NR 554 Week 1 Discussion: Connecting Workplace Issues with Policy  NR-554 Week 1 Discussion: Problem Identification    NR 554 Week 2 Discussion: Leading Change NR 554 Week 2 Discussion: Applied Change Implementation   NR-554 Week 3 Discussion: Politics of Science Policy NR 554 Week 3 Discussion: Building Research Locally; Supporting Research Nationally   NR 554 Week 4 Discussion: Analysis Of Path To Recent Healthcare Policy NR 554 Week 4 Discussion: S...

Instructions   How do you envision using concepts and skills learned in this course in your future work as a healthcare-policy nurse leader? SOLUTION  Week 8: Future Work The AACN (2011) developed the ‘Essentials of Master’s Education’ in order to identify the knowledge and skills that all nurses prepared in master’s nursing programs should acquire. The AACN “recognizes that the masters-prepared nurse is able to intervene at the system level through the policy development process and...

Instructions  Share your experiences with interdisciplinary, community, state, and national individuals or special interest groups. How are healthcare issues approached? How do the views of non-healthcare professionals contribute to the healthcare policy discussion? SOLUTION  Week 7: Resource Appreciation When formulating a healthcare policy, both the healthcare and non-healthcare professionals' views may help in formulating better healthcare policies. Interested groups such as the l...

Instructions   Considering the many factors that contribute to the change process, what are the most consistent factors that challenge nurse advocates seeking change? Often individuals and organizations do experience resistance when implementing change. Nevertheless, the change process may be useful in solving the various challenges the organization may be facing. There are many factors that may cause resistance to change and a number of those factors may also challenge nurse advocates see...

Instructions   Nursing leaders are under pressure to share their professional expertise. What is your obligation as a professional nurse to advocate for healthcare policy issues? What are the influences that impact nursing advocacy in the healthcare policy realm? What skills should you gain to successfully advocate for change? SOLUTION  Week 6: Nurse Advocate Power The American Nurses Association (ANA) believes advocacy is the heart and soul of nursing practice (American Nurses Assoc...

Instructions   Communication effectiveness is a key factor throughout nursing regardless of the level or type of practice. Select a specific venue where healthcare policy discussions may be held. What communication strategy would you use to communicate with stakeholders on politics, economics, team building, legal, or regulation? SOLUTION   Week 6: Committees and Communication Effective communication lies at the heart of policies requiring stakeholder engagement. Effective organizati...

Instructions   Discuss the main task of leaders’ responsibility related to influencing and informing healthcare policy issues and how you will apply these tasks within your current role and/or expected role after graduation. SOLUTION  Nurses are the front-line caregivers in our health system, [which] gives them a unique and invaluable perspective on patient care," Dr. Hassmiller said. "They see firsthand the gaps in the healthcare system and the consequences of those gaps. They see wher...

Instructions From the perspective of the nursing leadership position that you expect to have upon graduation, consider how you would move a new healthcare policy into your healthcare organization. What would be the first steps taken with the organization’s leadership to gain buy-in? SOLUTION   Week 5: Imbedding Policy into Healthcare Culture Buy-in is critical to making any large organizational change happen. While the majority of organizational initiatives happen in the clinical an...

Instructions   Discuss how social visibility and financial cost impact healthcare policy SOLUTION   Social Visibility of Health Issue Mental health disorders have gained a lot of visibility in the news with the recent mass shooting. Mass shootings create outpourings of public horror and outrage. With each tragedy, we hear arguments about gun violence and mental health. On December 14, 2012, 26 people were shot and killed at the Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut. In...

Instructions   Think of a current health issue. Explain the path of this issue, from conception toward being in the forefront of society. SOLUTION   Week 4: Analysis of Path to Recent Healthcare Policy The focus of my healthcare policy issue since NR 506 has been societal awareness of mental health disorders, especially among adolescents, and eliminating stigmas linked to individuals suffering from mental illness. Recently, my local channel 8 news featured a week- long storyline abou...