Anders R. L. (2021). Engaging nurses in health policy in the era of covid-19. Nursing Forum, 56(1), 89–94.

https://doi.org/10.1111/nuf.12514.

The challenge for nurses is to find a way to engage in policymaking that is authentic to nursing's ancestry,
values, and professional conscience. The role of a nurse mandates the ability to manage competing
demands and the skills to problem‐solve to provide quality outcomes. Nurses are subject matter experts
(SME) as they are an authority in a specific clinical area of practice. They have appropriate academic
education and clinical expertize to serve as experts in sharing their knowledge with policymakers and
others. 10 The knowledge nurses at the front‐line of patient care have related to their clinical practice
should be shared with health policymakers. Nurses, when heard by powerbrokers, will add value to
decision making around health system reform, regulatory changes, care coordination, and health
information technology. As SMEs, the conundrum remains how best to leverage the well‐earned status
as experts yet find forums that present a low risk‐low barrier to entry opportunities. Options are
limitless. Taking on the role of SME, when combined with the Yoder‐Wise Planned Policy Framework 4
helps clinicians understand opportunities to become involved in policy change at different points in the
policy process.

Chiu, P., Cummings, G. G., Thorne, S., & Schick-Makaroff, K. (2021). Policy advocacy and nursing
organizations: A scoping review. Policy, Politics & Nursing Practice, 22(4), 271–291.
https://doi.org/10.1177/15271544211050611

Policy advocacy is often accepted without question as a key function of many nursing organizations. As a
result, it has not been subject to much critical examination or empirical investigation. This review has
provided an overview of the nature, extent, and range of scholarly work focused on examining policy
advocacy undertaken by nursing organizations. The findings lay the groundwork for future areas of
inquiry and suggest that a more focused and critically reflective body of knowledge is required to help
challenge current approaches, identify areas for improvement, and offer new insights into how these
institutions can best meet the needs of nurses, the public, and health systems. To continue to strengthen
the policy influence of nursing globally for the betterment of our societies and healthcare systems, our
focus must extend beyond the advocacy undertaken by individual nurses to ensure we effectively
mobilize the capacity of nursing organizations to have optimal impact on policy, practice, and society.

Lewinski, A. A., & Simmons, L. A. (2018). Nurse knowledge and engagement in health policy making:
Findings from a pilot study. Journal of Continuing Education in Nursing, 49(9), 407–415.
https://doi.org/10.3928/00220124-20180813-06.

Although nurses constitute the largest segment of the health care workforce in the United States, their
participation in all levels of health policy advocacy remains low. We surveyed practicing nurses on their
current knowledge about health policy advocacy, current and desired involvement in health policy
advocacy, and desired components in a continuing education program on health policy advocacy. One
hundred eighteen nurses responded to the e-mail solicitation, and 84 (71%) of those nurses were
eligible. The sample was Caucasian, and the majority were women, aged 45 to 64 years, and registered
to vote. Most had obtained an advanced degree and saw patients 25 to 48 hours per week. Respondents
reported understanding the differences between health policy and health advocacy. Approximately one
third of the nurses reported currently engaging in political/legislative health policy advocacy and patient
advocacy. Open-ended responses indicated confusion between patient and political advocacy, suggesting
that an easily accessible continuing education program could provide education about different advocacy
approaches to help nurses leverage their clinical expertise specifically to influence health policy
advocacy.

Setting an agenda Policy formulation Policy adoption Policy implementation Policy assessment Policy
modification

Provide an overview of the "Policy assessment" stage of the policy process and discuss how nurses can
be engaged in the process. Use the notes APA style.

Provide an overview of the "Policy modification" stage of the policy process and discuss how nurses can
be engaged in the process. Use the notes APA style.

Demarco, S., & Healey-Walsh, J. (2020). Wolters Kluwer. ISBN:978-1975111694

PAPERBACK 9781975111694 or E-BOOK 9781975144500

In the "Setting an agenda" stage of the policy process, the initial focus is on identifying and recognizing
a particular issue or problem that requires attention and may benefit from policy intervention (Policy
Steps, example provided). This stage is crucial as it establishes the foundation for policy development.
There are several factors that influence this stage, including the significance of the problem, the
political support for addressing the problem, and the viability of proposed alternative solutions (Policy
Steps, example provided).

Nurses, as frontline healthcare providers, have a significant role to play in this stage. Being directly
involved in patient care, nurses possess unique insights into healthcare issues and challenges.
According to Anders (2021), nurses are considered subject matter experts due to their clinical
expertise and academic education. They possess valuable knowledge regarding patient care which
should be communicated to health policymakers. Nurses' involvement at this stage can add value to
the decision-making process concerning health system reforms, regulatory changes, care coordination,
and health information technology (Anders, 2021).

