Issues Paper Introduction

Nursing 487W
Purpose of Assignment
The purpose of this assignment was to teach the student how to involve themselves in the
political approach to nursing laws, standards, and practices in order to better advocate for the
community, nurses, and patients as a whole.
Student Approach to Assignment
This assignment gave me the chance to advocate for patients at a political level by
researching legislation that was in the process of implementation and arguing my position as well
as reasons for those positions to local delegates.

Reason for Inclusion of this Assignment in the Portfolio

This assignment developed an understanding of the importance of advocating at a
political level as nurses have a better understanding of political effects on patients than most
delegates that push legislation through. This assignment also highlights the principals of
communication and professionalism.

Communication
Produces clear, accurate and relevant writing using correct grammar, spelling, and
punctuation.
Example: In this paper I discussed the pending approval of a new law that would
allow facilities as well as providers to refuse care based on personal or religious
beliefs. Once completed I drafted a letter and sent it to my representative as an
accurate and very relevant form of patient avocation. This discussed the importance
of openly displaying facility views and the effects on mental and physical health for
victims of rape or having to choose between the life of oneself vs. fetus.

Professionalism
Advocates for professional standards of practice using organizational and political
process.
Example: I explained in my letter that while protecting the rights of a provider is
needed for quality work environment and mental health, the patients needs in health
care should be at the forefront. The importance of openly displaying facility views
would allow patients to choose the best hospital to fit their needs, and the effects on
mental and physical health for victims of rape or having to choose between the life of
oneself vs. fetus would be better managed.