18 Jan 3. How is it governed?

NUR4837 Healthcare Policy, Advocacy, and the Political Process

Unit 1 Discussion

1. Sphere of Influence: The Workforce & Workplace: (developing a policy that impacts the workforce or the workplace)

Instructions

Select a current problem, for example, the inability of the profession to establish the BSN as a minimum requirement for entry into practice, or the shortage of nurses in the United States. Using the “Steps of a Political Analysis” found in Box 8-1 as a guide:

1. Identifying and analyzing the problem

2. Outlining and analyzing proposed solutions

3. Understanding the background of the issue: its history and previous attempts to address the problem

4. Locating the political setting and structures involved

5. Evaluating the stakeholders

6. Conducting a values assessment

7. Recognizing the resources (both financial and human) needed to reach the intended goals

8. Analyzing the power bases

2. Sphere of Influence: The Government (practice influencing policy by communicating with a legislator about a current health problem)

Instructions

1. Identify a current health problem that is being debated at the national and/or state level (e.g., the proliferation of “pill mills” and pain clinics), and state why it is of interest.

2. Identify a legislator (state or federal) and state why that person is the appropriate one to contact.

3. Draft a letter to the legislator including the proper salutation.

4. Introduce yourself and your reason for writing.

5. State concisely what you understand to be the current socioeconomic, political, and ethical issues surrounding the problem.

6. Discuss the implications of the problem for nursing or nursing practice.

7. Make a clear request for action.

8. Request a response.

3. Sphere of Influence: Associations and Interest Groups (provides the opportunity to become familiar with different nursing associations.) PLEASE, NO DUPLICATION! There are enough Associations & Interest groups to go around!

Instructions

1. Choose a nursing association.

2. List the mission and purpose of the association

3. How is it governed?

4. What is the legislative agenda of the association?

5. How is that agenda developed? Is the membership involved?

6. How is the agenda communicated to the membership?

7. Does it partner with any coalitions?

8. Does the partnership influence policy on a national or state level? If yes, how?

9. When you graduate will you join the association? If yes, why? If no, why not?