The Role of the RN/APRN in Policy-Making

Word cloud generators have become popular tools for meetings and team-building events. Groups or teams are asked to use these applications to input words they feel best describe their team or their role. A “word cloud” is generated by the application that makes prominent the most-used terms, offering an image of the common thinking among participants of that role.
What types of words would you use to build a nursing word cloud? Empathetic, organized, hard-working, or advocate would all certainly apply. Would you add policy-maker to your list? Do you think it would be a very prominent component of the word cloud?
Nursing has become one of the largest professions in the world, and as such, nurses have the potential to influence policy and politics on a global scale. When nurses influence the politics that improve the delivery of healthcare, they are ultimately advocating for their patients. Hence, policy-making has become an increasingly popular term among nurses as they recognize a moral and professional obligation to be engaged in healthcare legislation.

Full Answer Section

       
  • Skilled
  • Knowledgeable
  • Clinical
  • Competent
  • Detail-oriented
  • Observant
  • Gentle
  • Therapeutic

Professional & Organizational Aspects:

  • Organized
  • Hard-working
  • Collaborative
  • Teamwork
  • Communicator
  • Critical-thinker
  • Problem-solver
  • Leader
  • Advocate
  • Ethical
  • Professional
  • Resilient
  • Adaptable
  • Time-management
  • Documenter

Emotional & Personal Attributes:

  • Strong
  • Courageous
  • Dedicated (repeated for emphasis)
  • Passionate
  • Determined
  • Resourceful
  • Calm (under pressure)
  • Supportive
  • Trustworthy

Emerging & Evolving Roles:

  • Educator
  • Innovator
  • Researcher
  • Mentor
  • Change-agent
  • Policy-maker

Would I add "policy-maker" to my list? Do I think it would be a very prominent component?

Yes, I would definitely add "policy-maker" to my list for a nursing word cloud. The increasing recognition of nurses' potential and obligation to engage in healthcare legislation makes it a relevant and important term.

However, I do not think "policy-maker" would be a very prominent component of the word cloud yet, in a general sense. Here's why:

  • Current Focus: While the understanding of nurses' policy influence is growing, the primary, day-to-day experience of many nurses still revolves around direct patient care, organization, and advocacy at the individual or immediate community level. Words directly related to these experiences are likely to be more frequently cited.
  • Varied Levels of Engagement: The level of direct engagement in policy-making varies significantly among nurses. Some may be actively involved in professional organizations, lobbying efforts, or government roles, while others may primarily advocate for patients within the clinical setting.
  • Emerging Identity: While the importance of policy influence is being emphasized, the identity of "policy-maker" may not yet be as deeply ingrained in the collective consciousness of the entire nursing profession compared to more traditional roles like "caregiver" or "advocate" (in the patient-specific sense).

However, the prominence of "policy-maker" in a nursing word cloud would likely be higher in specific contexts:

  • Nursing Leadership Groups: Among nurse managers, directors, and executives, "policy-maker" would likely have greater prominence.
  • Nursing Advocacy Organizations: If the word cloud participants were primarily from nursing unions or professional organizations focused on political action, "policy-maker" would be a key term.
  • Advanced Practice Nurses: Those in roles with greater autonomy and scope of practice might see themselves as having a larger role in shaping care delivery systems and thus, policy.
  • Educational Settings: In nursing education programs that actively promote policy engagement, the term might be more prominent among students and faculty.

Conclusion on "Policy-Maker":

While not yet a dominant term in a general nursing word cloud, "policy-maker" is an increasingly important and relevant descriptor. Its inclusion reflects the growing awareness of nurses' power to shape healthcare systems and advocate for patients on a broader scale. As the profession continues to evolve and embrace its political potential, the prominence of "policy-maker" in future nursing word clouds is likely to increase. The emphasis on this term signifies a crucial shift towards recognizing nurses not just as direct care providers, but also as influential agents of change within the healthcare landscape.

Sample Answer

       

This is a great prompt that highlights the evolving role of nurses and the increasing recognition of their influence in policy. Here's how I would approach building a nursing word cloud and my thoughts on "policy-maker":

Types of Words for a Nursing Word Cloud:

To build a comprehensive nursing word cloud, I would include a diverse range of words reflecting the multifaceted nature of the profession. Here's a broader list, categorized for clarity:

Core Caregiving Skills & Qualities:

  • Empathetic
  • Compassionate
  • Caring
  • Patient
  • Attentive
  • Dedicated
  • Responsible