question
The Role of Information Systems in Society: This essay would explore the broader impact of information systems on society. You could discuss how information systems have changed the way we communicate, learn, and work.
answer
1. Introduction
Information technology has hit society full force. No longer are corporations in the business of providing a product or service, they are now in the business of providing information. The latest and greatest information provides a competitive edge, and therefore greatly impacts the way business is done. Electronic storage of information has become the norm, and with this, information systems are born. The backbone of information systems is the concept of data. Data is a collection of raw, unstructured facts with little or no defined relationship to a given context. Capturing data is an easy task, but capturing the right data is a difficult task. Data technology is an industry that is skyrocketing. It is the skills that surround the capture, retention, use, and management of data. Data technology has a direct correlation on the effectiveness of information systems. Capturing the right data is a critical success factor. For example, it is not the consumers’ up-to-date weather conditions, but rather the airlines needing to know the weather conditions at an airport in which they have a flight scheduled. Data needs vary between organizations, and spending money on the capture of the right data can reap large rewards. With the right data in hand, it is then possible to manipulate the data to produce information. This involves the use of analytical models and query languages to assist in decision support. This is essentially using the information systems knowledge to automate a decision that would be made. Information produced from the right data can greatly influence an organization’s actions.
1.1 Definition of Information Systems
An information system “collects, processes, stores, analyses, and disseminates information for a specific purpose” (Laudon and Laudon, 1991:10). This in itself is quite a broad definition and there are many examples to try and also define what an information system is. Examples of information systems used are highly diverse ranging from very technical scientific systems using computing, sensors and networking, to more straightforward file-based systems. Intelligence systems are used by organizations to collect information for some purpose and to make the information easily accessible. An example of an information system that is widely used in today’s organizations can be a good old file hierarchy that is used in Windows. The system arranges documents stored on the disk by allowing the user to group files into a hierarchy of directories and sub-directories and also allows documents to be retrieved by saving the path name. Finally, there are the compute and automation systems. These systems are more complex and involve a greater degree of computing. An example of a compute system would be something like a complex database system with fire application to automate the generation of purchase orders.
Information systems can be looked at in a few ways ranging from their use, benefits and overall purpose. A great case can be made that they have become so intertwined with what we do that they have become a fundamental tool in the success and survival of organizations. The following will examine what an information system is, and the usefulness and functionality of this system in the modern business world. In doing so we will find out why information systems are so important to the operation and success of today’s organizations.
1.2 Importance of Information Systems in Society
The main reason why information systems are so important in the world of business today is because they provide a method for businesses to effectively use the information they gather. The general convenience and effectiveness of information systems is the key point on what really makes them important to businesses, as it’s a known fact that without them, the information gathered can only be of use to a certain extent, and in some cases not at all. An example of this would be from a previous personal experience working within an organization possessing somewhat of an information system based on an inventory management system. A manual method of data entry was mainly used, which the information gathered could only provide knowledge of what stock they had, and no indications of sales trends on certain products, or whether certain products were providing more revenue than others. Today, this organization still exists and has since implemented a more effective information system that would allow them to gather information and fully utilize it with an ongoing trend of data entry, providing greater success in the future from the conclusions that will be drawn from the information gathered today.
The importance of information systems in the world of business is a very essential part as well as a key player on whether organizations will be successful in their business ventures or not. For smaller businesses, the emphasis on more tactical systems, such as inventory control or systems for processing transactions, is a very high priority, which without, their business could take a turn for the worse. For larger organizations, the focus on more strategic information systems would be more geared towards a fully fledged system that can provide a series of information and an in-depth analysis of the information gathered. This is why no matter what kind of system an organization specifically wants to design and implement, the emphasis on the importance of information systems is essential in today’s business world.