However, there are challenges in involving nurses authentically in policymaking. The key is for nurses to
find platforms where they can share their expertise effectively while being aligned with their professional
values (Anders, 2021). By engaging in forums that are easily accessible and present low barriers to entry,
nurses can contribute in setting the agenda by identifying pressing healthcare issues and proposing
viable solutions. Furthermore, nursing organizations play an important role in policy advocacy (Chiu,
Cummings, Thorne, & Schick-Makaroff, 2021). These organizations can help in mobilizing the nursing
workforce and creating avenues for nurses to engage in the policy process, including setting the agenda
for policy issues that are critical to both the nursing profession and patient care.

In conclusion, the “Setting an agenda” stage is crucial in the policy-making process, and nurses, with
their clinical expertise, have a vital role in this stage. They can contribute to identifying key issues and
promoting solutions. Nursing organizations can also play a significant role in supporting and mobilizing
nurses in this endeavor.

In the "Policy formulation" stage of the policy process, various alternatives and strategies are
considered to address the issue identified in the agenda-setting stage. This stage involves in-depth
research and analysis of the issue at hand, as well as the development of potential solutions. It is
during this stage that stakeholders and experts, including nurses, are called upon to provide input and
expertise regarding the options being considered (Policy Steps, example provided).

Nurses, with their frontline experience and clinical expertise, can play a pivotal role in policy
formulation. They have a unique understanding of patient needs and the challenges faced in the
healthcare system. Anders (2021) emphasized that nurses, being subject matter experts, have the
ability to share their clinical expertise and knowledge with policymakers, which can greatly inform the
policy formulation process. For instance, a nurse specializing in chronic disease management might
provide invaluable insights into the development of policies aimed at improving care for patients with
chronic conditions.

However, nurses need platforms where they can engage effectively in policy formulation. According to
Anders (2021), there are limitless opportunities for nurses to take on the role of subject matter experts
and participate in policy development. Nursing organizations can also facilitate nurses' involvement in
policy formulation. Chiu et al. (2021) highlighted that policy advocacy is a key function of many nursing
organizations, and these organizations can play a critical role in mobilizing nurses and creating avenues
for them to contribute their expertise to policy development. They can facilitate nurses' involvement by
providing education, resources, and support for policy engagement.

Furthermore, nursing organizations and institutions can create partnerships with policymakers and
contribute to research and data collection, which are vital during the policy formulation stage. Through
these partnerships, nurses can bring the evidence needed to inform the development of effective
policies that address the real challenges faced in healthcare delivery.

In summary, the "Policy formulation" stage is where the groundwork for developing policies is laid.
Nurses, through their clinical expertise, can contribute meaningfully to this process. Nursing
organizations have the capacity to facilitate and support nurses' engagement in policy formulation.

The "Policy adoption" stage of the policy process involves the selection and endorsement of a specific
policy alternative that has been formulated to address the issue at hand. At this stage, it is essential
that the selected policy gains support and momentum among stakeholders, including legislators and
policymakers. This is where decisions are made on which policy alternative to pursue, and
commitment is sought from those in power to move forward with the chosen policy (Policy Steps,
example provided).

Nurses can actively participate in the "Policy adoption" stage by leveraging their expertise and
influence to garner support for policies that promote the well-being of patients and the healthcare
community. According to Anders (2021), nurses are subject matter experts and have the authority and
credibility to share their knowledge with policymakers. By providing expert testimony, participating in
lobbying activities, or advocating through professional organizations, nurses can help influence the
adoption of policies that reflect the realities and needs of healthcare delivery.

Furthermore, nursing organizations can play a vital role in policy adoption. Chiu et al. (2021) highlight
that nursing organizations often engage in policy advocacy, which is integral to the policy adoption stage.
These organizations can mobilize their memberships, develop position statements, and engage in
advocacy campaigns to support the adoption of specific policies. By uniting nurses under a common
cause, these organizations can amplify the voice of the nursing profession and play a significant role in
influencing the adoption of policies that are aligned with the values and priorities of the nursing
community.

In addition, nurses can engage in grassroots advocacy efforts to garner broader support for policy
adoption. Through social media, petitions, and community engagement, nurses can help build public
support for policies, which can be influential in swaying the opinions of policymakers and legislators.

In conclusion, nurses, through their expertise and the collective influence of their profession, can
significantly contribute to the "Policy adoption" stage. Their involvement can ensure that the policies
adopted are evidence-based and reflective of the needs and values of the healthcare community.

The "Policy implementation" stage in the policy process is where the policies that have been adopted
are put into action. During this phase, the practical steps needed to enforce the policy are executed
using the available resources such as manpower, financial resources, and infrastructure. This stage
requires strategic planning, coordination, and effective communication among the various
stakeholders involved to ensure that the policy is implemented as intended (Policy Steps, example
provided).

Nurses play a vital role in the "Policy implementation" stage due to their hands-on involvement in
patient care and their in-depth knowledge of the healthcare system. Anders (2021) emphasizes that as
subject matter experts, nurses possess unique insights and experience that can contribute to the
effective implementation of health policies. They can be instrumental in creating guidelines,
developing protocols, and educating other healthcare professionals on the practical aspects of the
policy. Furthermore, nurses can be involved in monitoring and ensuring compliance with the new
policies within healthcare settings.

