Role Of The RN/APRN

1. Post an explanation of at least two opportunities that currently exist for RNs and APRNs to actively participate in policy review. Explain some of the challenges that these opportunities may present and describe how you might overcome these challenges. Finally, recommend two strategies you might make to better advocate for or communicate the existence of these opportunities. Be specific and provide examples.

2. Post a description of what you believe to be the consequences of a healthcare organization not involving nurses in each stage of the  Systems Development Life Cycle (SDLC) when purchasing and implementing a new health information technology system. Provide specific examples of potential issues at each stage of the SDLC and explain how the inclusion of nurses may help address these issues. Then, explain whether you had any input in the selection and planning of new health information technology systems in your nursing practice or healthcare organization and explain potential impacts of being included or not in the decision-making process. Be specific and provide examples.

Watson’s works on the Theory of Human Caring and the Art and Science of Human Caring are used by nurses in diverse settings; for example, Brockopp and colleagues (2011) details an evidence-based, practice-based practice model rounded in Watson’s theory of caring. The 10 carative factors are explicated throughout the hospital to provide a framework for nursing activities in this magnate hospital. The outcomes include 34 research projects, 9 published articles, and 9 funded research studies. Furthermore, the nurses “maintain high levels of work satisfaction, strong retention rates and a large percentage of associate-degree nurses return to school for baccalaureate degrees” (p. 511).

Hills and colleagues (2011) developed a text to promote caring science curriculum in nursing, which they called an emancipatory pedagogy for nursing. It is based on Watson’s science of caring and explores an alternative method of student evaluation. Lukose (2011) developed a practice model for Watson’s theory of caring that “can be used by nurse educators to teach staff nurses and students” (p. 27). Noel (2010) reviewed Watson’s theory of human caring for occupational health and nursing and found it relevant in that context. The author also found that other disciplines are using the theory of human caring as their guiding principle in contact with people.