2. Communication
2.1 Evolution of Communication through Information Systems
2.2 Role of Information Systems in Social Media
2.3 Impact of Information Systems on Global Connectivity
3. Learning
3.1 Transformation of Education with Information Systems
3.2 Online Learning Platforms and Information Systems
3.3 Access to Information and Knowledge
3.4 Gamification and Information Systems in Education
4. Work
4.1 Automation and Efficiency in the Workplace
4.2 Collaboration and Information Systems
4.3 Remote Work and Information Systems
4.4 Data Analysis and Decision Making in Business
5. Privacy and Security
5.1 Challenges of Information Systems in Privacy Protection
5.2 Cybersecurity and Information Systems
5.3 Ethical Considerations in Information Systems
6. Conclusion
6.1 Recap of the Impact of Information Systems on Society
6.2 Future Trends and Implications

Question
Child Development
Speak with two parents of young children who are of distinctly different cultural groups in your class or in your neighborhood.  I encourage you to ask questions about what children are like and how they should be educated.
The following questions might be considered: What learning and behaviors should be expected of children ages birth through age 2?  What should teachers do to ensure that children are learning? What should classrooms for these the age groups be like?
Take your notes from both interviews and write a one page summary reflection on the questions below: 
How were the two parents’ answers different? How were they alike? 
Which sources of information does the adult use to answer these questions? For example, does this adult rely on research? On systematic observation? On personal opinion?
To what degree do answers reflect family background, culture, or other life experiences? For example, does this adult rely on beliefs passed down from parents or other family members? Does this adult refer to conditions in the neighborhood or community that influence thinking about children? 
What can you conclude about cultural differences in parenting beliefs and practices? 

Answer
1. Introduction
By both focusing on a specific set of infant care practices and customs and using diverse measures of predictor variables, we hope to present a rich and detailed picture of the development of parenting during the transition to parenthood. The content of this book reflects various interests and concerns that grew out of this prospective study, as well as earlier research. We examine cultural differences on a number of variables and constantly compare findings to the existing literature on parenting and cultural comparisons. We examine the socialization and social cognitive mechanisms by which sociodemographic factors operate to influence parenting and various moderating influences on cultural differences in parenting.
The study focused on parents of firstborn infants, as several studies we have done in anticipation of this book have shown that the transition to parenthood is different after the first child, and also because we felt it important to be able to present a comprehensive picture of beliefs and practices across the age span of infancy. For the present study, data on beliefs and practices were gathered when the infant was 3 months old and were focused on the use of three infant care customs: swaddling, supine infant sleep, and breastfeeding, on which there are cultural differences and for which the epidemiological evidence is clear on outcomes that have implications for infant morbidity and mortality. Data on the predictors were gathered at recruitment and at 6 months postpartum.
This book was developed to examine the diversity of beliefs and practices that parents of infants hold and to report on a study that tested the hypothesis that for European American and African American parents, individual differences in sociodemographic characteristics, psychological functioning, and life stress would be related to concomitant differences in beliefs and practices.
2. Learning and Behaviors Expected of Children
2.1. Cognitive Development
2.2. Language Development
2.3. Motor Skills Development
2.4. Social and Emotional Development
3. Ensuring Children’s Learning
3.1. Creating a Stimulating Environment
3.2. Providing Age-Appropriate Toys and Activities
3.3. Encouraging Exploration and Curiosity
3.4. Establishing Routines and Consistency
4. Classroom Environment for Children Ages Birth through Age 2
4.1. Safe and Childproofed Spaces
4.2. Comfortable and Nurturing Atmosphere
4.3. Age-Appropriate Learning Materials
4.4. Opportunities for Play and Social Interaction
5. Differences and Similarities in Parental Answers
5.1. Variation in Expectations and Priorities
5.2. Commonalities in Developmental Milestones
5.3. Diverse Approaches to Learning Strategies
6. Sources of Information for Parental Answers
6.1. Research Studies and Scientific Findings
6.2. Personal Observations and Experiences
6.3. Advice from Pediatricians and Childcare Professionals
6.4. Recommendations from Family and Friends
7. Influence of Family Background, Culture, and Life Experiences
7.1. Cultural Traditions and Beliefs
7.2. Impact of Socioeconomic Factors
7.3. Neighborhood and Community Influences
7.4. Historical and Generational Influences
8. Cultural Differences in Parenting Beliefs and Practices
8.1. Variations in Discipline and Behavior Management
8.2. Attitudes towards Independence and Autonomy
8.3. Importance of Extended Family and Community Support
8.4. Influence of Cultural Values and Norms
9. Conclusion

Question
For each policy (Social Security Act, Economic Opportunity Act, Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act), briefly:
Explain how the policy is addressed at the federal, state, and local level. (Florida) 
What programs were developed from this policy?
