The course has given me valuable insight into nurses’ critical role in healthcare policymaking. It has made me realize that nurses significantly impact the healthcare delivery system, and we can use our voices to influence positive changes in the field (Warshawsky & Cramer, 2019). Nurses can learn how to use their voices diplomatically and effectively through education and research. We should also stay updated on current healthcare news and issues, engage in civil debates, and utilize various advocacy tools such as writing letters to nurse legislators and nursing lobbyists and creating or participating in petitions. These strategies can help us advocate for policies supporting the nursing profession and improving patient outcomes.

Before taking this course, I was mainly focused on hospital policies and their impact on our workflow as bedside nurses. However, I have come to understand that hospital policies are governed by larger acts such as the Affordable Care Act, and it is essential to understand the implications of such policies on our profession (Mason et al., 2020). I was pleasantly surprised to learn how many nurses are involved in state and federal policy development. I now realize the importance of nurses’ voices in shaping policies that directly affect our profession and the quality of patient care.

Overall, this course has been a transformative experience for me. I am excited to apply the knowledge and skills I have acquired to make positive changes in the nursing profession. I am grateful for the opportunity to understand better the policymaking process and how nurses can contribute to it. In addition, I urge all nurses to utilize the opportunities present to impact positive changes in delivering quality services to patients.

References

Mason, D., Dickson, E. L., Perez, G.A., & McLemore, M. (2020). Policy & politics in nursing and health care (8th ed.). Elsevier.

Warshawsky, N., & Cramer, E. (2019). Describing nurse manager role preparation and competency: findings from a national study. JONA: The Journal of Nursing Administration, 49(5), 249–255. DOI: 10.1097/NNA.0000000000000746