Nursing Leadership Health Policy

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Introduction

Community health nursing is an integral part of healthcare as it is concerned with the well-being of all residents. Therefore, the promotion of a good environment for community health nurses (CHNs) can improve the state of healthcare in all parts of the country. In particular, these professionals can have a significant impact on the health of underserved populations which live in rural areas. As these populations may have limited access to health care services, their needs often go unnoticed by more prominent organizations. The following bill proposes better conditions and benefits for CHNs working in rural areas to improve retention rates and quality of care.

Proposed Change

First of all, it is vital to understand which improvements can be suggested to change the environment of rural healthcare organizations. The state government of Arizona is currently working on a bill that outlines certification regulations for community health workers. This bill will define the process of obtaining a certificate and establish standards for community health workers in the state (House Bill 2324, 2018). However, this bill does not include any specifications about these professionals place of work. It can be assumed that some of these individuals may not be enticed to relocate to rural areas because of anxieties connected to instable employment, the lack of healthcare organizations, and challenging tasks. Thus, one needs to consider a bill that will improve these conditions and provide CHNs with confidence in their workplace. High levels of retention can become a measurable factor to represent the higher quality of care level.

Rural nursing presents an issue that has to be addressed at the legislative level. According to Barrett, Terry, Lê, and Hoang (2016), many factors can affect nurses job satisfaction in remote areas. For instance, the location of organizations drives some workers away because of its insufficient human and financial resources. Therefore, the policy may include monetary support of CHNs and associated organizations as well as better conditions for workers and patients. Kulig, Kilpatrick, Moffitt, and Zimmer (2015) also mention other incentives such as nurses family support as the most effective ways of improving retention. Furthermore, training opportunities can provide CHNs with a better understanding of their future careers.

Exact Wording: An Act to Improve Retention for Rural Community Health Nurses

Preamble: Whereas the current state of rural community healthcare remains unstable, the levels of retention for nurses in underserved communities remain low due to the lack of proper aid. CHNs require learning opportunities, stability, and incentives as a means to improve the health of rural and removed populations.

Education: Rural areas shall be developed as educational sites for future community health nurses. Students interested in relocating to a remote area for training and employment shall be supported by bursaries. Newly graduated CHNs shall receive assistance and guidance from local mentors to integrate into the existing environment.

Financial Aid: Incentive packages shall be introduced for CHNs deciding to move to a remote area for employment. Such offers shall include support for nurses family members, extended annual leave, professional development opportunities, and regular bonuses.

Plan of Implementation

The bill proposed above has to pass through a number of entities in order to be approved and turned into law. Firstly, one should find the sponsor for the bill to introduce it in Congress (Gerston, 2014). Here, the choice of the representative can play a significant role in the policy being examined. The suggested representative for the discussed act is presented below. To appeal to the chosen organization or legislator, one has to create a plan of advocacy. It should include meetings and other ways of interaction with the selected official (Gerston, 2014). It is necessary to present the reform as a crucial and positive action that will help not one person but the whole community. Thus, all involved parties have to be considered while drafting the proposition. The sponsor may help to lobby for the bill by encouraging the community to endorse the proposed change and reach out to their local government leaders.

After the bill becomes supported by a sponsor, it is delegated to a specific group of legislators. Here, committees and subcommittees related to healthcare along with those interested in state finances are the ones to most likely work on this bill. During this step, the text of the proposal may undergo some changes amendments made by other contributors and interested organizations. Next, other lawmakers and the public are introduced to the project. It is important to note that ones communication and interaction with other people on this stage is essential to the bill becoming law. Other nursing organizations may comment on the created act and voice their support if it resonates with their agenda. After the hearings are over, the appointed subcommittee continues to develop the proposition and adds new information gathered from professional opinions. Finally, the project is presented in the House of Senate for debate. As the last step, if the bills contents are agreed upon by both houses, the executive official (State Governor) can sign or veto the bill.

Chosen Representative for the Change

Arizona Nurses Association (AzNA) is chosen as a supporter for this bill. This state nursing organization is an active participant and policy advocate of the local government. It has a number of endorsed representatives, and it helps nurses to be heard. The principles of this organization align with the intentions expressed in this bill. It advocates for public policy that wants to make health care affordable for all people (Arizona Nurses Association, 2017). Therefore, this organization may be interested in the discussed change which is designed to help underserved populations on a community level.

Conclusion

It is crucial for rural areas to have accessible healthcare and assistance of CHNs. As employees, CHNs may encounter challenges when relocating to remote regions. Thus, it is the duty of the government to support such professionals and provide them with the necessary help to increase their job satisfaction and retention. The proposed act is focused on continuous education and financial incentives to encourage nurses to work in rural regions.

References

Arizona Nurses Association. (2017). Public policy agenda. Web.

Barrett, A., Terry, D. R., Lê, Q., & Hoang, H. (2016). Factors influencing community nursing roles and health service provision in rural areas: A review of literature. Contemporary Nurse, 52(1), 119-135.

Gerston, L. N. (2014). Public policy making: Process and principles (3rd ed.). New York, NY: Routledge.

House Bill 2324. (2018). Web.

Kulig, J. C., Kilpatrick, K., Moffitt, P., & Zimmer, L. (2015). Recruitment and retention in rural nursing: Its still an issue. Nurse Leadership, 28(2), 40-50.

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