Course Overview

This course explores the role of nursing professionals in shaping healthcare policies and advocating for population health outcomes. It focuses on the intersection of politics, policy-making, and nursing practice, preparing students to become effective advocates at local, state, and national levels.

Learners will analyze healthcare legislation, evaluate policy impacts, and develop advocacy strategies that promote equitable and high-quality healthcare for diverse populations.

Course Goals / Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, learners will be able to:

Analyze the relationship between healthcare policies and population health outcomes
Evaluate the role of nurses in influencing health policy and political processes
Develop advocacy strategies to address healthcare issues
Interpret key healthcare laws and regulations affecting nursing practice
Apply evidence-based approaches to policy design and implementation
Communicate policy positions effectively through written and verbal advocacy

Course Modules

NURS-6050N Week 2: Assignment AGENDA COMPARISON GRID AND FACT SHEET

NURS-6050N Week 1: Discussion PRESIDENTIAL AGENDAS

NURS-6050N Week 3: Discussion POLITICS AND THE PATIENT PROTECTION AND AFFORDABLE CARE ACT

NURS-6050N Week 4: Assignment LEGISLATION GRID AND TESTIMONY/ADVOCACY STATEMENT

NURS-6050N Week 5: Discussion PROFESSIONAL NURSING AND STATE-LEVEL REGULATIONS

NURS-6050N Week 6: Assignment REGULATION FOR NURSING PRACTICE STAFF DEVELOPMENT MEETING

NURS-6050N Week 7: Discussion EVIDENCE BASE IN DESIGN

NURS-6050N Week 8: Discussion THE ROLE OF THE RN/APRN IN POLICY-MAKING

Assessments

Discussion Posts (Weekly participation)
Written Assignments (Policy analysis, grids, and advocacy statements)
Practical Application Tasks (Staff development and policy implementation)

Skills You Will Gain

Policy analysis and evaluation
Advocacy and leadership in healthcare
Evidence-based decision-making
Communication and professional writing
Understanding of healthcare laws and regulations