Discuss the effect of policy agreement on policy framework for nursing practice.

Policies impacting patient care implemented at the national level and those developed by the

organization, ultimately impacts nursing practice at every level .This is done by improving

certain policy mandate to be integrated into patient care in an effort to achieve an expected level

of quality.

Daniels,(2004).

Smith (1997) as cited in Mason, Leavitt, Chaffit (2007) argued that it is possible to embrace a

resource sharing framework instead of a resource-limited one. A resource sharing framework

requires embracing values of empowerment, community collaboration and partnership. It

assumes such partnership can discover previously unknown resources and develop new ones

to meet the needs of individuals, families and communities. Such framework , according to

Mason,et al (2007)embraces the need for global perspectives of policy making. Although most

citizens action occurs on a local level, the decisions made there increasingly have a global

impact. Promoting the health of local communities requires a focus on what is good for the world

community and vice versa. Nurses can advocate for the values needed to integrate global

perspectives on public policies and political actions.

( Mason, et al )2007

Political actions and policy making are usually associated with government but there are

spheres in which nurses should be politically active(Mason, et al ,2007) . The action/policies of

government touch nearly every part of our lives from law requiring records documenting birth to

mandatory childhood immunization to laws determining what health services people are eligible

for in old age and how assets are distributed on person’s death. According to Mason et al
(2007),government policies determines whether children receive services that contribute to

health and education and what drug may be used.

According to Daniels(2004) health care policies at the organizational level defines nursing

practice and are derived` from government policies. Tools to integrate the policy mandates and

“best practice” into nursing care include standards of care, procedures, guidelines and

algorithms.If care is taken to ensure that each documentation is clear and concise and reflects

the care delivered within the organization,the documentation can provide a framework for health

care excellence and reduce liability.Government and its policies plays an enormously important

role in nursing and health care (Mason, Leavitt, Chaffit ,2007).It provides society with a legal

definition of what is nursing and defines what a nurse may do.It influences reimbursement

systems for health care and nursing services and to a great extent it determines who receives

what type of health services.As the sphere of government and its policy on nursing is

extensive,the government’s action are in turn shaped by the public and organizations,including

nursing.

The institute of medicine(IOM),(1988) as cited in Mason et al(2007) argued that although not all

efforts to improve and promote the health of the public must be made by the government, it

does have the responsibility for providing guidance in the policy making process.

Looking at the effect of policy agreement on policy framework for nursing practice in the

English-speaking Caribbean; opens the eyes to the importance of nurses and nursing.

Earlier this year, a recommendation was made in regards to policy that affects nursing

practice; this suggestion was made in light of nursing shortage in the English-speaking

Caribbean. It was recorded in the World Bank report that the shortage of nurses in the

English-speaking Caribbean is affecting the Region’s development. In the press release

article by Patricia da Camara and Stevan Jackson, in March this year, the shortage of

nurses limits access to quality care and reduces the competitiveness of the region.

References

Daniels,R.,2004 ,Nursing fundamentals: caring and clinical decision making, New York, USA

Mason,D.,Leavitt,J.,Chaffet,M.,2007,Policy and politics in nursing &health care, Saunders

Elsevier.

Da Camara P, Jackson S, 2010, Nursing Shortage in the English-Speaking Caribbean

Hinders the Region’s Development. World Bank Report. www.worldbank.org/lac