Using Media for Health Promotion: A Nurse's Perspective on Policy

This essay explores the increasing importance of media in nursing practice, particularly for health promotion and policy influence. It highlights the use of social networking sites for professional development and knowledge sharing among nurses, as well as the potential of health magazines for addressing patient concerns. The essay also discusses the evolving role of nurses and the need for greater public awareness regarding the scope of nursing practice, including the roles of Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs). The author reflects on personal experiences and emphasizes the significance of digital tools for disseminating information and engaging with healthcare authorities to inform policy changes, ultimately aiming to improve patient outcomes.

Running head: NURSING
Nursing
Name of student:
Name of university:
Author note:

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1.
For a considerable time health professionals including nurses have acknowledged the
increasing importance of using the media for health-promoting practice. As a doctorally-prepared
nurse I proactively acknowledge the need of accommodating and adopting the practice of using
the media for affecting practice change, promoting health and influencing policy. Social
networking sites such as Twitter and Facebook can be used for professional development
through sharing of knowledge among professionals (Kemppainen et al., 2012). I would like to
positively use such platforms for debating on key ideas regarding nursing practice with my
seniors and peers. This would pertain to any challenges faced in daily practice within the
healthcare setting. Heath promotion practice being a significant element of nursing care can be
enabled through communication with patients through health magazines. Regular question-
answer columns can be beneficial in addressing concerns of clients and aiding their well being.
Nurses are further expected to develop their knowledge and skills for improving patient
outcomes by implementing policies that shape the future direction of care delivery. With the help
social media nurses can convey and exchange information capable of informing policy changes.
Social media applications can be used for disseminating information and keeping in contact with
the respected health care authorities who can consider information conveyed for changing
policies. The digital tools would be used for enabling stakeholders understand the present needs
of development (O'Connor, 2017).
2.
The scope of nursing practice is wide, and the accountability that a nurse holds regarding
quality of care provided is not to be undermined. The role of nurses has evolved significantly in

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the last one decade, as a result of which nursing workforce has been divided into different levels
for overall benefit. However, reflecting on my experience I can say that most people are not
aware of the entailments of nursing practice. After enrolment into the DNP degree I have met
many individuals from the community who have enquired about the role of a DNP. The level of
awareness of the individuals regarding the job profile of a DNP is limited. On a certain instance,
a lady whom I met at the care setting was astonished to be informed that a DNP ensures domain-
focused practice wherein the professional is required to exhibit advanced competencies and
leadership roles. The lady also lacked knowledge that nurse practitioners, clinical nurse
specialists, nurse anesthetists, or nurse midwives, fall under the category of Advanced Practice
Registered Nurses (APRN).

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References
Kemppainen, V., Tossavainen, K., & Turunen, H. (2012). Nurses' roles in health promotion
practice: an integrative review. Health Promotion International, 28(4), 490-501. doi:
10.1093/heapro/das034
O'Connor, S. (2017). Using social media to engage nurses in health policy development. Journal
Of Nursing Management, 25(8), 632-639. doi: 10.1111/jonm.12501