Healthcare Policy and Analysis
Read a selection of your colleagues’ posts. Respond to at least two of your colleagues by supporting or expanding on the ideas identified by your colleagues or sharing additional perspectives on the issue described by your colleagues.
PEER 1#
Grace Nwawuihe
Grace Nwawuihe
Week 10 Discussion- The elected office.
What does it take to run for the elected office? What are the resources you may need?
Anyone who wants to run for an elected office must first understand the roles and expectations for the position they desire. The first step is to confirm the eligibility requirement for the position that you desire to pursue. For a nurse, this means being familiar with the responsibilities of the position and how they interact with healthcare policies. A strong professional background in nursing, leadership experience, and knowledge of public health issues are vital tools for a nurse seeking a leadership position. Solid leadership qualities are critical because they equip the leader with the expertise and skill needed to lead the team and manage the resources, and challenges in the dynamic healthcare setting. (Mrayyan MT, et al., 2023). Leaders must develop a platform of clear policy priorities that address healthcare challenges, such as access to care, patient safety, and nursing workforce issues. (www.ncsbn.org). Networking and Support are vital tools for seeking a public office. Nurses in leadership must establish connections with professional organizations, community leaders, and advocacy groups. Nurses possess unique insights into healthcare challenges and can bring valuable expertise to the elected office. (Restivo, V., et al., 2022). Running for office requires understanding the role, developing a platform, building a network, securing funding, and engaging the community. Resources such as professional organizations, campaign staff, and policy advisors are critical for success. (Chiu, P., et al., 2021). Healthcare Policy and Analysis
Congresswoman Lauren Underwood (D-IL-14) (www.googleLinks to an external site. images).
Congresswoman Lauren Underwood serves Illinois’ 14th Congressional District and was sworn into the 116th U.S. Congress on January 3, 2019. She is the youngest African American woman to serve in the United States House of Representatives. Before her election to Congress, Congresswoman Underwood worked with a Medicaid plan in Chicago to ensure it provided high-quality, cost-efficient care. She served as a Senior Advisor at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), helping communities across the country prevent, prepare for, and respond to disasters, bioterror threats, and public health emergencies. As a career public servant at HHS, she helped implement the Affordable Care Act — broadening access for those on Medicare, improving healthcare quality, and reforming private insurance. She also taught future nurse practitioners through Georgetown University’s online master’s program. that prioritize patient care and workforce development. (www.ANA.org)
Importance of Nurses Running for Office Healthcare Policy and Analysis
Nurses in elected roles can directly impact healthcare policy tackle systemic challenges such as staffing shortages and patient safety and enhance the profession’s representation in policymaking., Their leadership can cultivate a more equal and efficient healthcare system. (ANA.org, 2023)., Motivating nurses to seek political leadership is crucial for establishing a healthcare system that addresses the needs of both patients and providers.,
References
American Nurses Association. (2023). Nurses in politics: Advocacy and leadership. Retrieved from https://www.nursingworld.orgLinks to an external site.
Chiu, P., Cummings, G. G., Thorne, S., & Schick-Makaroff, K. (2021). Policy Advocacy and Nursing Organizations: A Scoping Review. Policy, politics & nursing practice, 22(4), 271–291. https://doi.org/10.1177/15271544211050611
Mrayyan MT, Algunmeeyn A, Abunab HY, et alAttributes, skills and actions of clinical leadership in nursing as reported by hospital nurses: a cross-sectional studyBMJ Leader 2023;7:203-211.
Google Images retrieved fromhttps://www.google.com/search?q=find+image+of+lauren+underwood&oq=find+image+of+Lauren+under&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUqBwgBECEYoAEyBggAEEUYOTIHCAEQIRigATIHCAIQIRigATIHCAMQIRigATIHCAQQIRigATIHCAUQIRigATIHCAYQIRiPAjIHCAcQIRiPAtIBCjE3MTU2ajBqMTWoAgiwAgE&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8
National Council of State Boards of Nursing. (2023). Nursing and public policy. Retrieved from https://www.ncsbn.orgLinks to an external site.
Restivo, V., Minutolo, G., Battaglini, A., Carli, A., Capraro, M., Gaeta, M., Odone, A., Trucchi, C., Favaretti, C., Vitale, F., & Casuccio, A. (2022). Leadership Effectiveness in Healthcare Settings: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Cross-Sectional and Before-After Studies. International journal of environmental research and public health, 19(17), 10995. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph191710995
PEER #2
Marie Hageman
Marie Hageman
Running for elected office is a complex and multifaceted process that requires a blend of resources, skills, and commitment. One of the most significant requirements is time commitment. Campaigning takes a great deal of time, as it involves public speaking, attending events, and engaging with voters. Candidates often must balance their professional lives with the demanding schedule of a campaign. Financial resources are also crucial, as running a campaign can be quite expensive. Funds are necessary for advertising, travel, staff, and other campaign-related expenses, and candidates often rely on donations, fundraising events, or their own savings to cover these costs (Pitsker, 2019). In addition to finances, a strong team is vital for a successful campaign. This team typically includes campaign managers, communication strategists, fundraisers, social media experts, and volunteers who assist with canvassing and spreading the message. A deep understanding of the political landscape, public policy, and the issues that matter to voters is also essential, which means candidates must be well-versed in these areas and have effective public speaking skills. The ability to connect with diverse groups of people is equally important. Finally, endorsements and networking can play a pivotal role in a campaign’s success. Support from influential individuals or organizations can build credibility, while networking allows candidates to reach a wider audience and gain the necessary momentum for their campaign. Together, these components outline the extensive resources and efforts required to run for elected office.
Nurses should consider running for office for several compelling reasons. First, their in-depth understanding of healthcare systems, the challenges faced by patients, and the realities of working in healthcare uniquely positions them to advocate for policies that improve public health, expand healthcare access, and address the working conditions of nurses. Additionally, nurses are trained to be effective leaders in high-pressure environments, often managing teams and making critical decisions. These leadership skills can easily translate into government roles, where decisive and compassionate leadership is key. Nurses are also driven by a passion for improving the lives of others, and running for office offers them an opportunity to influence political decision-making on important issues like healthcare, education, and social justice. By running for office, they can ensure that the needs and concerns of the healthcare community are addressed, providing a vital and informed perspective in the political arena. Ultimately, nurses can make a significant difference by using their expertise and values to advocate for policies that benefit both their profession and society at large.
Nurses Who Have Become Elected Officials: Healthcare Policy and Analysis
Nurses often bring a unique perspective to politics due to their hands-on experience with healthcare, community well-being, and the challenges faced by both patients and healthcare professionals. Congresswoman Jen Kiggans is an example of a nurse who has successfully entered the political arena (Kiggans, n.d.). She is a Veteran Navy Helicopter pilot, who served 2 tours in the Persian Gulf. After retirement, Congresswoman Kiggans returned to school to become a Geriatric Nurse Practitioner (Kiggans, n.d.).
In conclusion, running for office requires significant resources, dedication, and expertise. Nurses who run for office can offer invaluable insights, advocate for improved healthcare policies and represent their communities in ways that directly align with their values and expertise., This makes political involvement a meaningful and impactful way for nurses to extend their service to society beyond the clinic or hospital., Healthcare Policy and Analysis
References:
Kiggans, J. (n.d.). Rep. Jennifer Kiggans – Representing Virginia’s 2nd District. U.S. House of Representatives. https://kiggans.house.gov/Links to an external site.
Pitsker, K. (2019, November 26). How to run for local office. Kiplinger. https://www.kiplinger.com/article/business/t043-c000-s002-how-to-run-for-local-office.html