Needs a response
- Healthcare policy significantly impacts the conditions for APNs. Policy governs the extent to which APNs can practice independently, prescribe medications, and perform procedures. According to Duffy (2019), policymakers at the federal, state, and local levels impact what nursing professionals can do, how they do it, and how much they are paid (Duffy, 2019). Favorable reimbursement regulations can boost APNs’ financial sustainability and encourage involvement in underserved regions. Public policies determine who is insured and what insurance will pay. Public policies and how they are executed influence the direction of healthcare delivery (Duffy, 2019). Limitations may hinder their capacity to offer comprehensive treatment, whereas policies that encourage them can allow them to practice to the full extent of their education and expertise.
- Advocacy is an important part of the APN position because it encourages treatment that prioritizes patients and systemic change. APNs empower patients by giving them information, assisting with informed decision-making, and making sure their voices are heard when making medical decisions. APNs advocate for systemic reforms that will improve patient care, increase safety, and encourage evidence-based practices. APNs help to create workplaces with greater standards, clearer regulations, and patient-centered policies by advocating for patients’ well-being and safety. They may give care in safer medical settings, lowering the chance of injury to their patients and improving everyone’s health (AdventHealth University, 2021). Another advantage of nurse advocacy is the attempt to improve nurses’ working conditions. When nurses have improved working circumstances, they can provide better care to their patients.
- Transformational leadership is a leadership style that emphasizes inspiring and encouraging nurses to achieve common goals via a shared vision, empowerment, and personalized assistance. The four pillars of transformative leadership are idealized influence, inspirational motivation, intellectual stimulation, and individualized consideration (Mekonnen & Bayissa, 2023). Idealized influence refers to leaders who act as role models for advocating for policy changes that are consistent with ethical values and in the best interests of patients. Inspirational motivation refers to leaders who organize support for policy change by effectively expressing the urgency of tackling important concerns, such as staffing shortages (McConnell, 2019). By uniting stakeholders behind a common vision for positive changes, these leaders may create enthusiasm and drive advocacy efforts to influence the development of policies and operations. Leaders who generate conversation and debate on policy issues encourage stakeholders to consider new concepts, evidence-based practices, and alternate solutions to complex issues. Individualized attention refers to leaders who help nurses become successful advocates for policy change by recognizing their competencies, strengths, and achievements (McConnell, 2019). Nurse leaders who exemplify the four pillars of transformational leadership can rally support, spark conversation, and inspire collaborative action to solve significant challenges, impact policies regarding healthcare, and enhance the quality of care for patients.
References
AdventHealth University. (2021, June 11). Advocacy in nursing: What does a nurse advocate do? AdventHealth University. https://www.ahu.edu/blog/advocacy-in-nursing
Duffy, R. D. (2019). Health care policy: Implications for advanced nursing practice. Advanced Practice Nursing. https://doi.org/10.1891/9780826172525.0009
McConnell, I. (2019, April 3). Transformational leadership: The ultimate guide. Arielle Executive. https://arielle.com.au/transformational-leadership/
Mekonnen, M., & Bayissa, Z. (2023). The effect of transformational and transactional leadership styles on organizational readiness for change among health professionals. The Effect of Transformational and Transactional Leadership Styles on Organizational Readiness for Change among Health Professionals, 9(9). https://doi.org/10.1177/23779608231185923
Michigan State University. (2022, July 1). The 4 “i’s” of transformational leadership. Michigan State University. https://www.michiganstateuniversityonline.com/resources/leadership/4-is-of-transformational-leadership/
