Legislative Agenda
Legislative Agenda means a program of proposed legislations to support policies and programs of government (Casey, 2020). In this discussion, the main focus is comparing and contrasting the legislative agendas of four nursing organizations, that is; American Nurses Association, Sigma Theta Tau, International Council of Nurses, and National Black Nurses Association. Such organizations emerge as effective means by which the nursing profession can influence policy, advocate for quality services, avail continued education opportunities, and protect the interests of nurses. In this case, the organizations tend to come up with legislative agendas and organizational missions to influence attainment of distinct objectives.
American Nurses Association (ANA) aims to advocate for the profession of nursing and the vital role nurses play in improving healthcare for all (Goodman, 2020). The mission of the International Council of Nurses is to represent nurses around the world, to advance the nursing profession, to enhance the well-being of nurses, and to advocate for better health policies. Nursing should be recognized and supported by the global community so that they can lead and deliver health care for everyone, according to the organization’s vision. International Council of Nurses (ICN) and American Nurses Association (ANA) are both dedicated to promoting nursing as a career choice and advancing the interests of nurses worldwide. Advocacy is defined by the ANA Code of Ethics as “the act or process of promoting, supporting, or recommending” a particular course of action (Kershaw, 2017). As nurses, we work tirelessly to improve the lives of individuals, groups, and entire communities. It is our duty to provide the best possible care and ensure the safety of those in our care, and we take this responsibility seriously.
The four major nursing organizations have made significant contributions to the development of public policy. Advocates who actively participate in policymaking are seen as having a distinct advantage over those who do not. The Global Advisory Panel on the Future of Nursing (GAPFON) and Midwifery’s 2014-2017 Summative Report was officially released by Sigma Theta Tau (“Sigma theta tau international,” 2018). The National Black Nurses Association (NBNA) has teamed up with the National Association of Black Nurses to implement the report’s recommendations in this nursing profession’s transformation (Gorham, 2018). To meet the growing demand for high-quality health care, registered nurses must assume leadership roles. When it comes to the implementation of the Affordable Care Act and how it intersects with the Future of Nursing’s description of the transformation of nursing, the NBNA is steadfast in its commitment to lead the change and play a key role in implementing strategies that will transform health care and lead us to a healthier nation (Casey, 2020).