Solution : WGU D025 AWM3 Task 2

Advocating for Policy Change

Health disparities in the United States arise from various demographic, geographic, and socioeconomic factors. In Queens, NY, a significant health concern is the limited access to healthcare. Many residents lack access to essential primary care physicians, which negatively impacts their health and well-being. The absence of accessible primary care can lead to poorer health outcomes for the community and exacerbate socioeconomic strain. Advanced practice nurses can collaborate with other healthcare professionals to advocate for solutions to this pressing issue. The competencies established by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) can guide these nurses in improving community health in Queens.

Additionally, leveraging interprofessional collaboration can enhance the effectiveness of health interventions. (NY State of Health.ny.gov (2022)

Advanced Professional Nurse as Advocate

 Two competencies outlined by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing that are essential for improving population health by advanced professional nurses are Competency 3.1, Management of population health assesses population health data, identifying community priorities, and developing action plans to address health needs, often involving collaboration with other health professionals and stakeholders to implement culturally and linguistically responsive interventions. Competency 3.2 Engaging in effective partnerships is centered on the idea that effective population health initiatives require collaboration and partnerships among various stakeholders and emphasizes the importance of collaboration and mutual accountability to improve population health outcomes, including culturally and linguistically responsive communication. (American Association of Colleges of Nursing (2021)

Entry-level nurses and advanced practice nurses each play crucial and distinct roles in improving health outcomes. They bring unique skills and perspectives to the healthcare team, significantly impacting patient care and community well-being. Entry-level nurses primarily focus on providing basic individual patient care and implementing care plans. In contrast, advanced practice nurses possess specialized knowledge and skills that often involve independent decision-making and managing complex patient care.

When it comes to effective partnerships, entry-level nurses engage in direct patient care, assess health data, and identify patterns within populations. Advanced practice nurses, however, take a broader approach. They oversee the health of larger populations, foster collaborations, challenge barriers, and continually evaluate the effectiveness of these partnerships to promote health equity. In this capacity, they act as leaders, educators, and advocates (AACN, 2021).

Furthermore, advanced practice nurses have a responsibility not only to the health of individuals but also to the health of society (DeNisco, S., 2024).

Interprofessional Professionalism Assessment

 Interpersonal skills are essential for a team to function effectively. The Interprofessional Professionalism Collaborative has developed an assessment with six categories: communication, respect, altruism and caring, excellence, ethics, and accountability. This assessment can be used to evaluate a professional’s demonstration of professionalism in interactions with team members (Interprofessional Professionalism Collaborative, n.d.a., p. 1). After completing the self- assessment, I reviewed my results and identified both my strengths and areas for improvement.

1. Communication: Communication transfers thoughts, information, and opinions

Strength: I demonstrate strong verbal and written communication skills with both patients and colleagues. I strive to embrace active listening to truly grasp their concerns and needs. By fully engaging with what they’re saying, I can foster a deeper understanding and connection.

Opportunity for Improvement: Queens is comprised of various nationalities and cultures. I can gain a better understanding of the nonverbal cues used within each population.

2. Respect: Respect is the appreciation of another person’s dignity, treating them as valuable

 

Strength: I demonstrate respect for the culturally diverse backgrounds of patients and team members. I recognize that individuals and groups come from various backgrounds and belief systems.

Opportunity for Improvement: I can improve my internal awareness of personal biases to allow every team member to feel valued.

3. Altruism and Caring: Behavior that shows corn and empathy as well as consideration of the needs and values of others.

Strength: I would demonstrate concern for patient welfare and advocate for their needs. Opportunity for Improvement: I understand that this work is involved, and I should establish

self-care practices to prevent burnout.

4. Excellence: Providing the highest quality of care following best practices

Strength: I often seek professional growth and Improvement opportunities, such as taking classes and enrolling in a master’s level nursing program.

Opportunity for Improvement: I can improve my knowledge-sharing efficiency across disciplines, enhancing team performance. I need to recognize that my team members do not have the nursing background that I have.

5. Ethics: Being aware of the moral fitness of a decision with the delivery of care

Strength: I am aware that ethical practice needs to remain evident in the decision-making processes used in patient care and team collaboration.

Opportunity for Improvement: I will work with the team to develop strategies to navigate ethical dilemmas that may come about in team interactions.

1. Accountability

Strength: Advanced professional nurses take responsibility for their actions and decisions. I will be held responsible for my communication and the actions I recommend.

Opportunity for Improvement: I should put effort into creating a culture of accountability within the interdisciplinary teams so that the team can generate improved outcomes

Interprofessional Team Development

FIVE STAGES OF INTERPROFESSIONAL TEAM DEVELOPMENT

1. Forming

• Strategy: Establish Clear Goals and Roles

During the forming stage, team members learn about each other and clarify the team’s objectives and individual roles to help team members understand their purpose and expectations. The Advanced Practice Nurse (APN) can pave the way for success by establishing clear goals, expectations, and roles within the team. This ensures that each member understands their responsibilities in population health advocacy. For example, the APN may organize an initial meeting to clarify the specific health issues affecting the target population, such as improving access to healthcare in underserved communities, and define each member’s role in addressing these issues.

2. Storming

• Strategy: Facilitate Open Communication and Conflict Resolution

 

In the storming stage, differences in opinions, priorities, or working styles may arise among team members. The APN (Advanced Practice Nurse) can enhance open communication by encouraging team members to express their concerns and perspectives in a respectful and structured manner. This approach helps to resolve conflicts and refocus the team on achieving their goals. Additionally, the APN can mediate conflicts and facilitate constructive discussions to ensure that everyone’s voice is heard while keeping the group aligned with its advocacy objectives. For instance, when disagreements arise over the best approach to advocate for a population health initiative, the APN can assist in navigating these differences by promoting compromise or guiding the team toward evidence-based solutions.

3. Norming

• Strategy: Foster Collaboration and Shared Decision-Making.During the norming stage, the team builds trust and cooperative behaviors.

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