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:
Introduction
The role of nurses in policymaking is crucial for advocating for the improvement of LGBTQ health. Nurses not only provide direct care to individuals in the LGBTQ community but also play a significant role in shaping health policies that directly impact this population. This paper will discuss three political actions that nurses can take to strengthen their role in policymaking for improving LGBTQ health. Additionally, it will correlate these actions with the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) MSN Essentials, identifying one that is most pertinent to this topic.
Political Actions for Strengthening the Nurses’ Role in Policymaking
1. Education and Advocacy
Nurses can engage in education and advocacy to strengthen their role in policymaking. By becoming knowledgeable about the unique health needs and disparities faced by the LGBTQ community, nurses can advocate for policies that address these issues. They can also engage in public awareness campaigns to educate both policymakers and the general public about the importance of LGBTQ health and the need for inclusive healthcare policies.
For example, nurses can collaborate with LGBTQ organizations to establish educational programs for healthcare providers and community members. These programs can focus on increasing awareness about LGBTQ health disparities, providing culturally competent care, and promoting LGBTQ-inclusive policies. By actively engaging in education and advocacy, nurses can influence policy decisions that prioritize the improvement of LGBTQ health.
2. Collaboration and Networking
Another important political action for nurses is to collaborate and network with other healthcare professionals, policymakers, and LGBTQ advocacy groups. By forming alliances and building relationships with key stakeholders, nurses can enhance their influence in policymaking processes. Nurses can join professional organizations that focus on LGBTQ health advocacy, attend conferences and workshops, and actively participate in interdisciplinary collaborations.
Through collaboration, nurses can contribute their expertise and experiences to inform policy discussions and ensure that the unique health needs of the LGBTQ community are effectively addressed. By networking with policymakers and advocacy groups, nurses can gain a seat at the table where policy decisions are made and advocate for LGBTQ-inclusive policies that promote equitable healthcare access and quality.
3. Research and Evidence-Based Practice
Research and evidence-based practice are essential political actions for nurses to strengthen their role in policymaking for LGBTQ health. By conducting research on LGBTQ health disparities and best practices in LGBTQ-inclusive care, nurses can generate evidence that supports the development of policies aimed at improving health outcomes for this population.
Furthermore, nurses can actively participate in research projects and collaborate with researchers from diverse disciplines to promote evidence-based policy recommendations. By drawing on research findings, nurses can advocate for the adoption of policies that are consistent with the best available evidence and promote evidence-based approaches to LGBTQ health.
Correlation with AACN MSN Essential
Among the AACN MSN Essentials, Essential VIII: Advanced Nursing Practice is particularly pertinent to the topic of nurses’ role in policymaking for LGBTQ health. This essential emphasizes the importance of advanced nursing practice in influencing healthcare policy at the institutional, local, state, and national levels.
Advanced nursing practice includes activities such as advocacy, collaboration, and leadership, which are essential for nurses to effectively influence healthcare policies for the improvement of LGBTQ health. The actions discussed above, including education and advocacy, collaboration and networking, and research and evidence-based practice, align with Essential VIII as they encompass the core competencies required for advanced nursing practice and policy influence.
Conclusion
Nurses have a unique role in policymaking for improving LGBTQ health. By engaging in education and advocacy, collaboration and networking, and research and evidence-based practice, nurses can strengthen their influence in the policy arena. These political actions are essential for advocating for LGBTQ-inclusive policies that promote equitable healthcare access and quality. The correlation of these actions with the AACN MSN Essentials, specifically Essential VIII: Advanced Nursing Practice, emphasizes the importance of nurses’ role in policymaking for improving LGBTQ health.