Nursing organizations also play a significant role in policy implementation. According to Chiu et al.
(2021), these organizations are often involved in policy advocacy and can extend their influence into
policy implementation by providing support, resources, and education to nurses on new policies. They
can help in disseminating information, organizing training programs, and offering guidelines to assist
nurses in adapting to and implementing new policies in their practice.

Additionally, nurses can serve as leaders or members of implementation teams within healthcare
facilities. By being actively engaged in these teams, nurses can contribute their clinical expertise and
knowledge of patient needs to ensure that the policy is implemented in a way that is effective and
beneficial to patients and the healthcare system as a whole.

In summary, nurses, through their clinical expertise and roles in healthcare settings, are critical in the
"Policy implementation" stage. Their involvement ensures that the policy is not only implemented but is
done so in a way that maximizes its effectiveness and benefits to the patient population.

The "Policy assessment" stage of the policy process involves evaluating the effectiveness and
outcomes of the implemented policy. This is a critical stage where the policy is scrutinized to ascertain
whether it is compliant with statutory requirements and if it is achieving its intended goals.
Additionally, this stage involves considering the cost-effectiveness and impact of policy interventions.
Based on the evaluation, feedback is generated which can later be used for policy modification or
maintenance (Policy Steps, example provided).
Nurses, due to their direct involvement in patient care and being key stakeholders in the healthcare
system, play an indispensable role in the "Policy assessment" stage. As Anders (2021) asserts, nurses
as subject matter experts, possess a wealth of knowledge and experience that can be instrumental in
evaluating the real-world impact of policies on patient outcomes and healthcare delivery. Nurses can
participate in data collection, contribute to analyzing outcomes, and provide firsthand insights into
how a policy is affecting clinical practice and patient care.

Moreover, nursing organizations can actively participate in policy assessment by collecting data from
their members, analyzing the information, and generating reports on the policy's impact. Chiu et al.
(2021) emphasize the significance of nursing organizations in policy advocacy, which can be extended to
the assessment phase. Through collaborations with academic institutions or research entities, nursing
organizations can also conduct studies to evaluate the effectiveness of policies and provide evidence-
based recommendations for policy improvement.

Nurses can also be involved in presenting the results of policy assessments to policymakers,
stakeholders, and the general public. They can utilize different forums and platforms, such as
conferences, journals, and social media, to share their findings and provide recommendations for policy
modifications.

In conclusion, nurses have a pivotal role in the "Policy assessment" stage due to their clinical expertise
and direct interaction with the beneficiaries of healthcare policies. Their involvement ensures a
comprehensive and realistic evaluation of policies, and their recommendations can be instrumental in
refining and improving healthcare policies for the betterment of patients and the healthcare system as a
whole.

The "Policy modification" stage is the final step in the policy process, where, based on the evaluation and
assessment of the implemented policy, decisions are made on whether to maintain, alter, or eliminate
the policy. This stage is crucial for refining policies to ensure they are effectively addressing the intended
issues and serving the interests of the community (Policy Steps, example provided).

Nurses, with their hands-on experience and clinical expertise, can play a vital role in the "Policy
modification" stage. As Anders (2021) highlights, nurses are subject matter experts with insights that can
be invaluable in identifying areas in policies that require refinement. They can provide feedback and
recommendations for modifications based on their observations of the policy’s impact on patient care
and outcomes.

Moreover, nursing organizations can actively contribute to policy modification. According to Chiu et al.
(2021), nursing organizations have a significant role in policy advocacy and can extend this to influencing
policy modification. By gathering data from their members, analyzing the impact of policies, and
articulating the professional views of nurses, these organizations can advocate for necessary changes in
policies to better meet the needs of patients and healthcare systems.

Additionally, nurses can use their advocacy skills to engage with policymakers and stakeholders,
presenting evidence-based recommendations for policy modification. Through participation in public
forums, meetings, and other platforms, nurses can voice concerns and provide solutions for improving
the existing policies.
In summary, the "Policy modification" stage is an ongoing process that ensures the continual refinement
of policies. Nurses, through their direct involvement in healthcare and their roles within professional
organizations, can contribute significantly to this process by providing valuable insights and advocating
for changes that will improve healthcare outcomes.

Anders R. L. (2021). Engaging nurses in health policy in the era of covid-19. Nursing Forum, 56(1), 89–94.
https://doi.org/10.1111/nuf.12514.

Demarco, S., & Healey-Walsh, J. (2020). Wolters Kluwer. ISBN:978-1975111694.

Chiu, P., Cummings, G. G., Thorne, S., & Schick-Makaroff, K. (2021). Policy advocacy and nursing
organizations: A scoping review. Policy, Politics & Nursing Practice, 22(4), 271–291.
https://doi.org/10.1177/15271544211050611.

Lewinski, A. A., & Simmons, L. A. (2018). Nurse knowledge and engagement in health policy making:
Findings from a pilot study. Journal of Continuing Education in Nursing, 49(9), 407–415.
https://doi.org/10.3928/00220124-20180813-06.