National Health Insurance and Nursing Practice, Essay Example

There are a significant number of driving forces and restraining factors of a proposed national health insurance that serve to shape the nursing practice environment. In particular, it is important to consider that a national health insurance would create widespread access to care, contributing to an influx of patients. As a result, many health care organizations may find themselves understaffed or needing to meet new regulatory requirements. A national health insurance plan would require that health care institutions follow more regulations put forth by the federal government, which has the potential to alter the role of the nurse. While nurses are typically expected to provide patient care, they may be expected to adopt administrative responsibilities as well to ensure that all required changes are taking place (Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, 2011).

Interestingly, it is believed that many nurses will also adopt new roles to help patients better understand the changes that are being made to the health care system (Stokowski, 2010). Since these changes are often explained in terms that only medical professionals can fully understand, it is important for nurses to help make this information more accessible to help patients become responsible for their own care. While nurses are traditionally responsible for disseminating health information, it will be important for them to incorporate information about policy changes in their discussions with clients. If individuals gain a true understanding of the benefits they are entitled to under this legislation, they will be better able to achieve their personal health goals. Since it is important for the nurse to remain involved in this process, it is essential to consider that many responsibilities will be added to the expectations for nurses.

References

Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. (2011). Health Care Reform Law Begins to Have Effect on

Nursing. Retrieved from http://www.rwjf.org/en/library/articles-and-news/2011/03/health-care-reform-law-begins-to-have-effect-on-nursing.html

Stokowski, L.A. (2010). Healthcare Reform and Nurses: Challenges and Opportunities.

Retrieved from http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/721049