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: 0 Follow APA guidelines, less than 15 % similarity
Introduction
Nurses play a crucial role in policymaking and advocacy for improving LGBTQ health. As healthcare professionals, they have the unique ability to influence policy decisions and enact positive change. This paper will discuss three political actions that nurses can take to strengthen their role in policymaking and advocate for improving LGBTQ health. The discussion will be correlated to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) Master’s Essentials, with a focus on the essential that most pertains to this topic. Additionally, the paper will reference the guidelines provided by the Joint Commission and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for providing adequate care for the LGBTQ community.
Political Actions to Strengthen the Role of Nurses in Policymaking for LGBTQ Health
1. Engage in grassroots activism and community organizing
One political action that nurses can take to strengthen their role in policymaking for LGBTQ health is to engage in grassroots activism and community organizing. By actively participating in local advocacy organizations and grassroots movements, nurses can lend their unique expertise to the cause and contribute to policy discussions. Nurses are well-positioned to advocate for improvements in LGBTQ healthcare through their understanding of patient needs, the impact of policies on healthcare delivery, and the best practices in providing culturally competent care.
Nurses can join and actively participate in LGBTQ health advocacy organizations such as the National LGBTQ Task Force, the Human Rights Campaign, or local LGBTQ community centers. These organizations often hold community forums, public hearings, and lobbying events to advocate for LGBTQ health policies. Nurses can lend their voice to these platforms by speaking about the specific health needs of the LGBTQ community and the importance of policy changes that address those needs.
Additionally, nurses can engage in community organizing efforts by partnering with local LGBTQ organizations to raise awareness about LGBTQ health disparities and advocate for policy reforms. This can include organizing educational events, workshops, and community health fairs focused on LGBTQ health issues. Nurses can use their expertise to educate both the LGBTQ community and policymakers about the specific health concerns faced by this population and the importance of implementing evidence-based interventions.
2. Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams and policymakers
Another political action that nurses can take to strengthen their role in policymaking for LGBTQ health is to collaborate with interdisciplinary teams and policymakers. Nurses can serve as advocates for LGBTQ health within healthcare organizations by working collaboratively with other healthcare professionals, including physicians, social workers, psychologists, and policymakers.
Nurses can actively participate in interdisciplinary healthcare teams where they can provide input and guidance on policies related to LGBTQ health. By sharing their expertise, nurses can ensure that policies are developed with the specific needs of LGBTQ individuals in mind. Nurses can also work with policymakers at local, state, and national levels to inform and shape policies that promote LGBTQ-inclusive healthcare practices.
Collaboration with policymakers can take various forms, including attending public hearings, providing expert testimony on the health needs of the LGBTQ community, and participating in advisory committees focused on healthcare policy. Nurses can also develop relationships with elected officials and policymakers to cultivate ongoing dialogue and influence policy decisions affecting LGBTQ health.
3. Conduct and disseminate research on LGBTQ health
A third political action that nurses can take to strengthen their role in policymaking for LGBTQ health is to conduct and disseminate research on LGBTQ health. Research plays a vital role in informing policymakers about the specific health needs of the LGBTQ community and the impact of policies on health outcomes.
Nurses can conduct research studies that focus on LGBTQ health disparities, healthcare access, and interventions to address these disparities. By conducting rigorous research, nurses can generate evidence that can be used to advocate for policy changes at organizational and legislative levels. This can include gathering data on healthcare utilization, health outcomes, and patient experiences among the LGBTQ community.
Furthermore, nurses can disseminate their research findings through publications, conferences, and collaborations with policymakers and advocacy organizations. By sharing their findings, nurses can raise awareness about the health needs of the LGBTQ community and provide evidence-based recommendations for improving LGBTQ health policies. Dissemination of research can also help nurses build credibility and influence as experts in the field of LGBTQ health.
Correlation to the AACN MSN Essential
Among the various AACN MSN Essentials, the essential that most pertains to this topic is Essential II: Organizational and Systems Leadership. This essential focuses on the ability of nurses to lead and collaborate within interdisciplinary teams to improve healthcare outcomes.
Improving LGBTQ health and advocating for policy changes require collaborative efforts across multiple healthcare disciplines and stakeholders. Nurses, as leaders in healthcare systems, must collaborate effectively with other professionals and policymakers to shape policies that promote LGBTQ-inclusive healthcare practices.