Topic 2: Skills for Agenda Setting
Assume that you have been invited to your state board of nursing or state nurses’ association meeting to brainstorm health policy issues. Identify an issue that you would bring before this meeting. What resources would you use? What communication techniques would you use? What agenda would you put forth? What skills are required of you as an advance practice nurse at this meeting?
At least 250 words and 2 references/citations
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Introduction:
As a medical professor, it is essential to equip students with the necessary skills to be effective healthcare professionals. One crucial skill is agenda setting, which involves identifying critical health policy issues and proposing solutions. In this assignment, we will explore the issue that I would bring before a state board of nursing or state nurses’ association meeting, the resources and communication techniques that I would use, the agenda that I would put forth and the skills required of me as an advanced practice nurse at this meeting.
Answer:
Suppose I were invited to a state board of nursing or state nurses’ association meeting to discuss health policy issues. In that case, I would bring up the issue of the shortage of nurse practitioners in primary care settings. This shortage has been a persistent problem in the United States, and it has significant implications for access to care, quality of care, and healthcare spending. I would propose establishing a task force to investigate the reasons for the shortage, identify potential solutions, and develop a plan of action to improve the recruitment and retention of nurse practitioners in primary care settings.
To prepare for this meeting, I would gather relevant data on the shortage of nurse practitioners in primary care settings, including its impact on patient outcomes, healthcare costs, and access to care. I would also review relevant literature and research studies on strategies for addressing the shortage, such as improving reimbursement rates, expanding educational programs, and increasing the scope of practice for nurse practitioners.
In terms of communication techniques, I would use a combination of written and verbal communication to convey my message effectively. I would draft a comprehensive report outlining the problem, its impact, and potential solutions and distribute it to all attendees before the meeting. During the meeting, I would use a persuasive and collaborative approach to engage stakeholders in a productive discussion and encourage a consensus on the best course of action.
My agenda for the meeting would include a brief introduction of the problem, followed by presentations on the data, research, and potential solutions. This would be followed by a structured discussion and Q&A session, where stakeholders could ask questions and provide feedback on the proposed solutions. Finally, we would establish a task force to develop a plan of action, with clear timelines and measurable goals.
The skills required of me as an advanced practice nurse at this meeting would include effective communication, collaboration, and leadership. I would need to be a skilled listener, able to understand and appreciate the perspectives of all stakeholders, and facilitate a productive discussion. I would also need to be a persuasive and collaborative leader, able to inspire others to action and create a shared vision for improving access to care. Overall, my role would be to lead the conversation and bring stakeholders together to address an important healthcare issue and improve patient outcomes.
References:
Buerhaus, P. I., DesRoches, C., Dittus, R., & Donelan, K. (2015). Practice patterns of nurse practitioners in primary care settings. The Journal of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, 27(1), 34-40.
Hooker, R. S., & Berlin, L. E. (2017). Trends in the supply of nurse practitioners and physician assistants in the United States. Health Affairs, 36(12), 2226-2231.