Reflect on how the policy affects or may affect your community, geographic area, or potential clients.
Then, address this unique prompt for this week’s Quick Guide:
Identify one opportunity for change for one of the policies.
Note: For the Policy Quick Guides, there is no specific page count. Rather, strive to concisely capture the vital information for each policy, much like you would find in a reference book or other encyclopedia style resource. You must, however, use correct grammar and an academic writing style.
Answer
1. Social Security Act
Prior to the Social Security Act, assistance to the elderly, the chronically ill, and the needy came from family members, local town relief, charity, and mutual aid. However, public assistance was merely a minor element in these sources of aid. Most families were not able to afford to provide support and security for their elderly family members. Due to the ongoing economic hardships during the first few years, the legislations surrounding the Old Age Revolving Pensions were unpopular to the public. The bills were being constantly revised before they were legislated and the Governors in both California and Florida, states where the laws were successfully put into practice, have found the necessary criteria for the pension ridiculous and impossible to fulfill. In 1933, President Roosevelt set up the Committee on Economic Security in order to formulate new proposals for the establishment of some kind of economic security for the American people. One year later, the committee proposed several measures in order to eliminate the hazards of modern life, provide for the general welfare and protect children, the dependent, handicapped and the aged. The Social Security Act was signed into law by President Roosevelt on August 14, 1935. In addition to several provisions for general welfare, the new Act created a social insurance program designed to pay retired workers age 65 or older a continuing income after retirement. I am going to provide a detailed perspective of the political and social climate that provided the framework for the new law. I will also examine in depth the provisions of the Social Security Act and attempt to justify why and how the Act was passed. In order to answer this inquiry, I am going to start by analyzing the various social groups of people in the American community and their respective attitudes to the Act. Then I would analyze the political parties, the Government, the attitude of the Supreme Court and how different states envisage about the Act. I would then link the wider picture back to the main question and form an overall conclusion.
1.1. Federal, State, and Local Addressing
The federal government delegates the responsibility to manage social welfare programs to state and local governments. Most states, except for Hawaii, have state-supervised programs for helping the needy and low-income families. There is a federal Department of Health and Human Services that works with state social welfare agencies. It is the DHS that manages the TANF program and Social Security Programs to an extent. This division has been subtle historically, but in the contemporary era, state and local agencies have been given more freedom in designing social welfare programs that cater to the needs of their own population. Such flexibility is identified as ‘state flexibility’ in the scholarly world. Furthermore, states have the option to either run the program themselves or hire a non-profit organization. This being said, social welfare in the United States, in terms of its structural construction, is highly decentralized. OTDA is established to supervise the administration and planning of social welfare programs in local agencies. Local social welfare agencies and departments are funded by local government and they offer social services. Maslow’s theory of self-actualization has been implemented in social welfare programs in the United States. Based on the idea that people strive for existence, society should help the lower stratum society with food, shelter, and other basic needs so that they can eventually achieve self-actualization. The federal social welfare policy and its programs are the results of the practical application of knowledge and the theory mentioned above. The federal government runs different kinds of social welfare programs, but state social welfare programs are various; they often have different names and differ from one state to another. Adult Protective Services or Children and Family Services are examples of local programs. These programs are funded by the Social Services Block Grant. Albeit local social programs vary across the nation, they are all designed to benefit the vulnerable groups in society. Social welfare programs mainly focus on the health and well-being of the public. Public interest and involvement are the fundamental basis of running social welfare programs. All social welfare programs require that recipients be a United States citizen or a qualified alien. Every program has its financial criteria. The applicants must fall under the