Leadership and Management in Healthcare Essay

There is an increase in societal changes and demands in the nursing profession today. It is vital that nurses keep up to date with what is happening in their profession. This is attainable by becoming a member of professional organizations (American Nurses Association, 2014). The three major categories of nursing organizations include: national, state, and international. These professional nursing organizations have large memberships and maintain state and national links that help increase the knowledge of its members regarding current trends in legislation, employment, and clinical practices. The purpose of this paper is to discuss professional organization in the nursing industry, discuss how nurse leaders can use professional nursing organizations to maintain actions in the nursing and health care industry. Selected Professional Organization Nursing organizations keep nurses aware of the current trends and politics that impact the nursing profession. A fundamental part of the American Nurses Association, the Florida Nurses Association (FNA) is categorized within the state level that supports education, research, and assistance to nurses in need. FNA has been a great advocate for nurses from all areas of specialty (Florida Nurses Association, 2014). FNA is known as the â€Å"political watch dog for nurses and health care† and has an influential presence in Tallahassee. Its main goal is to protect the privileges and rights of nurses and make sure that the voice of nurses is heard at the capital (Dandurant, 2012). Current Political Issues The use of the titleâ€Å"Doctor† among nurses with Doctorate Degree in Nursing Practice (DNP) is one current issue addressed through FNA. Such issue is one of the most tackled issues among the medical group who is campaigning against doctoral nurses to shun away from calling themselves as doctors. As stated by the medical group, DNP’s should give the public and their patients explanations regarding their status otherwise will face criminal charges as they are not medical doctors (Florida Nurses Association, 2014). The Florida Medical Association has brought this controversy to legislative level known as State Bill 612 sponsored by Senator Bill Galvano. FNA Lobbyists aim to repeal this bill and view this as a diversion to legislators in the Florida health care plans. Professional Organization and Political Action In advocating for nurses and nursing, it is vital that leaders stay up to date of the political issues. Nursing organizations lobby legislatures and U.S Congress regarding significant issues that impact nursing. Advocating for increased nurses in the â€Å"Patient Protection and Affordable Act† is a good example. It is essential that everyone is knowledgeable about health and politics (American Nurses Association, 2014). Education is beneficial and plays a vital role through this process. It can be done through newsletters, media campaigns, e-mails, telephone calls, internet, and publications. Maintaining Awareness of Political Action Staying current with the health care policy is important in protecting the nursing practice, its scope, as well as the domain which nurses work (Gallager, 2010). Hence, safety and quality, nursing care will be continuously improved. FNA keeps nurse leaders informed of legislative issues such as nursing shortage, staffing ratios, safety in the work environment, and patient advocacy. Through professional organizations and meetings, leaders will be cognizant of information as it relates to the state and national level of health care. It is critical to have a voice in nursing issues. In order to achieve it, one has to be active in the professional organizations, stay aware of all levels of policy development, and works in collaboration with various organizations in the interest of nursing. In order to help ensure that policy enhances good health care,  nurses need to play an active role in the development and modifications in health policy (Dandurant, 2012). Conclusion Joining a professional organization is vital in one’s professional growth. Health care policies and laws impact not only the nurses’ work environment but the patients’ and their safety as well. The core of health policies is safety and quality care. It is essential that nurse leaders are knowledgeable regarding policies as it relates to nursing for a successful lobbying for the profession References American Nurses Association. (2014). Member benefits. Retrieved from: http://www.nursingworld.org Dandurant, K., (2012). Nurses influence health policies. Seacoastonline. Retrieved from: http://www.Seacoastonline.com Florida Nurses Association (2014). About FNA. Retrieved from http://wwwwfloridanurses.org Gallager, R., (2010). Quality is not an irreconcilable difference. Nursing management,4(8).18-20.