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
Introduction
The role of nurses in policymaking is crucial for advocating and promoting the health interests of diverse populations, including the LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer) community. Nurses have the opportunity to make a significant impact by engaging in political actions that strengthen their role in policymaking related to advocacy for improving LGBTQ health. This paper will discuss three political actions that nurses can take to advance LGBTQ health policies, which will be correlated with the AACN MSN Essential VI: Interprofessional Collaboration for Improving Patient and Population Health Outcomes.
Political Actions to Strengthen Nurses’ Role in LGBTQ Health Policymaking
1. Building Alliances: Nurses can strengthen their role in LGBTQ health policymaking by actively seeking and building alliances with other healthcare professionals, LGBTQ organizations, and policymakers. By collaborating with organizations such as the Gay and Lesbian Medical Association or the Human Rights Campaign, nurses can amplify their voice and leverage collective advocacy efforts. Building alliances allows nurses to advocate for LGBTQ health policies from a position of strength, increasing the likelihood of successful policy implementation.
2. Education and Training: Another important political action nurses can take is advocating for education and training opportunities for healthcare professionals to enhance their knowledge and understanding of LGBTQ health issues. Nurses can work with professional nursing organizations, academic institutions, and policymakers to develop and implement programs that address the unique healthcare needs of the LGBTQ community. This includes training on culturally sensitive care, addressing health disparities, and providing competent care for gender and sexually diverse individuals. By advocating for education and training, nurses can contribute to the development of a more LGBTQ-inclusive healthcare system.
3. Policy Advocacy: Nurses can actively engage in policy advocacy to strengthen their role in policymaking for LGBTQ health. This includes participating in legislative processes, such as testifying at committee hearings, meeting with legislators, and providing expert opinions on proposed bills or policies. Nurses can also join professional nursing organizations that have a strong focus on LGBTQ health advocacy, and contribute to policy development efforts within these organizations. By advocating for policies that improve LGBTQ health outcomes, nurses can help shape the healthcare landscape to be more inclusive and equitable.
Correlation with AACN MSN Essential VI: Interprofessional Collaboration
Among the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) Master’s Essentials, Essential VI emphasizes interprofessional collaboration for improving patient and population health outcomes. This Essential is highly relevant to the topic of strengthening nurses’ role in policymaking for LGBTQ health.
Interprofessional collaboration refers to collaboration among healthcare professionals from different disciplines to achieve common goals and deliver integrated healthcare. For nurses advocating for LGBTQ health policies, collaborating with other healthcare professionals, such as physicians, psychologists, social workers, and policymakers, is essential. By working together, these professionals can leverage their diverse expertise, knowledge, and resources to address the complex health needs of the LGBTQ community effectively.
Interprofessional collaboration also promotes the comprehensive, patient-centered care that is crucial for the LGBTQ community. LGBTQ individuals often face multiple health disparities, including higher rates of mental health issues, HIV/AIDS, and substance abuse. To address these disparities, a collaborative approach is necessary to provide holistic care that considers both physical and mental health needs.
In conclusion, nurses can strengthen their role in policymaking for LGBTQ health by taking various political actions. Building alliances, advocating for education and training, and engaging in policy advocacy are effective strategies that nurses can employ. These actions align with the AACN MSN Essential VI: Interprofessional Collaboration for Improving Patient and Population Health Outcomes, which emphasizes the importance of collaborative efforts in addressing the health needs of diverse populations. By actively engaging in these political actions, nurses can advance LGBTQ health policies and contribute to creating a more inclusive and equitable healthcare system.