financial criteria and situation in order to be a recipient. The distribution of resources is a key issue in society and has fueled philosophical debates as to what is the best way to help the greatest number of people. The emergence of capitalism brought about social reform in the shape of the New Deal. The formation of the New Deal Coalition and widespread criticism by the ‘Dixiecrats’ culminated in sweeping civil rights reforms in the 1960s. The 1960s saw an era where social welfare programs could be seen from local happenings to international implications. From the Civil Rights Movements to the Vietnam War, the war on poverty and President Johnson’s ‘Great Society’ programs have had a major impact on social welfare throughout the nation. These country-wide programs have also given more weight to state flexibility and the reformation of local programs; social welfare in the United States has reached a new height because people started to believe in the theory of Change through Social Action. The theory suggests that a social reform initiated by a powerful governing body will in turn lead to a change in social welfare provision that can be seen and implemented. Every state has different names for its social welfare programs and the programs vary from state to state. In the next section, I will demonstrate the differences between some of the local social welfare programs.
1.2. Developed Programs
As time goes on and the political and social culture continue to change, it is imperative that researchers continue to track how different programs of the Social Security Administration adopt to those changes, to better understand the impact of those changes on the different populations who benefit from the programs, and to provide new ideas for changes and new programs. It is the hope of many in the field that as progress in research is made and as new challenges emerge for the population, the next generations of programs in the field of social insurance, the programs which help work the disabled and the various programs of the SSA, will continue to increase the guards against the dependency of those most vulnerable in our society and to provide help and support to those in need.
OPC, or Older Persons’ Clinic, is a program pioneering at Connecticut and Michigan. The objective of the program is to try and create a partnership between the Social Security Administration and medical providers for early and accurate diagnosis and enhanced treatment of illness and injury in older patients. Its purpose is to shorten the period during which persons are impaired, and more importantly to avoid inappropriate hospitalization and to postpone dependency. It boasts a more widespread Chic and Non-CHIC projects. CHIC, Community Health Intervention Committee, is a service that provides needs for the poor and uninsured. It was initially part of a project funded by the federal government; however, it expanded and turned into two levels of help to the community. The main focus is prevention. On the other hand, Non-CHIC was created and has flourished under the SSA’s Benefit Expert Program. The purpose of these projects is to provide the financial and outreach benefit expertise of social work professionals to Medicare beneficiaries, their families, and caretakers in local communities. OPC and CHIC are notable for their ability to connect and establish a functioning network between different medical providers in the effective and efficient treatment and promotion of healthy living tailored to older patients, as to extend the independence period of the older patients’ pre-disability. On the other hand, Non-CHIC projects are noted for their ability to help in shaping the healthcare delivery system and for providing necessary service to allow the elderly to sustain independence and improved standard of living.
In addition to creating a financial safety net for individuals too old to work or who have lost their employment, the various reforms over time have sought to expand and change the programs focused on existing categories of aid, like single-family aid to families with dependent children into TANF. TANF, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, is a program that gives temporary financial assistance to pregnant women and families with one or more dependent children. The program is meant to help parents become self-sufficient while promoting conditions that support two-parent families. This program has been held up by proponents of the ‘devolution revolution’ because it gives extensive flexibility to the states in making decisions about how to spend the money they receive. Additionally, the states are responsible for designing their own programs, setting specific benefits levels, and establishing who is eligible for the benefits. Because TANF allows such flexibility to the states, scholars suggest that it gives the states a unique opportunity to reshape their welfare systems aggressively. It is the first of the major and minor key programs of the SSA that focus on the working-age population through the theory of social insurance.
