What parts of the lawmaking process does a nurse have an opportunity to influence the final bill passage? List at least two ways that this influence can take place. In your opinion, would one way be preferable over the other? Reviewing the social determinants of health, select one to respond to this question: What role can nurses play in promoting health status through policy changes directly affecting this social determinant?

QUESTION

In a Microsoft Word document of 2-3 pages formatted in APA style, you will answer three questions related to your opportunity as a nurse and an advocate. The first two questions relate to influencing a bill that is traveling through the legislative process. The third question refers you to the social determinants of health and asks you to think specifically on your role as a nurse in influencing social determinants of health.

Answer the following questions:

What parts of the lawmaking process does a nurse have an opportunity to influence the final bill passage?
List at least two ways that this influence can take place. In your opinion, would one way be preferable over the other?
Reviewing the social determinants of health, select one to respond to this question:
What role can nurses play in promoting health status through policy changes directly affecting this social determinant?

Write each question as a new topic area and then follow with a paragraph or two to answer the question. You may find it necessary to search for answers to the questions outside of the assigned reading.

On a separate reference page, cite all sources using APA format. Please note that the title and reference pages should not be included in the total page count of your paper.

ANSWER

The Influence of Nurses in the Lawmaking Process and Promoting Health Status through Policy Changes

Introduction

Nurses play a crucial role not only in providing healthcare but also in influencing policy decisions that impact public health. This essay explores the opportunities nurses have to influence the final passage of bills within the lawmaking process. Additionally, we will delve into the role nurses can play in promoting health status through policy changes that directly affect a specific social determinant of health.

Influencing the Final Bill Passage

The lawmaking process involves several stages, including bill drafting, committee review, floor debates, voting, and the final passage of the bill into law. Although nurses may not be directly involved in drafting legislation, they can contribute to shaping the final outcome in various ways.

**Expert Testimony and Advocacy**: Nurses possess valuable expertise and firsthand knowledge of healthcare issues, making them well-suited to provide expert testimony during committee hearings and public forums. By sharing their experiences and evidence-based insights, nurses can educate lawmakers on the potential impact of proposed legislation. This can significantly influence their decision-making process and shape the final bill.

**Coalition Building and Lobbying**: Nurses can actively engage in coalition building efforts by collaborating with professional organizations, advocacy groups, and community stakeholders. By joining forces with like-minded individuals and organizations, nurses can amplify their collective voice and advocate for policy changes that align with their professional expertise. Lobbying efforts, such as contacting lawmakers, participating in rallies, or organizing grassroots campaigns, can also influence the final outcome of a bill.

Preference for Influence Method

In my opinion, both expert testimony and advocacy as well as coalition building and lobbying are essential ways for nurses to exert influence in the lawmaking process. Each method brings unique strengths that, when used in combination, can yield more significant impact. Expert testimony allows nurses to provide evidence-based insights and offer a healthcare perspective directly to lawmakers. This helps inform their decision-making process with reliable information. On the other hand, coalition building and lobbying provide a broader platform for nurses to mobilize collective action, leverage resources, and build relationships with key stakeholders. By uniting with other healthcare professionals, community members, and advocacy groups, nurses can create a stronger voice for policy changes.

Promoting Health Status through Policy Changes

Social determinants of health, such as socioeconomic status, have a significant influence on individuals’ health outcomes. Nurses have a crucial role to play in promoting health status by advocating for policy changes that directly impact these determinants.

For instance, let’s consider the social determinant of education. Nurses can actively engage in policy advocacy to improve educational opportunities and outcomes for vulnerable populations. This may involve supporting legislation that ensures equitable access to quality education, advocating for school-based health programs, and addressing barriers that hinder educational attainment, such as poverty and systemic inequalities. By collaborating with educators, policymakers, and community leaders, nurses can advocate for policies that foster healthier environments and empower individuals through education.

Conclusion

Nurses have a unique opportunity to influence the final passage of bills through expert testimony, advocacy, coalition building, and lobbying. By leveraging their expertise and collaborating with stakeholders, nurses can shape policy decisions that impact public health. Furthermore, nurses can promote health status by advocating for policy changes that directly address social determinants of health. Through their involvement in the lawmaking process and policy advocacy, nurses can contribute to creating healthier communities and improving overall population health.