Structure and Process in Health Care Organizations and Health Care Policy

Understanding the relationship between health care organizations and policy has helped me to see how the quality and accessibility of health care services is shaped from the top down. This paper provides a self-assessment with respect to what I have learned regarding this relationship and what it means in the context of the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Essentials and the American Organization for Nursing Leadership (AONL) competencies, which have served as guiding principles in this work. This paper also focuses on the role of advanced practice nurses in leading and influencing health care policy and organizational structures.

Reflection on the Course Achievement

Throughout the DNP8100 course, I have been exposed to readings, discussions, and assignments that have significantly helped grow my understanding of health care. My self-assessment of the learning outcomes tells a great deal about what I now understand with respect to applying frameworks for action in policy and politics, health policy briefing, organizational structure, and care systems.

Applying Frameworks for Action in Policy and Politics to Health Care

The nature of health care policy demands a comprehensive understanding of its underlying frameworks. Through the course readings and discussions, I have delved deep into the multifaceted world of health care policy. The legislative process, often seen as a labyrinth of procedures and protocols, has become more transparent to me. I've learned the significance of each step, from bill introduction to committee reviews, and the eventual enactment of policies.

I have also found that the importance of stakeholder engagement has been a recurring theme. Engaging with stakeholders, from patients and health care providers to policymakers and the general public, is crucial in shaping policies that are both practical and beneficial. Through various case studies and real-world examples, I've seen how effective stakeholder engagement can lead to more informed and inclusive policies.

On top of all this, I can say that the role of advocacy has been highlighted throughout the course. Advocacy has many aspects to it, including helping stakeholders to voice their concerns; but it also focuses on elements like strategically pushing for change, understanding the nuances of the system, and looking after the marginalized communities (Haynes et al., 2020). With this knowledge, I believe I will be able to influence policy decisions, improve patient outcomes, support those who need their voices amplified, and propel the nursing profession forward in a positive direction.

Understanding Health Policy Briefing: Improving Care Transitions

Care transitions are the periods when patients move between health care settings, and they are critical junctures in a patient's health. The assignments related to this topic have helped me see the challenges and opportunities inherent in these transitions. Thus, I have come to understand that seamless transitions encompass transferring medical records as well as making sure that the patient's physical, emotional, and social needs are all being met at the same time (Davidson & Doyle, 2021).

Hospital readmissions are often a result of inadequate care transitions, and they have big implications for both patients and the health care system (Rasmussen et al., 2021). Smooth transitions are needed to reduce the strain on health care resources and enhance patient satisfaction. This course has given me a better sense...

…every patient receives high quality care is a reminder of the ultimate goal: delivering exceptional patient care is our purpose. Every policy, every organizational decision, every aspect of our work, and every leadership initiative should converge on this one objective. My course learnings in areas like public health and care transitions have reinforced this principle. The importance of evidence-based practices and patient-centric approaches is always at the forefront.

Overall, the DNP8100 course has been a great academic exercise for me; it has been a transformative process as well. I feel that it has helped to shape me into a much more competent and professional, visionary nursing leader. The alignment between the course content and the guiding principles of the DNP Essentials and AONL competencies has reinforced this growth. These frameworks both came with positive insights from the course, and altogether they have helped me to see the challenges of health care and the need for commitment to excellence and patient well-being.

Conclusion

The relationship between health care organizations and policy is essential to understand in determining the quality of health care services. Through the DNP8100 course, I have developed a better understanding of this relationship, especially in the areas of policy frameworks, care transitions, organizational structures, and public health systems. The course has certainly deepened my knowledge and honed my skills to influence and lead in these areas. The alignment of my learnings with the DNP Essentials and AONL competencies has helped as well. As I reflect upon the course's impact, it becomes clear to me that it has been most helpful in boosting my abilities to meet the demands…