1.3. Impact on Community
The Social Security Act, as well as the newer policies and programs established, have made a significant impact on the community: depression-era laws still being much of the programs that exist today. Public welfare in particular, which is one of the more well-known provisions within the Social Security Act, has somewhat of a dubious reputation as being a federal program designed for the poor to which both state and federal governments contribute. However, in its earliest history, public welfare was never designed with the intention that it would become today’s primary support system for the poverty stricken. For example, medical programs funded under the Social Security Act have been developed, aid to the blind was put forward, and aid to dependent children has been established.
1.4. Opportunity for Change
Before the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act is signed, it has been creating different chances for change, especially in the field of social welfare. This new act, which emphasizes the activity and responsibility of persons receiving federal assistance, continues the trend of shifting the federal government’s role in social welfare. However, the changes are not just confined to the different acts that have been made on the deep change in the overall social welfare administration in the country over the years. The policies movement from either a residual or institutional perspective to one of a workfare policy – viewing the social welfare program as a means to maintain or increase the social order through the effective use of work activities, promotion of individual responsibility, and community resources. From the past, it is clear that when there is political unrest, policies – especially the legislation and budget – will change regularly. Power is extremely vital in social welfare, and it is believed that changes are not to be made according to the needs of the poor and distrusted groups but rather the interests of the power and the higher classes. From the act of changing the different federal and state laws to the chain in either the bureaucratic or the street-level administration, the influence of policies and politics is the prime movers. The introduction of broad policy advancements to reach a workfare direction and reforms including the 1996 Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act does not end the development of policies and programs but only marks the latest advancement. Programming techniques and service delivery methodologies are believed to be seriously affected by the changes in policies and change process. It is said that with every new amendment act or new act introduced, they will create different opportunities and chances for professionals who are working in the field to introduce new programs or new projects so as to exploit the benefit of the new acts. The limited extension of these benefits will create the opportunity for major providers who enjoy a close relationship with the key decision-makers or politicians to dominate the planning for the new project or proposals. It creates the difficulty for small operators who lack the necessary power and influence to suggest new programs that could compete with their existing ones and so the social welfare resource may not be effectively utilized.
2. Economic Opportunity Act
2.1. Federal, State, and Local Addressing
2.2. Developed Programs
2.3. Impact on Community
2.4. Opportunity for Change
3. Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act
3.1. Federal, State, and Local Addressing
3.2. Developed Programs
3.3. Impact on Community
3.4. Opportunity for Change

Question
Review this week related topics: Big Data, Data Science, Data Mining, Data Analytics, and Machine Learning. 
Consider the process and application of each topic.
Reflect on how each topic relates to nursing practice. 
The assignment:
Post a summary on how predictive analytics might be used to support healthcare. Note: These topics may overlap as you will find in the readings (e.g., some processes require both Data Mining and Analytics).
In your post include the following:
Describe a practical application for predictive analytics in your nursing practice (you can do behavioral health or med surg). What challenges and opportunities do you envision for the future of predictive analytics in healthcare? INCLUDE 3 REFERENCES

Answer
1. Introduction
Predictive analytics is rapidly emerging as a valuable tool for the identification and management of high-risk populations in today’s leading healthcare organizations. In its broadest sense, predictive analytics is the use of data, statistical algorithms, and machine learning techniques to identify the likelihood of future outcomes based on historical data. The predictive model has been widely used to identify those who have higher probabilities of certain outcomes, more complex and severe medical conditions, and higher utilization of health services. In these cases, a small number of individuals are identified as having a much higher probability of incurring the outcome. The primary goal in these cases is to improve quality of care for the high-risk individuals and reduce overall costs by identifying them before the adverse outcomes occur. Predictive analytics is a process in which the predictions work in a feedback loop by identifying the probability of an outcome and identifying the factors that can be modified to change the outcome. In these scenarios, prediction is used to target intervention, by clarifying the relative risk of different outcomes and by discovering which factors and interventions have the greatest potential to alter those outcomes. This can be particularly important for healthcare providers working to improve health of populations and reduce the per capita cost. High-risk, high-cost individuals can often be identified with complex or chronic conditions that can be improved if the right interventions can be targeted. In the case of disease management, predictive models using patient specific data can identify those in the early stages of a disease for which effective intervention can prevent progression to more severe outcomes. By identifying the different factors that can influence the disease progression, the provider can discern which patients would benefit the most from the available interventions. This allows for targeting the right treatment to the right patient.
