The nursing profession faces many issues about the delivery of quality, accessible, and affordable health care services such as safe staffing levels; nursing shortages and overtime, and burnout. Professional nursing organizations can play a critical role to help resolve these health care issues. For this discussion, use the knowledge you gained from this unit’s readings. Your initial post is to be about 150 words, referenced with at least one APA formatted reference.
The nursing profession is currently grappling with several challenging issues related to the delivery of high-quality, accessible, and affordable healthcare services. These issues include concerns about safe staffing levels, nursing shortages, overtime, and burnout. In order to address these complex healthcare challenges, professional nursing organizations have an essential role to play.
One of the primary functions of professional nursing organizations is advocacy. These organizations have the power to influence healthcare policies and regulations that directly impact the nursing profession and patient care. By actively engaging in advocacy efforts, nursing organizations can work towards implementing safer staffing levels and strategies to combat nursing shortages. They can also advocate for policies that promote a healthy work-life balance and prevent nurse burnout. Additionally, nursing organizations can play a crucial role in addressing the financial barriers that impede access to quality healthcare services by advocating for affordable healthcare policies and improved reimbursement for nursing care.
Furthermore, professional nursing organizations can provide valuable support and resources to nurses in addressing these issues. These organizations can offer educational opportunities and research-based guidelines to improve patient outcomes and promote evidence-based nursing practice. By disseminating best practices and supporting ongoing professional development, nursing organizations can empower nurses to deliver high-quality care while also effectively managing the challenges posed by staffing shortages and burnout.
Moreover, professional nursing organizations serve as a platform for networking and collaboration among nurses. By fostering a sense of community and shared purpose, these organizations can create opportunities for nurses to exchange knowledge, seek mentorship, and engage in interdisciplinary collaborations. Through collective action, nursing organizations can amplify the voices of nurses and elevate their contributions to healthcare decision-making processes. This collaboration can help in formulating effective strategies to address the identified issues and promote positive change within the profession.
In conclusion, the nursing profession is currently confronted with various challenges in delivering quality, accessible, and affordable healthcare services. However, professional nursing organizations have the potential to play a critical role in addressing these issues. Through advocacy, support, and collaboration, these organizations can influence healthcare policies, provide resources and support to nurses, and facilitate collective action. By harnessing the power of professional nursing organizations, the nursing profession can actively work towards resolving the identified healthcare issues and improve outcomes for patients and nurses alike.
References:
American Nurses Association. (2015). Nursing’s social policy statement: The essence of the profession (3rd ed.). Silver Spring, MD: Author.
Griffin, A., Potter, P., & McConnell, C. (2017). The Impact of Nurses’ Health on Productivity and Quality. AORN Journal, 105(2), 120-124. doi:10.1016/j.aorn.2016.11.012