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 Purchase the answer to view it
Title: The Role of Nurses in Improving LGBTQ Health: Political Actions and the AACN MSN Essentials
Introduction:
The inclusion of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ) healthcare in the political agenda is crucial for addressing the unique health disparities faced by this population. Nurses, as frontline healthcare providers, have the potential to play a pivotal role in advocating for and improving LGBTQ health through their involvement in policymaking. This essay will discuss three political actions that nurses can take to strengthen their role in policymaking related to advocating for the betterment of LGBTQ health. Additionally, this discussion will correlate these nursing actions with the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) MSN Essentials and explore how one specific Essential is particularly relevant to this topic.
Political Actions to Strengthen the Role of Nurses in LGBTQ Health Policy:
1. Lobbying for LGBTQ-inclusive legislation:
One of the most effective political actions that nurses can take to strengthen their role in policymaking for LGBTQ health is lobbying for legislation that promotes inclusivity, non-discrimination, and equal access to healthcare for LGBTQ individuals. This involves engaging with legislators and decision-makers to advocate for policies that address the unique healthcare needs of the LGBTQ population, such as comprehensive LGBTQ-inclusive sex education, transgender healthcare coverage, and anti-discrimination laws for gender identity and sexual orientation. By lobbying for these policies, nurses can influence the development and implementation of laws to improve LGBTQ healthcare and ultimately enhance health outcomes.
2. Engaging with professional nursing organizations:
Nurses can strengthen their role in policymaking for LGBTQ health by actively participating in professional nursing organizations and engaging in their policy development processes. By joining relevant committees or task forces within these organizations, nurses can contribute to the creation of policies and guidelines that address LGBTQ healthcare needs. They can collaborate with fellow nurses, researchers, and policymakers to advocate for evidence-based and culturally competent care for LGBTQ individuals. Through active involvement in such organizations, nurses can also promote education and awareness among their colleagues, helping to create a comprehensive understanding of LGBTQ health issues within the healthcare profession.
3. Forming strategic partnerships and coalitions:
To further strengthen their role in LGBTQ health policymaking, nurses can form strategic partnerships and coalitions with other healthcare providers, advocacy groups, and community organizations dedicated to improving LGBTQ health. These collaborations allow nurses to leverage their collective influence and expertise to advocate for change at local, state, and national levels. By aligning with like-minded organizations and sharing resources, nurses can amplify their efforts and increase their impact in policymaking processes.
Correlation to AACN MSN Essential:
Of the AACN MSN Essentials, Essential III: Quality Improvement and Safety, specifically pertains to the topic of strengthening the nursing role in LGBTQ health advocacy. Essential III emphasizes the need for nurses to participate in processes that promote safe, equitable, and high-quality healthcare for all individuals. This Essential highlights the importance of utilizing evidence-based practices, promoting patient-centered care, and advocating for patient rights and social justice.
Advocating for improving LGBTQ health aligns directly with Essential III, as LGBTQ individuals often face significant barriers to accessing quality healthcare. By engaging in quality improvement initiatives and safety practices, nurses can actively address these disparities and work towards ensuring LGBTQ individuals receive care that is safe, effective, and inclusive. Moreover, Essential III emphasizes the importance of recognizing and reducing health disparities, which is crucial in the context of LGBTQ health.
The inclusion of LGBTQ-specific health indicators in quality improvement measures, the development of LGBTQ-inclusive policies and guidelines, and the adoption of LGBTQ-inclusive cultural competency training are examples of how nurses can integrate the principles outlined in Essential III. By doing so, nurses can contribute to the provision of high-quality, patient-centered care for LGBTQ individuals, thereby enhancing their overall health outcomes.
In conclusion, nurses can take several political actions to strengthen their role in policymaking for LGBTQ health. These actions include lobbying for LGBTQ-inclusive legislation, engaging in professional nursing organizations, and forming strategic partnerships and coalitions. These actions have the potential to improve LGBTQ health outcomes by influencing the development and implementation of policies that address the specific needs of this population. Additionally, the AACN MSN Essential III: Quality Improvement and Safety aligns closely with this topic, emphasizing the importance of nurses’ involvement in promoting equitable, inclusive, and high-quality healthcare for all individuals, including LGBTQ individuals. By integrating the principles outlined in Essential III into their practice, nurses can play a vital role in advocating for the betterment of LGBTQ health.