The DNP practice scholar has the skills, knowledge, experience, and ability to be a strong political advocate. Yet, despite this collective awareness, many nurses avoid becoming political engaged in health policy within the community and in some cases, within the organizations where they work. This week, the focus was on understanding healthcare systems and the role of the DNP practice scholar as advocate for the patient, the community, and joining the national healthcare conversation. Reflect upon the development of your political competency and address the following:
The role of political advocacy in healthcare is a crucial aspect of the DNP practice scholar’s responsibilities. It entails using one’s skills, knowledge, experience, and abilities to promote positive change, influence policymaking, and advocate for patients and communities. However, it has been observed that many nurses, despite having the necessary qualifications, tend to shy away from political engagement in health policy both at the community and organizational level. This assignment aims to reflect upon the development of political competency and address the reasons for nurses’ reluctance to become politically engaged.
To begin with, it is important to understand the concept of political competency in healthcare. Political competency refers to the ability of an individual to navigate the political landscape, understand the policy-making process, and effectively advocate for changes that align with the needs of patients and communities. It involves staying informed about current issues, building relationships with policymakers, understanding the power dynamics at play, and utilizing effective communication strategies to influence decision-making.
The development of political competency among DNP practice scholars is a gradual process that occurs through various means. Firstly, education plays a significant role in equipping nurses with the knowledge and skills necessary to engage in political advocacy. Doctoral programs in nursing often include coursework on healthcare policy, health economics, healthcare systems, and ethics, which enable students to gain a comprehensive understanding of the political landscape.
Furthermore, experiential learning opportunities such as internships, fellowships, and involvement in professional organizations provide DNP practice scholars with the practical experience needed to navigate the political arena. These opportunities expose them to real-world policy-making processes, networking with policy influencers, and understanding the complexities of implementing change within healthcare systems.
Addressing the reluctance of nurses to become politically engaged requires an examination of the underlying factors. One possible reason is a lack of awareness or understanding of the impact that policy decisions have on patient outcomes. Nurses may not fully appreciate the extent to which policy decisions shape the healthcare system and influence their ability to provide high-quality care. Therefore, it is essential for nursing education programs to incorporate a comprehensive curriculum that emphasizes the importance of political engagement and its impact on patient care.
Additionally, nurses may feel overwhelmed or ill-equipped to engage in the political process. They may perceive political advocacy as a daunting task that requires significant time, effort, and resources. Therefore, it is crucial to provide nurses with resources and support to develop their political competency. This could include continuing education opportunities, mentorship programs, and access to professional networks that facilitate engagement with policymakers and experts in the field.
Furthermore, nurses may face organizational barriers that discourage political engagement. Healthcare organizations may not prioritize or support nurse involvement in health policy initiatives, leading to a perception that political advocacy is not valued or recognized as part of the nursing profession. To address this, nurse leaders and administrators should create a culture that fosters and promotes political engagement among nurses. This could involve providing mentorship, allocating dedicated time for advocacy activities, and recognizing the contributions of politically-engaged nurses within the organization.
In conclusion, the development of political competency is crucial for DNP practice scholars to effectively advocate for patients, communities, and promote positive changes in healthcare policy. However, nurses’ reluctance to become politically engaged can be attributed to various factors such as a lack of awareness, feeling ill-equipped, and organizational barriers. It is essential for nursing education programs, professional organizations, and healthcare organizations to address these barriers and provide nurses with the support and resources needed to develop their political competency. Only through increased political engagement can nurses effectively shape healthcare policies that align with the needs and interests of their patients and communities.