DNP 825 Evaluate the current political climate as it relates to health care and explain how politics influence health for both the individual and entire populations

DNP 825 Evaluate the current political climate as it relates to health care and explain how politics influence health for both the individual and entire populations

The Healthcare system is evolving and would benefit from having highly educated nurses leading evidence-based practice (EBP), research, and improvements in healthcare quality. Disparities in healthcare, food distribution, education, and housing demand the attention of DNP graduates as they possess tools to make changes in our society, such as leadership skills, practical experience, and knowledge of research and EBP that allows them to be powerful advocates for healthcare policies and prepared to meet the country’s many healthcare demands and challenges (Chism, 2023).

Public health nursing increased significantly at the beginning of the 20th century because of the overwhelming public health problems as a result of urbanization, immigration, and industrialization in the US. Healthcare professionals recognized the importance of coalitions with other healthcare professionals to form a political base to advocate change and improve public health.

The political decisions upstream have large health effects downstream (Mishori, 2019). It has always been an integral role for nurses to be involved in political activities. DNP involvement in shaping healthcare policy and promoting advocacy is imperative, and any social policy initiatives and political decisions have an impact on nursing practice. A DNP graduate can proactively engage in developing and implementing all levels of healthcare policy, including local, state, institutional, regional, federal, and international levels (Chism, 2023).  The majority of political activities were focused on areas that promote the nursing practice, involvement in healthcare policy, and advocacy for the benefit of the general population.

References

Chism, L. A. (2023). The doctor of nursing practice: a guidebook for role development and professional issues 5th ed.Jones and Bartlett Learning.

The Doctor of Nursing Practice: A Guidebook for Role Development and Profes… – Google Books

Mishori, R. (2019). The social determinants of health? Time to focus on the political determinants of health. Medical Care, 57(7), 491-493.

https://doi.org/10.1097/MLR.0000000000001131