Three Advocates
Which I Am Choosing In Regards To Bringing About Chang
Three advocates which I am choosing in regards to bringing about change to public policy are Florence Nightingale, Hildegard Peplau and Dorothea Orem. Each of these leaders has brought about some form of change to nursing in their own way. Florence Nightingale focused on the importance of the observational skills of nurses and how the environment impacted health. Hildegard Peplau was more focused on ways to help people stay well, rather than treating them once they were ill (Nickitas, Middaugh & Aries, 2016).
Dorothea Orem’s model was focused on the individual caring for themselves, rather than being cared for by others.
Orem’s model for change is composed of three components to make up her model: the theory of self-care, theory of self-care deficit, and theory of nursing system (Petiprin, 2016). Because of the rapid change and development of healthcare and medicine, it is important that nurses are also moving forward with these changes. In order for healthcare and public policy change to be effective, nurses need to be able to influence the formation of healthcare policies rather than just the implementation of the policies. The influence of nurses upon health policy and public policy reform is vital as it protects the interests of patients and their safety, increases the quality of care, and facilitates access to necessary resources to promote quality healthcare (Arabi, Rafil, Cheraghi, & Ghiyasvandian, 2014).
While nurses are accustomed to serving as advocates for their patients, it is equally important that they advocate for each other within the professional healthcare environment. As issues related to healthcare reform evolve, they can create stress and fatigue among healthcare workers and the system itself. Therefore, it is imperative that nurses recognize their commitment to a common goal and are willing to support the growth and development of their colleagues, particularly newer nurses, to ensure the advancement and sustainability of the nursing profession (Huber, 2015).
Paper For Above instruction
Advocacy plays a critical role in shaping effective public policy that influences nursing practice and healthcare delivery. The selection of influential figures such as Florence Nightingale, Hildegard Peplau, and Dorothea Orem underscores the diverse approaches to nursing advocacy and the development of healthcare policies aimed at improving patient care and healthcare systems.
Florence Nightingale, a pioneer of modern nursing, emphasized the importance of environmental factors in health. Her work during the Crimean War demonstrated how sanitation and hygiene could drastically
reduce mortality rates among wounded soldiers. Nightingale’s advocacy extended to health policies that prioritized sanitation standards, caregiver education, and patient safety, laying the groundwork for hospital reform and public health initiatives. Her emphasis on data collection and statistical analysis also contributed significantly to health policy development, advocacy for sanitation infrastructure, and health reform initiatives worldwide (Bostridge, 2008).
Hildegard Peplau’s approach to nursing emphasized therapeutic relationships, mental health, and preventative care. Her theory of interpersonal relations laid the foundation for nursing education and practice focused on holistic care and patient-centered approaches. Peplau’s advocacy extended into healthcare policy by promoting mental health programs and emphasizing the importance of nurses’ roles in patient advocacy, health promotion, and education. Her insights support the ongoing development of policies that foster collaborative care models and emphasize the importance of mental health resources as integral to overall health (Hale, 2014).
Dorothea Orem’s self-care deficit nursing theory marked a shift towards promoting patient autonomy and self-management. Her model emphasizes empowering individuals to care for their health through education and support, aligning with contemporary movements promoting patient-centered care. Orem’s advocacy is reflected in policies that support community health, chronic disease management, and patient empowerment initiatives. Her focus on self-care aligns with modern public health strategies that prioritize patient education, access to resources, and community-based interventions aimed at reducing health disparities and improving health outcomes (Fukada, 2018).
Beyond individual advocacy, nurses have a vital role in influencing healthcare policy at institutional, local, national, and global levels. Nursing advocacy involves shaping policies that improve healthcare quality, access, safety, and cost-efficiency. For example, nurses can participate in policy development through professional organizations, public health initiatives, and legislative advocacy. Their firsthand experience with patient care provides valuable insights that can inform effective policy decisions, particularly in areas such as patient safety, healthcare disparities, and resource allocation (Mason, 2016).
Moreover, nurses’ advocacy extends to fostering a resilient healthcare workforce. Recognizing the stress and fatigue associated with healthcare reforms, nurses must advocate for safe working conditions, adequate staffing, and ongoing professional development. Supporting colleagues and nurturing future nursing generations is vital for sustaining the profession and ensuring quality care delivery. As leaders and
advocates, nurses help drive reforms that promote a healthy work environment, which directly impacts patient care quality and safety (White & McConnel, 2019).
In conclusion, the contributions of Nightingale, Peplau, and Orem exemplify the multifaceted nature of nursing advocacy—ranging from environmental health improvements and therapeutic relationships to patient empowerment. Their legacy underscores the importance of active nurse participation in policy development processes to ensure that healthcare reforms serve the best interests of patients and providers. As healthcare continues to evolve rapidly, nurses must remain advocates for positive change—not only for their patients but also for their profession and the healthcare system at large.
References
Bostridge, M. (2008). Florence Nightingale: The Making of an Icon. Basic Books.
Fukada, M. (2018). Self-care and Patient Empowerment: The Role of Nursing Theory. Nursing Science Journal, 16(2), 123-134.
Hale, S. (2014). Hildegard Peplau’s Theory of Interpersonal Relations and Its Impact on Nursing Practice.
Journal of Nursing Education, 53(5), 245-249.
Huber, D. (2015). Leadership and Nursing Care Innovation. Saunders.
Mason, D. J. (2016). Policy and Politics in Nursing and Healthcare. Elsevier.
Nickitas, D. M., Middaugh, D. J., & Aries, N. (2016). Policy & Politics for Nurses and Other Healthcare Professionals. Elsevier.
Petiprin, A. (2016). Dorothea Orem’s Self-Care Deficit Nursing Theory. Nursing Theory.
White, J., & McConnel, C. (2019). Developing a Resilient Nursing Workforce: Strategies and Policies. Nursing Management, 50(2), 22-29.
Arabi, A. M., Rafil, H., Cheraghi, M. A., & Ghiyasvandian, S. (2014). Nurse Advocacy in Policy Development: Opportunities and Challenges. Journal of Nursing & Care, 3(2), 185.
Fukada, M. (2018). Self-care and Patient Empowerment: The Role of Nursing Theory. Nursing Science Journal, 16(2), 123-134.