Discussion 2 Modeule 4 Wk 8: The Role Of The Rn/aprn In Policy-Making

The Role of the RN and APRN in Policy MakingNursing offers essential services to the people. Therefore, due to its impact in the healthcare sector, nurses should be involved in policy-making. In the history of policy making, nurses have had a hand in many health care policies. During policymaking, RNs and APRNs can participate in influencing policy outcome through different opportunities (Vlasich & Harper, 2017). One opportunity is through advocacy. The advocacy involves the process where the nurses draft a bill and then lobbying it through local politician (Vlasich & Harper, 2017). Most of the sponsors of bills are elected politicians. Second opportunity is leadership (Vlasich & Harper, 2017). The RNs and APRNs are leaders and thus can use their leadership qualities to influence a policy (Patton, Zalon, & Ludwick, 2018a). Being experts in nursing, they can consult and offer expert advice to sponsors of bills in the senate or the congress. Despite the numerous opportunities in influencing policies, RNs and APRNs face several challenges. The first challenge is the difficulty in engaging politicians. Most politicians are busy with many issues affecting the society (Patton, Zalon, & Ludwick, 2018b). Therefore, getting the opportunity to consult with them is difficult.