Purpose
The purpose of this assignment is to discuss the healthcare policy of the APN profession and how Transformational Leadership can help to influence policy changes. This week’s assignment focuses on the APN as a Health Policy Leader, one of the nine NONPF NP competencies. Students will analyze how health policy may affect NP practice and how Transformational Leadership can help to influence policy changes.
Activity Learning Outcomes
Through this discussion, the student will demonstrate the ability to:
- Critically analyze how healthcare systems and APRN practice are organized and influenced by ethical, legal, economic, and political factors (CO2)
- Demonstrate professional and personal growth concerning the advocacy role of advanced practice nursing in fostering policy within diverse healthcare settings (CO3)
- Advocate for institutional, local, national, and international policies that fosters person-centered healthcare and nursing practice (CO4)
Preparing the Discussion
Criteria for Content
· Explanation of how healthcare policy can impact the advanced practice nurse profession
· Explanation of why advocacy is considered an essential component of the advance practice nurse's role
· Discuss the four pillars of Transformational leadership and the effect they may have on influencing policy change
Full Answer Section
- Payment: Healthcare policy can also impact the payment for APN services. For example, some insurance plans may not cover APN services at all, or they may only cover a portion of the cost. This can make it difficult for APNs to get reimbursed for their services and can make it more challenging for them to build a successful practice.
- Regulation: Healthcare policy can also impact the regulation of APNs. For example, some states require APNs to obtain a license to practice, while others do not. The requirements for obtaining a license can vary from state to state, and they can also change over time.
- Public perception: Healthcare policy can also impact the public perception of APNs. For example, if policy changes make it more difficult for APNs to practice, this could lead to a decrease in public trust in APNs.
Why advocacy is considered an essential component of the advance practice nurse's role
Advocacy is considered an essential component of the APN role because it allows APNs to influence healthcare policy and improve the quality of care for patients. APNs can advocate for their patients by:
- Educating patients about their rights and options
- Advocating for access to care
- Advocating for reimbursement for APN services
- Advocating for changes to healthcare policy that will improve the quality of care
The four pillars of Transformational leadership and the effect they may have on influencing policy change
The four pillars of Transformational leadership are:
- Idealized influence: This is the ability to inspire others to follow your lead by demonstrating your commitment to a shared vision.
- Inspirational motivation: This is the ability to motivate others by providing them with a clear and compelling vision for the future.
- Intellectual stimulation: This is the ability to challenge others to think creatively and to see new possibilities.
- Individualized consideration: This is the ability to provide each individual with the support and attention they need to succeed.
Transformational leadership can be an effective way to influence policy change because it can help to build relationships, gain trust, and inspire others to take action. When APNs use Transformational leadership, they can:
- Build relationships with policymakers and other stakeholders
- Gain trust and credibility with policymakers
- Inspire others to support their cause
- Create a shared vision for the future of healthcare
Sample Answer
Here are some thoughts on how healthcare policy can impact the advanced practice nurse (APN) profession and how Transformational Leadership can help to influence policy changes:
How healthcare policy can impact the APN profession
Healthcare policy can impact the APN profession in a number of ways, including:
- Scope of practice: Healthcare policy can dictate the scope of practice for APNs, meaning the services they can provide and the settings in which they can practice. For example, some states have laws that restrict the ability of APNs to prescribe medications or perform certain procedures.