Guided Reflection
Study without reflection is a waste of time, Reflection without study is dangerous.
—Confucius (Clark, 2011).
Reflection of an experience, lesson learned, and/or importance of a role, demonstrates a clear understanding of process, comprehension, and expertise. To reflect requires an ability to consider lessons learned, personal connections, and next steps. As we come to the end of the course, it is important for you to consider what you learned and how to connect these lessons beyond this course.
For this Discussion, you will reflect on what you learned throughout this course. What is the impact of what you learned? How might you approach engaging in policy advocacy moving forward?
Reference:
Clark, J. (2011). Let’s reflect: What is the point?
British Journal of General Practice, 61(593), 747.
to an external site.
Resources
Be sure to review the Learning Resources before completing this activity.
Click the weekly resources link to access the resources.
· Dawes, D. E. (2020).
The political determinants of health. Johns Hopkins University Press.
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· Chapter 7, “The Future of Health Equity Begins and Ends with the Political Determinants of Health” (pp. 143–168)
· Porche, D. J. (2023).
Health policy: Applications for nurses and other healthcare professionals (3rd ed.). Jones & Bartlett Learning.
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· Chapter 7, “Global, International, and Planetary Health Policy” (pp. 93–100)
· Biography. (2018, March 13).
Malala Yousafzai, activist: BiographyLinks to an external site.
[Video].
Note: The approximate length of this media piece is 3 minutes.
· TEDx Talks. (2016, July 11).
A personal look at activism: Lauren Vague: TEDxWilliamPennCharterSchoolLinks to an external site.
[Video].
Note: The approximate length of this media piece is 15 minutes.
· TEDx Talks. (2018, January 30).
Five steps to becoming an advocate: Joseph R. Campbell: TEDxAdelaideLinks to an external site.
[Video].
Note: The approximate length of this media piece is 7 minutes.
· TEDx Talks. (2019, May 1).
The power of personal activism: Moira Vane TEDxUAlbertaLinks to an external site.
: [Video].
Note: The approximate length of this media piece is 19 minutes.
To Prepare:
· Consider what you learned throughout this course and reflect on the impact.
· Consider how you might use what you have learned beyond this course experience.
By Day 3 of Week 11
Post a response detailing the following:
· How has this course impacted your knowledge, attitude, beliefs, perceptions about nurse engagement in policy advocacy and politics?
· What are the takeaways as you move forward as a DNP, in your role as a policy advocate? What resonates with you and how will you use it?
By Day 6 of Week 11
Read a selection of your colleagues’ posts and
respond to
at least two of your colleagues on
two different days by supporting or expanding on the ideas identified by your colleague or sharing additional perspectives on the issue described by your colleague.
Tania
This course has shaped my understanding of nurse practitioners’ (NPs) essential role in policy advocacy and politics. At the beginning of the course, I approached policy advocacy with some hesitation, unsure of how it directly connected to my daily practice as a psychiatric NP. However, I now see advocacy as an integral aspect of my professional identity, a powerful means to extend my care into the more extensive healthcare system. Through this course, I have realized that I am not just a clinician but also a change agent capable of influencing policies that directly impact my patients (Arabi et al., 2022).
One of the most significant lessons I have learned is the importance of using One of the most significant lessons I have learned is the importance of using evidence and clinical expertise as tools for advocacy. For example, I have encountered numerous patients on antipsychotic medications who are at risk of metabolic complications but lack access to adequate monitoring. These experiences have driven my passion for advocating for policies that mandate routine metabolic screening for patients receiving antipsychotic therapy. This course has given me the framework to use data and my clinical experiences to make a compelling case for policymakers, ensuring that patient safety remains a priority in mental health care (Stanhope & Lancaster, 2021).
The stigma surrounding mental health has always been a personal and The stigma surrounding mental health has always been a personal and professional challenge for me. I have seen how societal misconceptions and systemic barriers prevent patients from receiving the care they deserve. This course has inspired me to confront these issues through individual patient care and policy advocacy. For instance, I am now better equipped to advocate for community-based mental health resources that address the social determinants of health, such as housing stability and employment opportunities, which are critical to improving mental health outcomes (Kelly et al., 2022).
One of the most impactful aspects of this course was learning about the value of interdisciplinary collaboration in policy advocacy. In my practice, I often work alongside primary care providers, social workers, and other professionals, and I now see these relationships as essential to driving systemic change. For example, I recently collaborated with a social worker to address a patient’s housing instability, which significantly improved their mental health. This experience reinforced the importance of combining efforts to address patients’ clinical and social needs through advocacy (Deschodt et al., 2021).
I am committed to staying engaged in policy advocacy as I move forward. This course has shown me the importance of participating in professional organizations and staying informed about legislative developments. I plan to mentor other psychiatric NPs in advocacy, encouraging them to use their unique perspectives to influence change. I now understand that advocacy is not just an additional responsibility but a moral and professional obligation to ensure that all patients, particularly those facing mental health challenges, receive equitable and comprehensive care.
References
Arabi, A., Rafii, F., Cheraghi, M. A., & Ghiyasvandian, S. (2022). Nurses’ policy influence: A concept analysis.
International Nursing Review, 69(1), 112-120.
Deschodt, M., Zúñiga, F., & Devriendt, E. (2021). Nurse involvement in healthcare policy and advocacy: A systematic review.
Journal of Nursing Management, 29(4), 585-593.
Kelly, H., Mason, D., & Leavitt, J. K. (2022). Policy and politics in nursing and health care.
Elsevier Health Sciences.
Stanhope, M., & Lancaster, J. (2021).
Public health nursing: Population-centered health care in the community. Elsevier Health Sciences.
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