Reflect on what you have learned in this course. What were your major takeaways? Surprises? How will you apply what you have learned to your career?
Solution
Reflection on Course Learning
Throughout NURS 510, I gained a comprehensive understanding of the policy-making process, the organizational dynamics of the healthcare system, and the financial mechanisms that influence healthcare delivery. Prior to this course, my knowledge of healthcare policy was limited to general awareness. However, I now recognize how deeply interconnected policy, economics, and organizational structure are with patient outcomes and the day-to-day operations in clinical settings. The course emphasized the importance of nurses being informed and active participants in health policy to advocate for both patients and the nursing profession (Milstead & Short, 2019).
Major Takeaways
One major takeaway from this course was understanding the policy-making process and how nurses can influence legislative changes. Learning how bills such as the Nurse Practitioner Full Practice Authority Act move through Congress made me realize the importance of political advocacy and professional engagement. Another key takeaway was the breakdown of healthcare financing. Exploring reimbursement models and how insurance systems operate helped me understand why certain clinical decisions are made and the financial pressures influencing healthcare institutions (Shi & Singh, 2022). These insights will stay with me as I advance in my nursing career.
Application to Practice
In my current role within the holding and PACU units, I will apply this knowledge by being more attentive to how policy and financial structures influence workflow, staffing, and patient care. For example, I now have a better understanding of why hospitals emphasize rapid postoperative discharges and how those decisions are tied to insurance reimbursements and policy standards. I plan to get more involved in hospital-level policy committees and advocate for improved staffing ratios and resource allocation. Long-term, I am inspired to be a part of professional organizations that influence state and federal policy to support the nursing profession and promote equitable, high-quality care.
References
Milstead, J. A., & Short, N. M. (2019). Health policy and politics: A nurse’s guide (6th ed.). Jones & Bartlett Learning.
Shi, L., & Singh, D. A. (2022). Essentials of the U.S. health care system (6th ed.). Jones & Bartlett Learning.