First Steps on Becoming a Grassroots Lobbyist/Advocate for Health Care Policy

In a Microsoft Word document of 4-5 pages formatted in APA style, you will imagine you are going to make a visit to your representative in Congress. There are two parts to this assignment.

Address the following topics:

• Develop a one-page document that supports your position on the AHCA that you would leave with your representative or his or her aide when you make your visit.
  • This one-pager, also called a “leave behind,” should state your position clearly in bullet points and give your reasons why your position is preferred.
  • This “leave behind” should have 1 inch margins and utilize 14-point font throughout.
  • If you were making this visit in person, you would present your “leave behind” to the person with whom you speak during your visit.
  • Include a second page that describes your rationale for the position in your “leave behind” page supported by at least two journal articles.
• Write a two-page brief to describe the scenario surrounding your legislative visit. Understanding the political affiliation of your representative, include answers to the following:
  • Was your member in support or in opposition to the AHCA?
  • State three points that you would cover in support or opposition to your representative’s position.
  • How does your nursing experience influence the advocacy position that you take on the AHCA?

You may find it necessary to search for answers to the questions outside of the assigned reading.

On a separate references page, cite all sources using APA format.

Discussion: The Application of Data to Problem-Solving

In the modern era, there are few professions that do not to some extent rely on data. Stockbrokers rely on market data to advise clients on financial matters. Meteorologists rely on weather data to forecast weather conditions, while realtors rely on data to advise on the purchase and sale of property. In these and other cases, data not only helps solve problems, but adds to the practitioner’s and the discipline’s body of knowledge.

Of course, the nursing profession also relies heavily on data. The field of nursing informatics aims to make sure nurses have access to the appropriate date to solve healthcare problems, make decisions in the interest of patients, and add to knowledge.

In this Discussion, you will consider a scenario that would benefit from access to data and how such access could facilitate both problem-solving and knowledge formation.

To Prepare:

• Reflect on the concepts of informatics and knowledge work as presented in the Resources.
• Consider a hypothetical scenario based on your own healthcare practice or organization that would require or benefit from the access/collection and application of data. Your scenario may involve a patient, staff, or management problem or gap.