1) Describe three political actions nurses could take to strengthen their role in policymaking as it relates to advocacy for improving LGBTQ health. 2) Correlate your discussion to the AACN MSN Essentials, identify one that most pertains to this topic and elaborate on your selection. -250 WORDS -2-3 REFERENCES NO OLDER THAN 5 YEARS AGO NO PLAGIARISM
Title: Political Actions to Strengthen Nurses’ Role in Policymaking for Improving LGBTQ Health
Introduction:
Nurses play a vital role in advocating for and improving the health of the LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer) population. To strengthen their position in policymaking, nurses can engage in various political actions. This paper describes three key political actions that nurses can undertake to enhance their role in policymaking related to LGBTQ health. Furthermore, we will correlate these actions with the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) Master’s Essentials and select one essential that is particularly relevant to this topic.
Political Actions for Nurses to Strengthen Their Role:
1. Public Awareness and Education:
One essential political action that nurses can undertake is to increase public awareness and education about LGBTQ health issues. Nurses can actively participate in community organizations, healthcare institutions, and professional nursing associations to reach out to the public. By engaging in conversations and educational initiatives, nurses can disseminate accurate information about LGBTQ health concerns, such as mental health disparities, HIV/AIDS prevalence, and healthcare access barriers. This awareness-building activity not only helps to combat stigma and discrimination but also creates a supportive environment for policy initiatives aimed at improving LGBTQ health.
2. Collaboration with LGBTQ Advocacy Groups:
Building partnerships with LGBTQ advocacy groups is another essential political action that nurses can take to strengthen their role in policymaking. By working alongside these organizations, nurses can help ensure that the unique healthcare needs of the LGBTQ community are adequately represented in policy discussions. Nurses can collaborate with advocacy groups in tasks like formulating policy recommendations, conducting research and data analysis, and presenting evidence-based arguments to policymakers. This collaborative effort enhances the credibility of nursing professionals as experts in LGBTQ health and amplifies their voice in the policymaking process.
3. Involvement in Professional Nursing Associations and Political Committees:
Nurses can actively participate in professional nursing associations dedicated to LGBTQ health advocacy, as well as political committees related to healthcare policymaking. These organizations often provide a platform for nurses to network with their peers, share knowledge and experiences, and collectively advocate for policy changes. By joining these associations and committees, nurses gain access to opportunities for professional development, mentorship, and political engagement. Active involvement in these groups allows nurses to contribute to the formulation and implementation of policies that are beneficial for the LGBTQ population.
Correlation with AACN MSN Essentials:
The AACN Master’s Essentials serve as a framework for nursing education at the graduate level, guiding the development of essential competencies in various areas of nursing practice. When exploring the political actions described above, the essential that most closely pertains to the topic of strengthening nurses’ role in policymaking for LGBTQ health is Essential VIII: Advanced Nursing Practice.
Essential VIII emphasizes the engagement of master’s-prepared nurses in policy and healthcare system advocacy to improve population health outcomes. This essential encourages nurses to actively participate in policy-related activities, including advocating for vulnerable populations and promoting health equity. Improving LGBTQ health is an integral part of advocating for health equity, and nurses can make a significant impact by engaging in policy discussions, promoting evidence-based practices, and influencing healthcare systems to provide equitable care for LGBTQ individuals.
Elaboration on Essential VIII:
Essential VIII of the AACN MSN Essentials stresses the importance of advocacy for social justice and equitable health outcomes. Advanced nursing practice enables nurses to apply their clinical expertise and influence policy decisions at local, state, and national levels. By actively participating in policy discussions and advocating for the LGBTQ community, nurses demonstrate leadership in advancing health equity and reducing health disparities. This essential encourages nurses to utilize research findings to shape policies that address the specific health needs of the LGBTQ population, improve access to care, and eliminate discrimination in healthcare settings.
Conclusion:
As front-line healthcare professionals, nurses have a crucial role in advocating for and improving the health of LGBTQ individuals. Through political actions such as public awareness and education, collaboration with advocacy groups, and involvement in professional associations and political committees, nurses can strengthen their role in policymaking for LGBTQ health. Correlating these actions with the AACN MSN Essential VIII highlights the significance of advanced nursing practice in promoting health equity and advocating for vulnerable populations. By taking these political actions, nurses can exert a positive impact on policies that advance LGBTQ health and foster inclusive healthcare environments.