ADVOCATING FOR THE NURSING ROLE IN PROGRAM DESIGN AND IMPLEMENTATION
As their names imply, the honeyguide bird and the honey badger both share an affinity for honey. Honeyguide birds specialize in finding beehives but struggle to access the honey within. Honey badgers are well-equipped to raid beehives but cannot always find them. However, these two honey-loving species have learned to collaborate on an effective means to meet their objectives. The honeyguide bird guides honey badgers to newly discovered hives. Once the honey badger has ransacked the hive, the honey guide bird safely enters to enjoy the leftover honey.
Much like honeyguide birds and honey badgers, nurses and health professionals from other specialty areas can—and should—collaborate to design effective programs. Nurses bring specialties to the table that make them natural partners to professionals with different specialties. When nurses take the requisite leadership in becoming involved throughout the healthcare system, these partnerships can better design and deliver highly effective programs that meet objectives.
In this Assignment, you will practice this type of leadership by advocating for a healthcare program. Equally as important, you will advocate for a collaborative role of the nurse in the design and implementation of this program. To do this, assume you are preparing to be interviewed by a professional organization/publication regarding your thoughts on the role of the nurse in the design and implementation of new healthcare programs.
RESOURCES
Be sure to review the Learning Resources before completing this activity.
Click the weekly resources link to access the resources.
To Prepare:
- Review the Resources and reflect on your thinking regarding the role of the nurse in the design and implementation of new healthcare programs.
- Select a healthcare program within your practice and consider the design and implementation of this program.
- Reflect on advocacy efforts and the role of the nurse in relation to healthcare program design and implementation.
The Assignment: (2–4 pages)
In a 2- to 4-page paper, create an interview transcript of your responses to the following interview questions:
- Tell us about a healthcare program, within your practice. What are the costs and projected outcomes of this program?
- Who is your target population?
- What is the role of the nurse in providing input for the design of this healthcare program? Can you provide examples?
- What is your role as an advocate for your target population for this healthcare program? Do you have input into design decisions? How else do you impact design?
- What is the role of the nurse in healthcare program implementation? How does this role vary between design and implementation of healthcare programs? Can you provide examples?
- Who are the members of a healthcare team that you believe are most needed to implement a program? Can you explain why?
Expert Solution Preview
Introduction:
In this interview transcript, I will be answering questions related to the role of the nurse in the design and implementation of new healthcare programs. Advocating for the nursing role in program design and implementation is crucial in ensuring the success and effectiveness of healthcare programs. Nurses bring valuable expertise and perspectives that can greatly contribute to the development and implementation of these programs. Now, let’s move on to the interview questions.
Interview Transcript:
Question 1:
Interviewer: “Tell us about a healthcare program within your practice. What are the costs and projected outcomes of this program?”
Answer:
As a nurse in my clinical practice, I am actively involved in a diabetes management program. This program aims to provide comprehensive care and support to individuals diagnosed with diabetes. The costs associated with this program include the salaries of healthcare professionals involved, medication expenses, and the cost of regular monitoring and follow-up visits. The projected outcomes of this program are to improve glycemic control, reduce the risk of diabetes-related complications, enhance patients’ quality of life, and increase their overall health and well-being.
Question 2:
Interviewer: “Who is your target population?”
Answer:
Our target population for the diabetes management program includes individuals of all ages who have been diagnosed with diabetes. We aim to provide tailored care to meet the specific needs of each patient, considering factors such as age, cultural background, and comorbidities.
Question 3:
Interviewer: “What is the role of the nurse in providing input for the design of this healthcare program? Can you provide examples?”
Answer:
The nurse plays a vital role in providing input for the design of the diabetes management program. Nurses possess a holistic perspective and are well-equipped to identify patients’ needs and formulate strategies to address them effectively. For example, nurses can contribute to the development of evidence-based protocols and guidelines for diabetes education, self-management, and medication administration. They can also provide insights into the practical aspects of patient care, such as scheduling follow-up appointments and coordinating multidisciplinary team collaboration.
Question 4:
Interviewer: “What is your role as an advocate for your target population for this healthcare program? Do you have input into design decisions? How else do you impact design?”
Answer:
As an advocate for the target population in the diabetes management program, I strive to ensure that their voices and preferences are heard and considered during the design and implementation processes. I actively participate in interdisciplinary meetings, sharing patient perspectives and highlighting their specific needs. Through my input, I contribute to the development of patient-centered approaches and strategies that promote better engagement and adherence to the program. Additionally, I collaborate with community organizations and healthcare agencies to advocate for resources and support services that can further enhance the effectiveness of the program.
Question 5:
Interviewer: “What is the role of the nurse in healthcare program implementation? How does this role vary between design and implementation of healthcare programs? Can you provide examples?”
Answer:
The nurse plays a crucial role in healthcare program implementation. During the implementation phase, nurses are responsible for the direct provision of care and the coordination of various healthcare services. They ensure that patients receive the necessary education, support, and interventions outlined in the program. For instance, in the diabetes management program, nurses educate patients on self-monitoring of blood glucose, insulin administration, healthy lifestyle modifications, and potential complications. Nurses also collaborate with other healthcare professionals to monitor patient outcomes and make necessary adjustments to the program based on individual needs and responses.
While the nurse’s role in program design focuses on providing input and expertise in shaping the program, their role in implementation centers around the direct provision of care and ongoing assessment of patient outcomes. By actively engaging with patients and utilizing their clinical knowledge, nurses contribute to the successful implementation and continuous improvement of healthcare programs.
Question 6:
Interviewer: “Who are the members of a healthcare team that you believe are most needed to implement a program? Can you explain why?”
Answer:
The success of healthcare program implementation depends on effective teamwork and collaboration. While various healthcare professionals contribute to the implementation process, I believe that the most essential team members are nurses, physicians, pharmacists, and social workers.
Nurses bring comprehensive patient care expertise and play a central role in program delivery and coordination. Physicians provide medical expertise, diagnosis, and treatment decisions. Pharmacists ensure proper medication management, dosage calculations, and drug interactions. Social workers contribute by addressing psychosocial needs, connecting patients with community resources, and providing support for lifestyle modifications.
By working together as a cohesive team, these professionals can leverage their unique skills and knowledge to provide holistic and patient-centered care, ultimately leading to successful program implementation and improved patient outcomes.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, nurses play a vital role in the design and implementation of healthcare programs. Their expertise, advocacy efforts, and direct involvement in patient care contribute to the development of effective programs that address the specific needs of the target population. By collaborating with interdisciplinary teams and actively engaging with patients, nurses ensure the successful implementation and ongoing improvement of healthcare programs. Through their contributions, nurses make a significant impact on the delivery of quality care and the attainment of positive patient outcomes.
