Advocacy Assignment

NURS 492- Community Health Nursing

Purpose of Assignment
The purpose of this assignment is to allow the student the opportunity to complete
an in-depth analysis of a health issue in order to serve as an expert witness advocating for
community health nursing and consumers. An issue involves controversy and therefore
may include positive and negative aspects. Students are expected to present a sound
logical argument regarding the issue assigned.
Approach to Assignment
My intention upon completing this assignment was to compose a letter to my state
legislator to try and convince him to legislate on a issue that affected a vulnerable
population in my community. This assignment required me to research my position on
support of legislation on a health issue, but also research the opposing argument. The
legislation I chose to support was focused on eliminating the current law for a woman to
have a ultrasound before an abortion procedure. Researching the opposing argument
taught me to always look at another point of view, the purpose being the opposing view
will either reinforce your belief or change your perspective on the issue.
Reason for Inclusion
I believe in a womans right to make medical decisions regarding her body
without the unnecessary interference from the government. Nurses are privileged to be
able to advocate for populations they serve on issues that can have a great effect on their
health care delivery. My argument to the legislator was to show him that by forcing a

woman to have an ultrasound prior to an abortion violates the ethical principle of respect
for patient autonomy.
Critical Thinking

Evaluates nursing care outcomes through the acquisition of data and the
questioning of inconsistencies
My support for bill HB 152, which eliminates the requirement of a trans-

abdominal ultrasound prior to abortion was based on research and statements from
valid authorities. The Guttmacher Institute and the American Congress of Obstetrics
and Gynecologists gave valid arguments regarding the unnecessary use of a
ultrasound prior to an abortion. The data acquired showed the lack of necessity for a
medical procedure.
Nursing Practice

Applies appropriate knowledge of major health problems to guide nursing

practice
I chose this health issue to focus on because of unnecessary medical procedures

being a financial burden to American society. It is a well known fact that the United
States has one of the most expensive health care system and a contributor to that fact
is unnecessary medical treatments. This is an legislative bill that can contribute to
curtailing the ever increasing costs of healthcare. The primary populations affected
by unnecessary medical treatments are low income.
Communication

Accesses and utilizes data and information from a wide range of sources to
enhance patient and professional communication

The Virginia Pro-Choice Coalition produced financial data, which I used to show
the financial burden of this medical procedure especially on poor women. Evidence
based research was used to support my argument for the legislation.

Expresses oneself and communicates effectively with diverse groups and

disciplines using a variety of media in a variety of contexts
I used letter writing as a form of communication with my state legislator to

convey my position on the legislation that needed to be reviewed and voted on.
Persuasive writing was done to attempt to convince the legislator to vote for the
legislation put forth.
Research

Shares research findings with colleagues

I consider a state legislator to be my colleague, because of their participation in

the process of how healthcare services can be delivered. They have the ability to vote
for legislation that can affect a person interaction with the healthcare system. I
provided research on the impact of the legislation for the constituents he serves. The
research provided was used to show concrete evidence of why he should support the
legislation I was advocating for.
Professionalism

Understands the effect of legal and regulatory processes on nursing practice and
health care delivery, as well as limits to ones own scope of practice.
The nursing profession is viewed as a knowledgeable source on health care issues.

Because nurses are granted this role, we are able to be advocates for the populations
we serve. One of the important aspects of nursing advocacy is providing proof on

why certain health care decisions need to be made. Nurses do not have the power to
legislate, but they do have the knowledge and strength in numbers to promote
legislation that will provide the best outcomes for their patients.
Culture

Considers the impact of research outcomes and the effects of health and social
policies, on persons from diverse background.

I was able to demonstrate to my state legislator how the passage of this bill would
affect womens health care, but especially women in financial need. This health
policy if not passed would put an undue financial burden on poor women, because of
lack of reimbursement from insurance companies who deem it a medically
unnecessary procedure.