Reference no: EM133661762

Explanation of how healthcare policy can impact the advanced practice nurse profession.
Explanation of why advocacy is considered an essential component of the advance practice nurse's role.

Discuss the four pillars of Transformational leadership and the effect they may have on influencing policy change.

Healthcare policy establishes a framework for NP practice. Healthcare policy impacts the APN profession by setting guidelines of APN practice and how the APN is paid. Regulation varies by state and includes full practice authority, reduced practice authority and restricted practice authority. "Full practice authority allows APNs to evaluate patients, diagnose, order and interpret diagnostic tests, initiate and manage treatments and prescribe medications under the exclusive licensure authority of the state board of nursing without a collaborating agreement, or joint protocol, with a physician." (NJSNA Nurses Weekly, 2021) NJ is currently a reduced practice state. Policy can also impact the APN because policy has a direct impact on patient care. This includes access to care and resources for patients. Policy can affect the care the APN is able to provide when there are restrictions in place. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services 2024, "evidence-based health policies can help prevent disease and promote health". An example is non-smoking policies. This reduces the negative impacts of smoking on non-smokers in public settings.

Advocacy is a very essential role in APN practice. The APN is responsible for not only advocating for high quality, safe patient care, but also for the APN profession itself. The APN plays an active role in advocacy for things such as practice authority. New Jersey is a reduced practice state. In NJ, the APN requires a collaborating physician. Although the only requirement is that the physician and APN review 1 patient case per year together. There is no other supervisory requirement. During the pandemic, APN's were given full practice authority and were able to prove that they are capable of independent, safe patient care. According to NJSNA Nurses Weekly, 2021, there is currently a bill, A-1760, in legislature attempting to make NJ a permanent full practice authority state. NJNSA is a strong advocate for full practice authority for APN's. I hope that someday, all APN's will have full practice authority and will have the opportunity to provide high quality patient centered care as independent providers. APN's are also advocates for patients. Focusing on patient safety and patient centered care, the APN can advocate for change in policy to improve patient outcomes, allow access to more resources, promote and advocate for patient safety, and to advocate for change in nursing practice issues.

Transformational leadership focuses on the leader and their personal strengths and behaviors that motivate team members. The four pillars of transformational leadership include idealized influence, inspirational motivation, intellectual stimulation, and individual consideration. Idealized influence involves leading by example, being a positive role model and positively influencing others. This also includes inspiring others to set and achieve goals with high expectations. (Collins, 2020) Inspirational motivation involves encouraging other team members to share in the same vision as the leader with the goal of improvements that enhance the future of the organization. (Collins, 2020) Intellectual stimulation is centered on the ability of the leader to encourage and empower team members to critically think and challenge assumptions. (Collins, 2020) Individualized consideration involves a leader who encourages others to be high achievers. This includes focusing on individuals needs and supporting team members development. (Collins, 2020)