Healthcare Policy in Nursing

 Healthcare Policy in Nursing

Please ensure that the Discussion includes more than 400 words with scholarly articles, and the plagiarism level must remain below 20%.

As you reflect on the material covered in this Healthcare Policy and Delivery Systems course, consider how the knowledge you’ve gained has impacted your perspective on healthcare policy, nursing leadership, and the healthcare delivery system.

Use the following questions to guide your reflection:

1. Understanding Policy Influence:
   • How has this course changed or deepened your understanding of how healthcare policy influences patient care, access to services, and healthcare outcomes? Share an example of a policy issue or reform that has affected your area of practice.
2. Role of Advanced Practice Nurses (APNs):
   • Reflect on the role of advanced practice nurses in shaping healthcare policy and delivery systems. How do you see yourself contributing to healthcare policy advocacy or reform in your future career?
3. Integration of Course Content:
   • How will you integrate the knowledge of healthcare policy and delivery systems into your daily practice as a nurse? Consider specific strategies or actions you plan to take to stay informed and involved in policy changes that impact healthcare.
4. Personal and Professional Growth:
   • In what ways have you experienced personal or professional growth throughout this course? Consider how you have developed as a leader, advocate, or change agent in the healthcare system.

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Healthcare Policy in Nursing

Discussion: Reflections on Healthcare Policy and Delivery Systems

This course on Healthcare Policy and Delivery Systems has significantly broadened my understanding of how policy intricately shapes every facet of nursing practice—from direct patient care to institutional protocols and broader healthcare access. One of the most impactful lessons was recognizing how legislation and regulation function as levers for systemic change. I had previously viewed policy as distant from bedside care, but I now understand that healthcare policy directly influences nurse staffing ratios, reimbursement rates, access to essential medications, and even how quality is measured and reported (Milstead & Short, 2019). For instance, in my practice, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) had a profound effect by expanding Medicaid eligibility, resulting in a surge of newly insured patients who now have access to preventive care. However, it also strained our resources and required rapid adaptation to deliver quality care to a growing patient base.

Reflecting on the role of Advanced Practice Nurses (APNs), I now clearly see how they serve as crucial agents in healthcare reform. APNs possess both clinical insight and leadership capabilities, making them well-positioned to advocate for patient-centered policies. Research indicates that APNs are increasingly participating in policy-making, serving on advisory boards, and leading legislative initiatives related to scope of practice and reimbursement (Kurtzman et al., 2021). As a future Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)-prepared nurse, I envision myself advocating for mental health policy reform and equitable care in underserved communities. My role will not only be clinical but also strategic—participating in stakeholder discussions and proposing legislative solutions grounded in clinical evidence.

Integration of this knowledge into my daily nursing practice will require intentional strategies. I plan to subscribe to healthcare policy journals and participate in professional nursing organizations like the ANA and AANP to stay informed. I will also initiate quarterly policy review sessions with colleagues to discuss upcoming changes, such as CMS reimbursement adjustments or state-level legislative proposals that affect our facility. Proactive engagement ensures I can adapt quickly and continue to deliver safe, evidence-based care aligned with policy shifts.

Finally, this course has catalyzed significant personal and professional growth. I feel more empowered to lead and speak up for vulnerable populations. I’ve learned how to critically analyze policy briefs, advocate effectively, and influence others through both clinical evidence and compelling narrative. As a result, I now see myself not only as a caregiver but also as a transformational leader and healthcare advocate.

References:

• Milstead, J. A., & Short, N. M. (2019). Health policy and politics: A nurse’s guide (6th ed.). Jones & Bartlett Learning.

• Kurtzman, E. T., O’Leary, D., & Okun, S. (2021). The role of nurses in advancing health equity. Health Affairs, 40(8), 1327–1333. https://doi.org/10.1377/hlthaff.2021.00570