1.1 Definition of Predictive Analytics
Predictive analytics is different from other statistical analysis as it is more futuristic and often uses statistical techniques and data mining concepts to analyze the data. This concept focuses on prediction and not description. For example, in database marketing, it’s a common use of predictive analysis. Various companies use this data to make future predictions on customer behavior, customer trends, and to develop customer relationship management systems. This concept is also used in various other fields, including but not limited to financial services, insurance, healthcare, travel, telecommunications, etc.
Predictive analytics is the technique used to determine the outcome of a situation and is done through data collection, data analysis, statistics, and machine learning. This process is beneficial in solving complex issues and also to identify future opportunities. The data from which the analysis is done can exist in various forms, for example, it can be structured or unstructured and can be internal or external to the system.
1.2 Importance of Predictive Analytics in Healthcare
With today’s increasing demand of healthcare worldwide, it is in the best interest of any healthcare provider to utilize every ability to provide the best care possible. However, situational awareness and the ability to predict an outcome in a patient’s case has not been healthcare’s strong suit. In the past, healthcare has reacted to critical situations and have controlled the damage, but what if that damage could have been prevented with a higher quality of care? Predictive analytics can answer that question. An important and sometimes life-saving tool, predictive analytics is instrumental in providing the best possible care for any patient. One of the most important reasons to utilize predictive analytics in healthcare is its ability to determine a possible outcome in a patient’s case. By utilizing the patient’s history and existing knowledge, predictive analytics can suggest a future outcome or the probability of a particular illness/injury occurring. This can be extremely useful in cases of organ failure, as data can be collected to determine whether or not the patient is in need of an organ transplant in the near future. Simulation models can then determine the best treatment for that patient and the probability of survival with and without the transplant. Cost is always a factor with medical treatment and the ability to predict an outcome based on particular treatments can help to determine the best and most cost-effective treatment for any patient.
2. Practical Application of Predictive Analytics in Nursing Practice
2.1 Identifying High-Risk Patients
2.2 Early Detection of Complications
2.3 Personalized Treatment Plans
3. Challenges of Predictive Analytics in Healthcare
3.1 Data Quality and Accessibility
3.2 Privacy and Security Concerns
3.3 Integration with Existing Systems
4. Opportunities of Predictive Analytics in Healthcare
4.1 Improved Patient Outcomes
4.2 Cost Reduction
4.3 Enhanced Resource Allocation
5. Future of Predictive Analytics in Healthcare
5.1 Advancements in Machine Learning Algorithms
5.2 Integration of Wearable Devices and IoT
5.3 Collaboration between Healthcare Providers and Data Scientists
6. References

question
Discuss how professional nursing organizations support the field of nursing and how they advocate for nursing practice. Explain the value professional nursing organizations have in advocacy and activism related to patient care. Choose a professional nursing organization that relates to your specialty area of interest. Discuss how this organization keeps its members informed of health care changes and opportunities the organization provides for continuing education and professional development. 
Initial discussion question posts should be a minimum of 200 words and include at least two references cited using APA format. Responses to peers or faculty should be 100-150 words and include one reference. Refer to “RN-BSN Discussion Question Rubric” and “RN-BSN Participation Rubric,” located in Class Resources, to understand the expectations for initial discussion question posts and participation posts, respectively.
