Participating in Policy Reviews: Opportunities for RNs and APRNs

RNS AND APRN
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RNS and APRN
Registered nurses(RNs) and advanced practice registered nurses (APRN) have a significant role in policy-making decisions. Nonetheless, their decision-making input may not be seen unless they exploit the current channels and opportunities. The RNs and APRNs are at the ground of health practice, and in most cases, they are not involved in the policy review. This is arguably detrimental to the continuity of quality health providence in communities. Ideally, the nurses are in a better position to understand the ground situation. They should be involved in policy-making to ensure they enhance the delivery of quality care in both the short and long term. Though there are some opportunities to exploit and engage in policy review, the process also comes with unique challenges. Nurses need to understand these challenges, know ways to overcome them, and find ways to communicate such policy review opportunities effectively.
First, nurses can influence policy-making processes by taking up leadership roles or liaising with policymakers. Ideally, policy-making is often a political process controlled by leaders, most of whom do not have any medical experience or interaction with patients. As such, nurses have a chance to implement policy change by running for office, voting for individuals they can trust, and getting training on how they can actively be involved in politics (Ridenour & Trautman, 2009). Secondly, nurses can influence policy changes at the state level by joining organizations comprised of either nurses or other medical practitioners. Essentially, it would be challenging for nurses to initiate change at the government level solely. For that reason, they must work with individuals across all departments to gain a more prominent voice...