The scope of nursing practice is changing as healthcare becomes increasingly complex. In the modern world, advanced practice nurses not only provide care but also act as leaders in policy, advocacy and ethics. Whether demanding increased autonomy or resolving ethical issues in the treatment process, nurses are reshaping the landscape of healthcare delivery.
The online Master of Science in Nursing – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program at Texas State University (TXST) prepares registered nurses for expanded roles. Students can study the policy environment through specialized courses such as Health Policy, Ethics, and Issues in Advanced Nursing Practice.
The Expanding Role of Advanced Practice Nursing
Advanced practice nurses working in primary care settings provide evidence-based practice interventions, either independently or in collaboration with a physician. Advanced practice nurses include nurse midwives, clinical nurse specialists and nurse practitioners.
According to the American Nurses Association, nurses have been actively engaged in healthcare delivery system reforms for a long time. However, this has led to increased pressure for nurses to be more involved in policy formulation and analysis, especially when advocating for patients.
Key Health Policy Issues in Nursing
Several existing policy issues have a significant impact on the delivery of care by nurses. By developing and evaluating policies that support patient care and the sustainability of the healthcare provider, advanced practice nurses can help reshape policies in areas such as:
- Standard scope of practice laws: In some states, nurse practitioners have full practice autonomy. In others, they must be supervised by a physician and cannot practice independently, regardless of their training and experience. This is a problem that hinders access to care for some populations, especially in rural or underserved areas.
- Access and equity: Nurses play a unique role in advocating for equitable access to care, particularly on behalf of vulnerable populations who may experience barriers to access. Advanced practice nurses can focus on policy changes to facilitate telehealth, Medicaid extensions and mental health treatment, bringing significant value to communities.
- Reimbursement concerns: Nurses face challenges in overcoming restrictions on fair reimbursement by insurance companies, which could affect the sustainability of employment and the reasonable delivery of medical care.
Navigating Ethical Issues In Nursing
Nursing embraces ethics, particularly when working in different diagnostic roles, end-of-life care or psychotherapy. As this ScienceDirect article explains, ethical tensions often arise when healthcare systems are under stress. Advanced practice nurses must be prepared to think critically and respond with both empathy and integrity in the following areas:
- Patient autonomy: Healthcare providers must allow patients to make their own choices, even in cases where such decisions might be contrary to medical advice.
- Informed consent: Patients should be educated about their treatment options and risks, and alternative methods, in clear words and without prejudice.
- Resource allocation: In situations like resource scarcity, nurses are required to make decisions on how to fairly and ethically allocate available resources.
Advocacy Through Education and Action
Nurses do not have to wait to become leaders to initiate change. The Online Journal of Issues in Nursing notes that nurses (at every level) play an active role in policy development via professional associations, community forums and directly contacting lawmakers.
Degree programs such as the online MSN – PMHNP from Texas State equips registered nurses with the knowledge and tools they need to participate in health policy assessment, offer appropriate responses in legal situations and promote evidence-based research and moral treatment. Coursework empowers nurses to have a voice in policy decisions between providers and patients, thereby closing the gap between academia and practice.
Prepare to Lead In Today’s Healthcare Landscape
Advanced nursing practice is not only focused on clinical care, but on leadership, responsibility and boldness to facilitate change. By combining ethics and policy with practical nursing skills, the online MSN – PMHNP program at Texas State University prepares nurses to take the lead in shaping workplace cultures and influencing state and federal policies.
The MSN – PMHNP program at Texas State University is designed to prepare students for APRN licensure in Texas. Licensure requirements vary by state, so students planning to practice outside Texas should check their state board’s requirements before enrolling. The degree positions nurses not only as skilled clinical practitioners but as influential advocates and policy leaders who can drive meaningful change in healthcare systems at local, state and national levels. With this advanced education, graduates are equipped to tackle complex ethical dilemmas, influence healthcare policy and ultimately advance their careers while making a lasting impact on patient care and the nursing profession as a whole. The program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), ensuring it meets the highest standards for advanced nursing education and clinical preparation.
Learn more about Texas State University‘s online MSN – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program.
