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.
How has this course impacted your knowledge, attitude, beliefs, perceptions about nurse engagement in policy advocacy and politics?
The course began with a very interesting reading, The
Allegory of the Orchard. This opened a new way of thinking about how social determinants of health can affect the overall health of the patient and how those without social determinants of health issues do not always strive with their health. During this course I have discussed how health care for the LGBTQ+ community has come a long way but still does not get the recognition they deserve. At the beginning of the course, there was a policy in the House that was being worked on to allow for disciplinary action against those who discriminate against this community. However, after recent events, this policy is no longer progressing through. This is an example of a contextual factor that has hindered the support and success of the current policy. These changes that are taking place in United States has significantly impacted several policies that affect how care is provided to the LGBTQ+ community. Chung, McKenna, & Cooper (2020) state that contextual factors can change the way patients and others view and react differently. Before this course, I had only been involved in politics through nursing in my master’s program. I found it very interesting but didn’t think much about it after the course was completed. However, this course has increased my interest again.
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?
Something that I learned in this course is that there are several ways to advocate policy changes other than just being directly involved in the Senate or Congress. Fantasia (2024) reports that one of the best ways to start is by joining and being active in a professional nursing organization. She suggests finding one that aligns with your particular advocacy goals. I have been a member of the AANC since I started nursing but didn’t realize that I had not joined any nursing organizations that were specific such as one for nurse practitioners. My current plan is to do some research and decide which organization that I would like to join. After that, I plan on becoming not only financially involved but pursuing ways I can help out and advocate for those who are not able to speak for themselves.
References
Chung, C., McKenna, L., & Cooper, S. J. (2022). Contextual factors influencing patients’ experiences of acute deterioration and medical emergency team (MET) encounter: A grounded theory study.
Journal of Advanced Nursing, 4062-4070. doi:10.1111/jan.15336
Fantasia, H. C. (2024, October). The Role of Nurse in Politcal Advocacy.
Nursing for Women’s Health, 28(5), 323-324. doi:10.1016/j.nwh.2024.08.003
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