Answer
1. Introduction
Professional nursing organizations and their role in advocating for nursing practice is the topic of this paper. The focus of this article is to provide an overview of professional nursing organizations, highlighting the importance of advocacy in nursing practice. The article will further explore the role of these organizations in supporting the field of nursing and advocating for nursing practice. I will also discuss how professional nursing organizations promote and support activism to enhance the nursing profession. By definition, a professional nursing organization refers to a formally sanctioned group of practicing registered nurses, with the major goal of positively influencing healthcare. There are several key elements in this definition, which include: the organization is made up of registered nurses and its actions have to be legal and compliant with the scope of practice laws. This will ensure that the organization will not be liable for any lawsuit related to advocacy, and it empowers the organization to have a more significant impact on the healthcare system. Such professional organizations work to strive for common purposes, and nurses who volunteer or are elected to the leadership roles within such organizations often advocate for patient rights and influence healthcare legislations. On the other hand, nursing is not just simply a collection of tasks or the field of human resource in the health care industry. Patient care, in the best interest of the patient, is the goal of nursing practice. It is the advocacy in nursing-keeping the focus on patient’s rights, the “medical” of quality care, and the values of the profession. Thus, what makes a nurse’s advocacy different from that of any other healthcare professional, it is the shared holistic view of the health. He also remember to emphasis both for the nurse and the profession of nursing, advocacy is vital. Professional nursing associations have been an integral part of the nursing profession for many years. Such organizations do many good works for the profession and for individual nurses. Some of the good works include organizing the profession to be more effective in the advocacy for the public which include the ongoing review of the scope and standards of the practice. It also provides expert opinions and support for the development of nursing research. Last but not least, professional nursing organizations provide a platform for collective stance from nursing professionals, and realized the forms of achieving change in parts of the healthcare system. Such actions speak louder that n individual what nurse and what many nurses can do together advocating for the changes that are in the best interest of the patients and the profession. Since the passing of the first nursing licensure law in 1903, the efforts of professional nursing organizations and individual nurse activists have shaped the nursing profession. Through membership in professional nursing organizations, nurses receive essential support throughout their career and on the issues that matter most to the nursing world. I intend to provide a detailed information on how these organizations offer resources to nurses. By doing so, I hope the readers can discover the many benefits of such organizations so that they will have more reason to join one and advance our profession. Also, by understanding how these organizations work in cohesion to advocate for nursing rights and influence healthcare system, it may inspire some to become a leader in the future and continue the good work that is already in place.
1.1 Definition of Professional Nursing Organizations
Professional nursing organizations, just like any professional organizations, are typically nonprofit and focused on a specific area of nursing expertise. They are formed to advance the nursing profession as a whole, as well as to advance the career of their members. Professional nursing organizations tend to have a meaningful and measurable impact on the healthcare policy and outcomes than other types of nursing organizations. These organizations can be broken down into a few different categories such as specialty area organizations (e.g. American Association of Critical-Care Nurses), advanced practice (e.g. American Association of Nurse Practitioners), and career interest (e.g. Emergency Nurses Association). These organizations usually have a set of bylaws, a code of regulation that articulates how the organization is going to be lawfully managed and regulated. Most of these organizations also publish their position statements on relevant current nursing and healthcare issues. Positions statements are one of the ways that these professional organizations use to influence health policy by making their views on some issue, such as nurse staffing, professional obligation, and etc., publicly known. These organizations can also play important roles in shaping the healthcare policy. For example, the American Nurses Association (ANA), which is a full-service professional organization represents the interests of the nations 4 million registered nurses. ANA advances the nursing profession by fostering high standards of nursing practice, promoting the rights of nurses in the workplace, projecting a positive and realistic view of nursing, and by lobbying the Congress and regulatory