The most powerful and wide-ranging change comes from unity and the numbers of advocates acting in concert

Remember, the most powerful and wide-ranging change comes from unity and the numbers of advocates acting in concert. What professional organization(s) can you belong to for the purpose of ‘strength in numbers’ and advocating health care and especially NP practice authority and issues?

Yet whether your efforts are individual or collective, you can advance policy successfully.

Describe how you can advocate individually in your district (CENTRAL FLORIDA) or geographic area of your community/state. 400-500 words, include references citation format is APA

Sample Solution

One way to advocate for healthcare and especially NP practice authority in Central Florida is through public education. NPs can reach out to the community and work with local organizations such as churches, schools, universities, health clubs and other social settings where they can provide information about the value of NP services. They can also use traditional media outlets such as radio, television and newspapers to disseminate their message. Providing face-to-face presentations at gatherings such as civic clubs or neighborhood associations will help build relationships between providers and potential clients. Additionally, engaging with legislators on a regular basis will help ensure that NP concerns are heard by those who make decisions about healthcare policy in Central Florida (Florida Academy of Nurse Practitioners [FANP], 2019).

Another way an NP could get involved in advocacy efforts would be by joining professional organizations dedicated to protecting access to quality healthcare in Central Florida. The Florida Academy of Nurse Practitioners (FANP) is one example of a local organization that works diligently on behalf of NPs to promote legislative change for advanced practice nurses (APNs). As a member of this organization, an individual nurse practitioner has the opportunity to become actively engaged in activities designed to shape public policy at both the state and national level (American Association of Nurse Practitioners [AANP], 2018).

In addition to these general strategies for advocating individually, there are specific actions an individual nurse practitioner can take when lobbying for changes related specifically to NP practice authority. At the state level, individuals can contact their representatives directly regarding proposed legislation related to scope of practice expansion or other measures which benefit APNs. At the same time they should reach out every year during session so legislators understand how important it is for them as constituents (Rhodes et al., 2017). It’s also beneficial for physicians’ practices accepting referrals from APNs who may voice opposition due to uncertainty over credentialing issues; establishing relationships with these practices helps ensure strong collaboration between doctors & NPs who work together on patient care plans (Kelley et al., 2016).
Finally, it’s helpful if individuals join coalitions formed around specific issues like reproductive rights or expanded access initiatives . Coalitions provide strength in numbers because members influence decision makers more effectively when working collectively rather than alone (Agency for Healthcare Research & Quality [AHRQ], 2013).

References:
Agency for Healthcare Research & Quality(2013) Strengthen Your Advocacy Voice: Learn How To Form A Coalition .Retrieved from https://www.ahrq.gov/advocacy/coalitions/index4b2a3a3d7f6e5c3960ba8eb1cef6a728cc917dbb634783365f6863fab506daf065590cf83fd8e138550c01daacff74608810fc03189ffec1442b18673775f1ab0/.
American Association of Nurse Practitioners(2018) Get Involved With AANP – Advocacy Center | American Association Of Nurse Practitionerse Retrieved from https://www.aanp.org/legislation-regulation/state-legislation/get-involved-with-aanp#howtoparticipate
Florida Academy Of Nurse Practitioners(2019) Policy Action Center| FANPActionCenter Retrieved from https://fanpactioncenter.com/?page_id=2719 Kelley S et al.(2016) Strategies For Developing Collaborative Partnerships Between Physicians And Advanced Practice Nurses: Results From Two Studies , Worldviews On Evidence Based Nursing 13(2), pp104–110 DOI 1020890415582831X Rhodes R et al.(2017) Influence Of Physician Practices On State Policy Related To Advanced Practice Registered Nurses Scope Of Practice , Professional Case Management 22(11): 462–472 doi: 107749935761550812

This question has been answered.

Get Answer