The Role of the RN-APRN in Policy Evaluation
Professional nurses are likely to get involved in policy matters directly or indirectly. At local levels, nurse managers and nurse leaders are involved in decision-making for running the daily activities of the relevant facilities. These activities are the first step in policymaking. Evaluation of results in the policy-making realm is an advanced process that requires an extra understanding of the process of policy formulation. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Evaluation is the activity through which a well-developed understanding of the merit, worth, and utility of a policy is established (CDC, n.d.). Hence, as nurses, getting involved in policy-making I possible. This can be done in several approaches which include taking part in creating influence, formulation of policies, or pushing for the policies to adopt. Ideally, the process of policy-making is more of a political process than decision-making.
As a nurse, I feel less equipped to enter the realm of politics and the policymaking arena. Hence, before I enter such a political realm, I prefer to undertake courses that enlighten me regarding the policymaking process. As a nurse, through training and practice, we know about caring for our patients and fighting for their rights as per the existing doctrine of nursing principles and existing laws. In this regard, it is imperative for a nurse seeking to enter the political arena to engage in learning activities, such as staying close to nurse policymakers and following their activities (Milstead & Short, 2019). Nurses advocate more for patients and their working conditions to improve general care delivery. Nursing is a profession that is both an art and also a science. In the arena of art, nursing focuses on patients’ interests, such as psychological, social, and sometimes financial aspects (Milstead & Short, 2019). hence, nurses are better advocates for patients than politicians. It is more advantageous for a nurse politician to advocate for patients. Patients advocate for themselves and hence focus on nurses and doctors in the immediate environment. Therefore, the role of professional nurses in policy evaluation is to understand the merit of issues, determine the worthiness for both facilities as well as patients and consequently, apply the necessary decision for an optimal outcome.
References
CDC (n.d.). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Overview of Policy Evaluation https://www.cdc.gov/injury/pdfs/policy/brief%201-a.pdf
Milstead, J. A., & Short, N. M. (2019). Informing Public Policy: An Important Role for Registered Nurses. Health policy and politics: A nurse’s guide, 1-16. http://samples.jbpub.com/9781284126372/9781284126983_CH01.pdf
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Question
Select an existing healthcare program or policy evaluation, or choose one of interest to you.
Review community, state, or federal policy evaluation and reflect on the criteria used to measure the effectiveness of the program or policy described.
Post an evaluation topic and a brief description of the evaluation. Discuss how social determinants impact this issue.
Please provide at least 3 references!!!