Nurses in advanced practice roles need to be familiar with current health policy and strategies to contribute to policy development. Describe a policy issue for your selected role specialization. Synthesize knowledge for values theory, ethics, and legal regulatory statutes, and develop a personal philosophy that will map out a policy strategy that uses a high degree of political competence to address the policy issue as an advanced practice nurse. Purchase the answer to view it
Introduction
In the ever-evolving healthcare landscape, the role of nurses has expanded to include advanced practice roles. These highly specialized roles require nurses to possess not only clinical expertise but also a comprehensive understanding of health policy. Nurses in advanced practice are expected to be familiar with current health policies and strategies in order to contribute to policy development effectively. This paper aims to describe a policy issue for the advanced practice nurse role specialization and present a personal philosophy that maps out a policy strategy, utilizing a high degree of political competence.
Policy Issue for the Advanced Practice Nurse
One of the policy issues that directly impacts the role of advanced practice nurses is the scope of practice limitations. The scope of practice refers to the range of activities that healthcare professionals are permitted to perform, based on their education, training, and licensure. In many jurisdictions, including the United States, the scope of practice for advanced practice nurses is often restricted by regulatory statutes and limited by barriers imposed by other healthcare professionals.
The restriction of the scope of practice for advanced practice nurses can impede their ability to provide safe, high-quality, and cost-effective care. Advanced practice nurses, with their extensive education and training, are skilled in diagnosing and treating patients independently, ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests, prescribing medications, and providing primary care services. However, due to the restrictive policies and regulations, they may be required to work under the supervision or collaboration of a physician, which can create unnecessary delays in patient care and increase healthcare costs.
Synthesis of Knowledge: Values Theory, Ethics, and Legal Regulatory Statutes
Values theory, ethics, and legal regulatory statutes play crucial roles in guiding and shaping nursing practice and policy development. Understanding these concepts is vital for developing a personal philosophy that addresses the policy issue at hand.
Values theory refers to the framework that guides individuals’ actions and decisions based on their personal beliefs and values. In nursing practice, values such as respect for autonomy, beneficence, and justice are paramount. In the context of the scope of practice policy issue, respecting the autonomy and recognizing the capabilities of advanced practice nurses is of utmost importance. Emphasizing the value of autonomy can support the development and implementation of policies that allow advanced practice nurses to practice to the full extent of their education and training.
Ethical considerations also play a significant role in policy development. Ethical principles, such as fidelity, veracity, and nonmaleficence, should be central to the policy strategy. The fidelity principle emphasizes the importance of being faithful to commitments and obligations. In the context of the policy issue, it implies honoring the trust placed in advanced practice nurses and recognizing their competence to provide safe and effective care. Veracity, or truth-telling, is also relevant to this policy issue, as it requires transparent communication about the capabilities and limitations of advanced practice nurses. Nonmaleficence, or doing no harm, can be seen as promoting a policy strategy that minimizes unnecessary barriers for advanced practice nurses to provide timely and appropriate care.
Legal regulatory statutes are another critical factor in understanding and addressing the scope of practice policy issue. Laws and regulations regarding advanced practice nursing vary across jurisdictions, and advanced practice nurses must work within the confines of these regulations. It is essential to be aware of the legal and regulatory landscape and advocate for policy changes that support a broader scope of practice for advanced practice nurses.