Describe three political actions nurses could take to strengthen their role in policymaking as it relates to advocacy for improving LGBTQ health. Correlate your discussion to the AACN MSN Essentials, identify one that most pertains to this topic and elaborate on your selection. Attached below is additional information regarding providing adequate care for the LGBTQ community as outlined by Joint Commission and the CDC: Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Health: . Purchase the answer to view it
Title: Political Actions for Nurses to Strengthen their Role in LGBTQ Health Policy Advocacy
Introduction:
The recognition and inclusion of the LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer) community in healthcare policy and practice is essential for the provision of high-quality and equitable care. Nurses play a pivotal role in the healthcare system and can effectively advocate for LGBTQ health by engaging in political actions. This paper will discuss three political actions that nurses can take to strengthen their role in policymaking for improving LGBTQ health. Furthermore, these actions will be correlated to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Essentials, with a focus on the Essential that relates most pertinently to this topic.
Discussion:
1. Lobbying for LGBTQ-inclusive policies:
Nurses can actively engage in political lobbying efforts to advocate for the development and implementation of LGBTQ-inclusive policies at local, state, and national levels. By working with nursing organizations, such as the American Nurses Association, nurses can support legislative initiatives that specifically address the healthcare needs of LGBTQ individuals. This may include advocating for laws that prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, support transgender healthcare access, promote LGBTQ-inclusive health education, and ensure equal coverage for LGBTQ individuals in insurance policies. Lobbying efforts can involve writing letters or meeting with legislators, testifying at committee hearings, and organizing grassroots campaigns to raise awareness about the importance of LGBTQ-inclusive policies.
Correlation with AACN MSN Essential:
The AACN MSN Essential that directly relates to this political action is Essential II: Organizational and Systems Leadership. This Essential emphasizes the need for nurses to have an understanding of healthcare policy, healthcare delivery systems, and their influence on healthcare outcomes. By engaging in lobbying efforts, nurses demonstrate their leadership ability to influence policy development and system improvements that address the unique healthcare needs of the LGBTQ community.
2. Collaborating with LGBTQ advocacy organizations:
Nurses can strengthen their role in LGBTQ health policy advocacy by collaborating with local and national LGBTQ advocacy organizations. These organizations often have a wealth of knowledge and experience in addressing the healthcare disparities faced by the LGBTQ community. Through collaboration, nurses can contribute their expertise in healthcare delivery and help shape the strategies and priorities of these organizations. This can involve participating in task forces, serving on advisory boards, or actively contributing to the development of healthcare guidelines and recommendations that are inclusive of LGBTQ health needs. Additionally, nurses can support and participate in LGBTQ health research conducted by these organizations, which can inform evidence-based policies and practices.
Correlation with AACN MSN Essential:
The AACN MSN Essential that aligns with this political action is Essential III: Quality Improvement and Safety. This Essential focuses on the nurse’s ability to use data and quality improvement methods to enhance healthcare outcomes. By collaborating with LGBTQ advocacy organizations and contributing to research on LGBTQ health, nurses can play a crucial role in improving the quality and safety of healthcare for the LGBTQ community. This collaboration can help identify gaps in healthcare delivery, inform the development of LGBTQ-inclusive healthcare policies, and contribute to the overall improvement of LGBTQ health outcomes.
3. Serving on policymaking boards and committees:
Nurses can strengthen their role in LGBTQ health policy advocacy by actively seeking positions on policymaking boards and committees at various levels of government and healthcare organizations. By being involved in the policymaking process, nurses can directly influence the development of policies that address the healthcare needs of LGBTQ individuals. This may include serving on boards responsible for healthcare regulation, advisory committees, or task forces focused on LGBTQ health issues. Through their participation, nurses can contribute their clinical expertise and advocate for evidence-based policies that promote equitable healthcare access, cultural competency, and LGBTQ-inclusive care.
Correlation with AACN MSN Essential:
The AACN MSN Essential that best relates to this political action is Essential V: Health Policy and Advocacy. This Essential highlights the importance of nurses’ involvement in policy formation and advocacy for healthcare delivery. By serving on policymaking boards and committees, nurses actively engage in shaping healthcare policies that address the unique needs of the LGBTQ community. This involvement reflects nurses’ commitment to promoting cultural competence, social justice, and equitable healthcare for all individuals.
Conclusion:
Nurses can significantly impact the improvement of LGBTQ health by actively engaging in political actions that strengthen their role in policymaking. By lobbying for LGBTQ-inclusive policies, collaborating with LGBTQ advocacy organizations, and serving on policymaking boards and committees, nurses can advocate for the development and implementation of policies that address the unique healthcare needs of the LGBTQ community. These actions align with various AACN MSN Essentials, with a special emphasis on Essential II: Organizational and Systems Leadership, Essential III: Quality Improvement and Safety, and Essential V: Health Policy and Advocacy. Through these political actions, nurses can contribute to the ongoing efforts to provide adequate care for the LGBTQ community, as outlined by the Joint Commission and the CDC.