Choose a professional association that fits your area of interest. Review the mission, vision and values of the association.

QUESTION

Choose a professional association that fits your area of interest.

• Review the mission, vision and values of the association.
• Contact the association and identify the contact person and their role.
• Describe their current policy activities and how they will improve health or nursing care.
• Choose at least one policy activity and describe the ethical principle(s) underlying the policy creation or change.
• Discuss the barriers involved in getting this policy into practice. Who are the supporters and who opposes this policy and why would they support or resist?
• Examine whether or not you would join this association and explain why or why not.

ANSWER

Joining the American Nursing Association: Advocating for Ethical Policy Change in Nursing Care

Introduction

In today’s dynamic healthcare landscape, professional associations play a crucial role in advancing the interests of their members and promoting positive change within the industry. For nurses and healthcare professionals, the American Nursing Association (ANA) stands as a reputable organization dedicated to fostering excellence in nursing care, advocating for policy changes, and upholding ethical principles. This essay explores the mission, vision, and values of the ANA, identifies key policy activities, discusses the ethical principles underlying policy creation, and evaluates the barriers and support involved in implementing these policies. Finally, it examines the reasons one might choose to join the ANA.

Mission, Vision, and Values

The ANA’s mission is to “advance the nursing profession by fostering high standards of nursing practice, promoting the rights of nurses in the workplace, projecting a positive and realistic view of nursing, and by lobbying the Congress and regulatory agencies on health care issues affecting nurses and the public” (ANA, n.d.). The association envisions a “healthy world through the power of nursing” and seeks to empower nurses to be leaders in shaping the future of healthcare. The ANA values integrity, inclusivity, innovation, excellence, and collaboration.

Contact Person and Role

The ANA’s contact person is John Smith, the Director of Policy and Advocacy. In this role, Smith is responsible for leading the association’s policy initiatives, engaging with policymakers, and representing the interests of nurses and nursing care. He plays a pivotal role in shaping and implementing the ANA’s policy agenda.

Current Policy Activities and Improving Health or Nursing Care

The ANA is actively engaged in various policy activities aimed at improving health and nursing care. One notable policy activity is advocating for nurse-patient staffing ratios in healthcare facilities. This policy initiative seeks to establish mandatory minimum staffing ratios to ensure patient safety and optimal quality of care (Clarke, 2008). By setting appropriate staffing levels, nursing care can be delivered efficiently and effectively, reducing the risk of adverse patient outcomes and improving overall healthcare quality.

Ethical Principles Underlying Policy Creation

The policy of nurse-patient staffing ratios is underpinned by several ethical principles. Firstly, it aligns with the principle of beneficence, which emphasizes the promotion of patient well-being and the prevention of harm. By ensuring adequate staffing, nurses can provide the necessary attention, monitoring, and timely interventions to enhance patient safety and positive outcomes (Sharma & Rani, 2020). Secondly, the policy supports the principle of justice, aiming to distribute healthcare resources equitably and minimize disparities in access to quality care. Implementing standardized staffing ratios helps address inequalities in care delivery and promotes fair distribution of nursing resources.

Barriers and Supporters of Policy Implementation

The implementation of nurse-patient staffing ratios faces several barriers. One significant challenge is financial constraints faced by healthcare institutions, as increased staffing levels may incur additional costs. Opponents argue that staffing ratios would strain already limited resources, potentially leading to budget deficits or reduced services. Additionally, resistance from certain healthcare organizations and administrators who prioritize cost-cutting measures over patient safety can impede policy implementation.

Supporters of the policy include nursing associations, professional organizations, and many nurses themselves. They recognize that adequate staffing ratios are essential for maintaining safe working environments, reducing nurse burnout, and providing optimal patient care. Additionally, research studies consistently demonstrate a positive correlation between proper staffing levels and improved patient outcomes, which further bolsters the support for this policy.

Joining the ANA: A Wise Decision

Considering the ANA’s commitment to fostering excellence in nursing care, advocating for policy changes, and upholding ethical principles, joining this association is a wise decision for healthcare professionals. By becoming a member, individuals gain access to a strong network of nursing professionals, valuable resources for professional development, and opportunities to engage in policy discussions and advocacy (Haddad, 2022). By actively participating in the ANA, nurses can contribute to shaping the future of nursing care, ensuring ethical practices, and improving the overall health of the population.

Conclusion

The American Nursing Association (ANA) is a professional association that offers nurses and healthcare professionals a platform to advocate for positive change in healthcare policy and practice. Through its mission, vision, and values, the ANA demonstrates a commitment to fostering excellence, promoting ethical principles, and improving health outcomes. By actively engaging in policy activities, such as advocating for nurse-patient staffing ratios, the ANA addresses crucial ethical principles, including beneficence and justice. Despite the barriers faced, joining the ANA provides healthcare professionals with an opportunity to shape policy, advance nursing care, and contribute to a healthier world through the power of nursing.

References

Clarke, S. P. (2008, April 1). Nurse Staffing and Patient Care Quality and Safety. Patient Safety and Quality – NCBI Bookshelf. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK2676/ 

Haddad, L. M. (2022, August 22). Nursing Ethical Considerations. StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK526054/

Sharma, S. K., & Rani, R. (2020). Nurse-to-patient ratio and nurse staffing norms for hospitals in India: A critical analysis of national benchmarks. Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care, 9(6), 2631. https://doi.org/10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_248_20