NURSING 1
NRS440 Nurses in Politics
Despite playing anintegral role in healthcare, nurses and patients face many challengesthat require intervention of the federal or state government. Asdescribed by Cherry& Jacob (2015) nursing is a demanding professionthat involves long working hours, different compensation depending onthe region, shortage in staffing, and workplace injuries.Nevertheless, according to Dailey (2008), some individuals who arenurses ascend to political leadership in states or the federalgovernment and fight for the welfare of nurses and patients. Thispaper discusses one nursing legislator in a given state, her role andbills that have influenced the healthcare sector.
ANurse Legislator and Her Role in Healthcare Delivery
DianeBlack was first elected as a congress member in 2010 to represent 19counties in Tennessee. Before election, Diane had served for 40 yearsa nurse. Hence, she was familiar with obstacles experienced bynurses, patients, and all the healthcare providers. Legislators whoonce served as nurses are usually credible and effective to beentrusted with healthcare laws and policies (Hahn,2009). Diane advocated for patient-centered reforms toprevent the increased cost of healthcare created by the privatesector. Diane was a co-author of Path to Prosperity budget in 2014.The budget aims to save $4.6 trillion and invest the amount inMedicare to safeguard future generations.
Specific Bills Supported by Diane
During the 112th Congress, Diane had a legislation signedthat called for repealing of Obamacare bill, saving the taxpayers $13billion. Diane contributed to the legislation of a bill that protectsthe rights of unborn in Tennessee. In addition, Diane supported abill in Tennessee that led to withdrawal of funds to organizationsthe call for secure abortions and Planned Parenthood. Furthermore,Diana was involved in the formulation of Healthcare Conscience Actthat that fights for the rights of nurses who refuse to secureabortions due to religious matters. The role of former healthcareproviders cannot be undermined (Abood,2007). Consequently, Diane Black has contributedgreatly to the refinement of the healthcare sector.
References
Abood, S.(2007). Influencing health care in the legislative arena. OnlineJournal of Issues in Nursing, 12(1).
Cherry, B., &Jacob, S. R. (2015). Contemporary Nursing: Issues, Trends, &Management.
Dailey, M. A.(2008). Mastering the art of politics. ThePennsylvania Nurse, 63(3),4-6.
Hahn, J.(2009). Power dynamics, health policy, and politics. MedsurgNursing, 18(3),197.