Nurse Leaders’ Policy Initiative: Formulating and Implementing Change for Improved Nursing Practice

QUESTION

Week 5: Discussion Question – Strategizing and Creating Change

Describe a policy initiative implemented by nurse leaders from a national professional nursing association, the processes used by the organization in formulating and implementing a policy agenda and the current outcomes of the initiative.

Suggested organizations include (but are not limited to):

• American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) American Nurses’ Association (A.N.A.)
• American Association of Nurse Practitioners (A.A.N.P.)
• American Association for Nursing Leadership (AONL), effective May 2019 (formerly AONE)
• The American Association for Men in Nursing (AAMN)

ANSWER

Nurse Leaders’ Policy Initiative: Formulating and Implementing Change for Improved Nursing Practice

Introduction

National professional nursing associations play a crucial role in shaping healthcare policies and advocating for the interests of nurses and patients. This essay discusses a policy initiative implemented by nurse leaders from the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN). We will explore the processes used in formulating and implementing the policy agenda and examine the current outcomes of this important initiative.

Policy Initiative: The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Degree

The policy initiative implemented by nurse leaders from the AACN focused on advancing nursing education through the promotion and adoption of the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree. The DNP degree aims to elevate the nursing profession by preparing advanced practice nurses with the highest level of clinical expertise and leadership skills.

Formulating the Policy Agenda

The formulation of the policy agenda involved a collaborative effort from nurse leaders, researchers, and educators within the AACN. Key steps in this process included:

Evidence Gathering: Nurse leaders conducted extensive research and gathered evidence on the need for advanced education in nursing practice. They analyzed healthcare trends, patient outcomes, and the evolving role of nurses in providing high-quality, patient-centered care.

Stakeholder Engagement: The AACN engaged with various stakeholders, including nursing schools, accrediting bodies, healthcare organizations, and policymakers, to garner support for the DNP degree. Collaboration and dialogue were essential in understanding the potential impact and challenges of implementing this policy.

Policy Development: Building on the evidence and stakeholder feedback, nurse leaders drafted a comprehensive policy advocating for the widespread adoption of the DNP degree as the terminal degree for advanced practice nurses.

Implementing the Policy Agenda

The implementation of the DNP degree as the terminal degree for advanced practice nursing involved several critical steps:

Accreditation Standards: The AACN worked with nursing education accrediting bodies to develop accreditation standards for DNP programs, ensuring consistency and quality across institutions.

Curriculum Development: Nursing schools across the nation revised their curriculum to offer DNP programs that aligned with the AACN’s guidelines. This involved integrating advanced clinical and leadership content to prepare nurse practitioners, nurse anesthetists, and other advanced practice nurses.

Advocacy and Promotion: Nurse leaders from the AACN engaged in advocacy efforts at the state and federal levels to promote the DNP degree and secure support from policymakers and legislators.

Current Outcomes of the Initiative

The policy initiative to promote the DNP degree has yielded several significant outcomes:

Increased Enrollment: Over the years, there has been a substantial increase in enrollment in DNP programs, reflecting the growing interest in advanced education among nursing professionals.

Expanded Scope of Practice: Graduates of DNP programs have demonstrated enhanced clinical expertise and leadership skills, leading to an expanded scope of practice and improved patient care.

Influence on Healthcare Policy: Nurses with DNP degrees are increasingly involved in shaping healthcare policies, serving as influential leaders within healthcare organizations and advocacy groups.

Conclusion

The policy initiative led by nurse leaders from the AACN to promote the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree has proven successful in advancing nursing education and elevating the nursing profession. Through evidence-based policy formulation, stakeholder engagement, and strategic implementation, the AACN has achieved positive outcomes, including increased DNP enrollment, expanded scope of practice, and significant contributions to healthcare policy. As nurse leaders continue to advocate for higher standards of education and practice, the nursing profession will further evolve, contributing to improved patient outcomes and the overall advancement of healthcare delivery.