Assignment task:
Reply to the following discussion, APA style, 150 to 200 words, 1 or more references, NO AI, Plagiarism less than 20 %.
My Reflection on Healthcare Policy and Nursing Practice
This course has greatly expanded my awareness of the complex ways that healthcare policy influences clinical practice, patient outcomes, and access to resources. Previously, I saw policy exclusively as administrative regulation. Now I understand that policies affect all levels of care, from nurse staffing ratios to insurance qualifying standards. One example that influenced my profession was the introduction of telehealth services during the COVID-19 pandemic. Policy improvements at the state and federal levels enabled coverage for virtual visits, significantly improving access for marginalized populations, particularly the elderly and chronically ill patients who previously faced transportation or mobility hurdles.
The course has also helped me understand the role of Advanced Practice Nurses (APNs) in shaping policy and delivery systems. APNs are not only providers, but also important legislative stakeholders who may advocate for increased access, quality, and equity in care. I see myself being involved in healthcare advocacy by joining professional nursing organizations, participating in public comment periods on proposed regulations, and educating patients and colleagues on policies that affect health equity.
Going forward, I intend to incorporate this knowledge into my everyday practice by subscribing to respected policy bulletins (such as those published by the American Association of Nurse Practitioners) and attending local legislative sessions whenever possible. I'll also make it a point to assess how new recommendations or reforms effect care delivery, documentation, and patient access, especially in primary care and underprivileged populations.
This course aided both personal and professional development. I now feel more comfortable discussing healthcare issues, advocating for change, and acknowledging the value of collective nurse voices. It has shaped me into a more knowledgeable leader-one who recognizes that in today's complicated healthcare environment, clinical expertise must be combined with policy understanding to promote effective reform. Need Assignment Help?
Reference:
Milstead, J. A., & Short, N. M. (2022). Health policy and politics: A nurse's guide (7th ed.). Jones & Bartlett Learning.