Running head: HEALTHCARE POLICY 1

Essential V-- Healthcare Policy, Finance and Regulatory Environments

Anne Waskiewicz

Frostburg State University

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Essential VHealthcare Policy, Finance and Regulatory Environments

Essential V of the American Association of Colleges of Nurses (AACN), states a

baccalaureate-educated graduate is equipped with the foundational knowledge and skills to apply

them in the broader spectrum of the healthcare policy, finance and regulatory environments. The

baccalaureate-prepared nurse can be an advocate for policy change in the healthcare system as

demonstrated by the Congressional Letter. The advocates message can be more powerful when

joined by other voices (i.e. Nursing Associations). Essential V includes a financial component

that helps the graduate see how decisions made by regulatory agency impacts the quality of care

and safety of the patients.

Exemplar

The Congressional Letter was a practical application to Essential V. The letter was

addressed to my county Representative. The issue presented was The Opioid Epidemic. It is a

crisis which impacts our county and our nation. There is a Bill, (H.R. 3692, the Addiction

Treatment Access Improvement Act) in Congress which would increase the workforce on the

front line. The licensed professionals would use their skills to administer a drug in the deadly

fight against opioid overdose. The letter asked him to vote yes in support of this Bill.

Reflection

Essential V and the Congressional Letter is one tool which the baccalaureate-prepared

nurse has in her newly acquired skill set. Essential V equips and expands a nurses ability to act

on behalf of patients in a much larger healthcare arena. The Congressional letter gives our

government officials a voice and evidence-based support when faced by monumental decisions.
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I initially thought this assignment was another task to check off my list to graduate. In

retrospect, I believe Essential V in conjunction with all the other Essentials is one of the most

powerful tools in our educational toolbox!

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References

Nursing, A. A. (2008, October 20). The Essential of Baccalaureate Education for Professional

Nursing Practice. Washington, , DC: American Association of Colleges of Nursing.