agencies on health care issues affecting nurses and the public. ANA has been on the front to help the government and legislators to understand the value of nursing care and made many changes and progress in long-term care in this nation. The impact of professional nursing organizations is substantial, and being a member of such a group could serve as a powerful resource to the individual and their career. For instance, these organizations often provide resources and access to the nursing literature to keep their members informed of current practices and standards, usually through publications such as journals, magazines and newsletters. Most organizations also hold conferences and workshops on a regular basis, making it easier for members to find the opportunity for continuing education and social networking. Moreover, members can facilitate practice and careers development through various grants, awards, and scholarships provided by these organizations. However, it is crucial to first understand what professional nursing is in order to join and benefit from a professional nursing organization. Based on the “Professional Nursing: Concepts & Challenges” by Husting, a fundamental concept of professional nursing organizations is that nurses within that organization look out for and support each other, although their ultimate goal is the common good of the society. Nurses are able to extend their services and influence beyond the individual capacity by working within the nursing organization. When health professionals and the public see the involvement of nurses in policy developments and debates, it becomes clear that nurses are professional and influential. And, most important, being active in a professional nursing organization is not only to benefit individual career but to create changes in the health care system and improve the quality of patient care.
1.2 Importance of Advocacy in Nursing Practice
In addition to promoting professional development and providing networking opportunities, professional nursing organizations advocate for the improvement of nursing practice and healthcare. According to McEwen and Willis (2014), “nursing is the protection, promotion, and optimization of health and abilities, prevention of illness and injury, alleviation of suffering through the diagnosis and treatment of human response, and advocacy in the care of individuals, families, communities, and populations” (p. 8). Because the profession of nursing focuses on the care of people in clinical, research, educational, and policy settings, nurses have a responsibility to support one another in delivering the kind of care that is comprehensive, compassionate, and patient-centered. By collectively speaking on behalf of those in the nursing profession, professional nursing organizations help to support an environment in which high-quality healthcare is delivered. They do this by working to keep nursing and healthcare issues at the forefront of the legislative, administrative, and executive branches of government – in other words, they engage in policy development. Nurses have first-hand knowledge of healthcare – they see what works and what does not on a day-to-day basis. Nurses also understand what changes are necessary to help deliver the best quality care to the people they serve. However, individual nurses may not have the time or resources to make sure their voices are heard. Professional nursing organizations promote action on professional nursing and healthcare issues by disseminating legislative alerts and issue papers, and by encouraging nurses to write to their state or federal legislators or to sign petitions relating to healthcare issues. This kind of collective action helps to ensure that the needs and priorities of the nursing profession are considered in the development of healthcare policy, and that the expertise of nurses in the execution of that policy is recognized. Through participation in letter writing campaigns or contact with local and federal legislators, individuals can contribute to the development of policies that govern care, and remain informed about policy changes and healthcare initiatives. Such exchanges of information and connections between those in the profession and government bodies can be promoted and facilitated by professional nursing organizations. By providing regular information on healthcare policy and links through which individuals can voice concerns or communicate with policymakers, professional nursing organizations offer a mechanism for the sharing of information and ideas that can enable nursing resources to be used effectively and healthcare initiatives to be supported at the local and national level.
2. Role of Professional Nursing Organizations
2.1 Supporting the Field of Nursing
2.2 Advocating for Nursing Practice
3. Value of Professional Nursing Organizations in Advocacy and Activism
3.1 Enhancing Patient Care
3.2 Promoting Nursing Profession
4. Professional Nursing Organization in Specialty Area of Interest
4.1 Overview of Chosen Organization
4.2 Connection to Specialty Area
5. Keeping Members Informed of Healthcare Changes
5.1 Regular Communication Channels
5.2 Updates on Policy and Regulation Changes
6. Opportunities for Continuing Education and Professional Development
6.1 Workshops and Conferences
6.2 Online Learning Resources