability and authority” (Sullivan & Decker 2005, p. 144). This essay will examine the role of the registered nurse in relation to delegation. Areas that would be discussed includes definitions of delegation, benefits, types of delegaton, nursing process in relation to delegation, common mistakes of delegation, five rights of delegation and barriers to delegation. At the end, it would give a conclusion and also a statement of my learning.
The American Nurses association defines delegation as, ‘The transfer of responsibility for the performance of a task from one individual to another while retaining accountability for the outcome’ (Saccomano, 2010, p. 523). When delegating to staff or members of your team, it is important that it is used appropriately and within the proper guidelines. It is common to see RNs delegating in the hospital setting to the LVN or nursing assistant, however, the RN must know the limitations and what is within their scope of practice. Unfortunately, even if the nurse uses these guidelines, conflict can still occur with other staff making the process more difficult. Having the responsibility to delegate, especially as a new registered nurse, can be daunting,
Nursing leaders ' responsibility extends to become a voice for the nurses and for offering quality in patient care, not just at their organizations but spanning the whole communities, interacting with law makers in revising regulations and laws, with researchers and educators. Nurse leaders, in particular those at manager and supervisory levels are spread sparsely. They are involved in business planning, human resources, information management and writing reports. It is advisable for them to refocus the leadership on care which matters to patients which is the essence of
A diverse range of elements affects patient experiences in relation to the quality of nursing care. However, nurses often have to reconcile systemic biases with their desire to provide nursing care that 's based on patient needs and preferences. Establishing autonomy over their own practice in order to improve patient experiences is considered optimal.
The 2010 Institute of Medicine (IOM) Report- The Future of Nursing described the role that nurses have in the current and future US health care environment (IOM, 2011). This report was completed at a time when the Affordable Care Act had been passed and a new emphasis was being put on interdisciplinary healthcare teams, care coordination, value-based payment systems, and preventative care (IOM, 2011). Nursing is the largest profession in health care and with an aging baby boomer populace, the expanded role of nurses will be critical in meeting the growing healthcare burdens (Sisko et al., 2014).
In healthcare it is very important to have strong leaders, especially in the nursing profession. A nurse leader typically uses several styles of leadership depending on the situation presented; this is known as situational leadership. It is important that the professional nurse choose the right style of leadership for any given situation to ensure their employees are performing at their highest potential. Depending on which leadership style a nurse leader uses, it can affect staff retention and the morale of the employees as well as nurse job satisfaction (Azaare & Gross, 2011.) “Nursing leaders have the responsibility to create and maintain a work environment which not only promotes positive patient outcomes but also positively influences teams and individual nurses” (Malloy & Penprase, 2010.) Let’s explore two different leadership styles and discuss how they can enhance or diminish the nursing process.
Health care reform has been a major issue over the past decade. The Nursing industry has in particular experienced a period of unpredictable change. On Dec 24, 2009, a landmark measure was passed in the senate by a vote of 60 to 39. This decision to pass the health care reform will change America forever. Nurses will constitute the largest single group of health care professionals. They will have a huge impact on quality and effectiveness in health care. The nursing industry will help hold this new program together by acting as the glue (The nursing industry will be the glue holding the new health care in tact.) It is estimated that by 2015 the number of nurses will need to increase to over 4 million. Nurses are the backbone of the health care industry thus creating better polices for this profession will help ease the workload and high demand. A nurse’s main concern is always to insure quality care and the safety of their patients. Under the new health care reform several new measures have been set into place to ease the transition and improve the quality of care for all patients. One program is designed to fund scholarships and loan programs to offset the high costs of education. Nursing shortages and the high turnover has become a serious epidemic. Health care reform is supposed going to solve many of these problems.
About 32 million people will represent the newly insured, affecting the health care system and nurses are the fundamental in health system. Health care reform is positive for nurses. The health care bill provides money for advance practice and general nurse education. The law also creates a grant program for innovative safety net programs, such as nurse-managed health clinics. Due to the shortage of family Physicians, nurse practitioner programs are going strong. The health care reform is a good opportunity for nurses; the law will permit different approaches to deliver primary care and with the decreasing number of physicians going in to primary care, Nurses represent the best way to provide primary care to the millions of new insured people. (Satowski, 2010)
Autonomy is identified as another professional value and one that the nurse must possess. Autonomy is the right to self-determination. Nurse’s respect the patient’s right to make a decision regarding their healthcare. Practical application includes, educating patients and their families on their choices, honoring their right to make their own decision and stay in control of their health, developing care plans in collaboration with the patient (Taylor, C. Lillis, C. LeMone, P. Lynn, P,
The cornerstone of a Nurse practitioners (NP) practice is autonomy. It is essential dimension requited to achieve success as a primary care provider. Despite the more than 45 years of NP practice, cultural, socioeconomic and political factors continue to influence the ability of the NPs to practice independently as a primary care provider (Weiland, 2010).
Empowerment is about decision-making and autonomy, personal and professionally. Nancy should have empowered her staff’s nurses with the opportunity to be involved in the organization decision-making process. When nurses can influence and control their nursing practice, their autonomy, confidence, and commitment to the organization increase (Manojlovich, 2007). Organizations that empowered nurses to act and guide their everyday challenges using their professional skills, knowledge, and own judgment, shows positives patient outcomes, and less nurse turnover, burnout, dissatisfaction, stress, and powerlessness among their staff (Rao,
Being a registered nurse affords one the option of working in many diverse healthcare settings. In any practice setting the climate of health care change is evident. There are diverse entities involved in the implementation and recommendation of these practice changes. These are led by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF), the Institute of Medicine (IOM), nursing campaign for action initiatives, as well as individual state-based action coalitions. Nurses need to be prepared and cognizant of the transformations occurring in health care settings as well as the plans that put them at the forefront of the future.
Spence Laschinger HK (2010) “Towards a Comprehensive Theory of Nurse – Patient Empowerment: Applying Kanter’s Empowerment Theory to Patient Care” Journal of Nursing Management. 18 (1) page 4-13