The Role of the RN/APRN in Policy-Making

The Role of the RN/APRN in Policy-Making

RNs provide clinical care as specified in the patient care program, while APRNs
formulate these patient care plans and work as advance practice providers, through the
supervision of the other medical workforce, like medical assistants and RNs. The types of words
I would use to build an online nursing word cloud include; professional, recovery, happiness,
stethoscope, helping, prevention, 12 th May, professional, hospital, purpose, caregiver, among
others (Schaeffer & Haebler, 2019). I would use the word policy-maker because it shows the
nurses' readiness to fight for patient rights politically, which is possible considering that nursing
has the majority of the workforce worldwide.
RN and APRNs may become politically involved in policy-making by actively taking
part in a leadership position within the healthcare system (Phillips, 2022). They can equally
connect with the elected officials concerning the legislations that fail to impact the medical
industry positively. Additionally, nurses can get involved in the councils within cities and
committees or even run for the local office. When located in these positions, nurses can
effectively impact policy creation.
Some of the inadequacies that may pose barriers to policy-making by RNs and APNs are
the lack of required competence to participate in politics and policy development (Potter et al.,
2022). Lack of inclusion of women, helpful organization structures, and lack of education.
I recommend that the councils, committees, and states elaborate on the recommended
personnel to be part of decision-making. There has to be the inclusion of gender equality and
most consideration of the healthcare professionals. Nurses can achieve this outcome through
creating health goals as the top priorities of states or regions.

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In conclusion, nursing profession being universally present, has to be given key priority
in policy-making. The political bodies and manifestos ought to clearly include nurses in the
committees to enforce healthcare plans.

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Reference

Schaeffer, R., & Haebler, J. (2019). Nurse leaders: extending your policy influence. Nurse
Leader, 17(4), 340-343.
Phillips, S. J. (2022). 34th Annual APRN Legislative Update: Trends in APRN practice authority
during the COVID-19 global pandemic. The Nurse Practitioner, 47(1), 21-47.
Potter, P. A., Faan, R. M. P., Perry, A. G., Faan, R. E., Stockert, P. A., & Hall, A. (2022).
Fundamentals of Nursing-E-Book. Elsevier Health Sciences.