THE ROLE OF THE RN/APRN IN POLICY EVALUATION

In the Module 4 Discussion, you considered how professional nurses can become involved in policy-making. A critical component of any policy design is evaluation of the results. How comfortable are you with the thought of becoming involved with such matters?

Some nurses may be hesitant to get involved with policy evaluation. The preference may be to focus on the care and well-being of their patients; some nurses may feel ill-equipped to enter the realm of policy and political activities. However, as you have examined previously, who better to advocate for patients and effective programs and polices than nurses? Already patient advocates in interactions with doctors and leadership, why not with government and regulatory agencies?

In this Discussion, you will reflect on the role of professional nurses in policy evaluation.

RESOURCES

Be sure to review the Learning Resources before completing this activity.
Click the weekly resources link to access the resources. 

WEEKLY RESOURCES

To Prepare:

• In the Module 4 Discussion, you considered how professional nurses can become involved in policy-making.
• Review the Resources and reflect on the role of professional nurses in policy evaluation.

BY DAY 3 OF WEEK 9

Select an existing healthcare program or policy evaluation or choose one of interest to you.

Review community, state, or federal policy evaluation and reflect on the criteria used to measure the effectiveness of the program or policy described.

Post an evaluation topic and a brief description of the evaluation. Discuss how social determinants impact this issue.

BY DAY 6 OF WEEK 9

Respond to at least two of your colleagues* on two different days by suggesting additional opportunities or recommendations for overcoming the challenges described by your colleagues.

Intra and Interdisciplinary Collaboration in Practice

       Makhanu 

       John Green’s case presents several socioeconomic, spiritual,  lifestyle, and cultural factors that should be considered when  interacting with him as a healthcare provider.

1. Gender Identity and Transition: John identifies as a  male but was assigned female at birth. Understanding his gender  identity and history of transitioning is crucial for providing sensitive  and appropriate care (Coleman, 2019). Questions might include:
   • Could you please share more about your gender transition journey and any specific healthcare needs related to it?
   • Are there any gender-specific health concerns or challenges you’d like to discuss?
2. Unemployment and Financial Situation: John is  currently unemployed and has concerns about being a burden on his  family. Exploring his financial situation, any potential stressors  related to unemployment, and his support system is important (Coleman,  2019). Questions could include:
   • Can you tell me more about your current employment situation and any financial stress you might be experiencing?
   • Do you have a support network that you can rely on during this period of unemployment?
3. Substance Use: John’s smoking and marijuana use can  have a significant impact on his health. It’s important to assess the  frequency and quantity of use and discuss potential health risks  associated with these behaviors. Questions might include:
   • Can you share more about your smoking habits, including when you started and how many cigarettes you smoke daily?
   • Tell me about your marijuana use. How often do you use it, and in what quantities?
4. Depression: John mentions experiencing episodes of  depression. Exploring the severity, triggers, and coping mechanisms  related to his depression is important for providing mental health  support. Questions could include:
   • Could you describe your experiences with depression, including when it started and how it affects your daily life?
   • Have you sought any mental health support or counseling for your depression?
5. HIV Status and Medication: Understanding John’s HIV  status, treatment regimen, and adherence is critical for assessing his  overall health (CDC,2020). Questions might include:
   • Can you provide more information about your HIV diagnosis, including how you’re managing it?
   • How has your experience with HIV treatment been, and have you encountered any challenges or side effects?
6. Social Support and Family Dynamics: John has moved  back home with his parents. Exploring his relationship with his family  and the impact of this living arrangement on his mental and emotional  well-being is essential. Questions could include:
   • How is your relationship with your family, especially since you moved back home?
   • Are there any specific challenges or stressors related to living with your parents that you’d like to discuss?
7. Spiritual and Cultural Beliefs: Assessing John’s  spiritual and cultural beliefs can help tailor care to his preferences  (Young             et al.,2016). Questions might include:
   • Do you have any spiritual or cultural practices that are important  to you, and would you like them to be incorporated into your healthcare?
8. Access to Healthcare: John mentions obtaining  testosterone online and receiving HIV medication by mail. Understanding  his access to healthcare and the reliability of these sources is crucial  (Ball et al., 2023). Questions could include:
   • How have you been obtaining your medications, and do you have concerns about their source or quality?
   • Have you faced any barriers to accessing healthcare, such as cost or transportation?

Sensitivity to John’s unique experiences and challenges related to  his gender identity, unemployment, substance use, mental health, and HIV  status is essential to providing patient-centered care. Building  rapport and trust through open and non-judgmental communication is key  to addressing his healthcare needs effectively.

 Face to Face—You and Your New Job in Customer Service

You have assumed a new role in customer service at United Booksellers. The organization has been heralded for its high-quality service and friendly atmosphere. The facilities are nice, and the efficiency and helpfulness of the employees are notable. Each store has its own coffee shop where patrons can relax and read. The organization employs 3,000 people and provides extensive customer service training before employees are allowed to interact with customers.

Assignment Details

Answer the following questions:

1. Are there any indicators of United Booksellers’ service culture? If so, what are they?
2. As an employee of United Booksellers, in what ways do you feel that you could contribute to the organizational culture?
3. If you were a customer, what kind of service would you expect to receive at United Booksellers? Why?