Nurses, particularly Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs), can assure po

Nurses, particularly Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs), can assure policy change through several strategies that include advocacy, education, collaboration, and engagement with political processes. The ACA plays a significant role in addressing workforce shortages, especially in rural areas, through various provisions that enhance the scope of practice and increase the utilization of APRNs.
APRNs, as a significant part of the healthcare workforce, need to be proactive in advocating for policy changes. They can engage with professional organizations such as the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) and the American Nurses Association (ANA) that often have robust policy advocacy arms. These organizations provide resources and training to help nurses understand the policy process and engage effectively in advocacy (Poghosyan, Lucero, Rauch, & Berkowitz, 2012).
Education is also a key strategy. By gaining a deep understanding of the policy process, APRNs can more effectively advocate for their profession and their patients. They can educate policymakers about the value and contributions of APRNs to the healthcare system, particularly in underserved areas where their expertise can help mitigate healthcare disparities (Laurant et al., 2018).
Collaboration with other stakeholders, such as physicians, patients, and other healthcare providers, can help to build a broader coalition in support of policy change. Furthermore, engagement in the political process, such as voting, meeting with legislators, and even running for office can help APRNs to assure policy change.
The Affordable Care Act (ACA) has provisions that are particularly relevant to APRNs and workforce shortages in rural communities. For example, the law acknowledges the role of nurse practitioners as primary care providers and promotes the expansion of nurse-managed health clinics, many of which are led by APRNs. This allows for an increase in the healthcare workforce in areas where there is a shortage of physicians (Spetz, 2014).
The ACA also provides funding for the training of more APRNs, particularly for those willing to work in underserved areas. This helps to alleviate workforce shortages in rural communities. Moreover, the emphasis on team-based care in the ACA supports the full utilization of all healthcare providers, including APRNs, to meet patient care needs.
200 words and two (2) scholarly references APA style