Name
Western Governors University
D025 Essentials of Advanced Nursing Roles and Interprofessional Practice
Prof. Name
Date
Participation in Phase 1 of the GoReact reflection and the associated policy advocacy planning activity served as a significant milestone in my professional development. This experience strengthened my understanding of the expanding role of advanced practice nurses in health policy formulation and advocacy. Rather than viewing nursing practice as limited to bedside care, this activity emphasized the nurse’s responsibility to engage in systemic change initiatives that influence population-level health outcomes. Through this process, I developed a deeper appreciation for how nurses can function as leaders, educators, and advocates within legislative and policy-making arenas at both community and state levels.
The policy advocacy planning process highlighted the importance of proactive engagement in healthcare improvement. Unlike traditional academic assignments, this activity required strategic thinking, long-term planning, and alignment of professional values with public health priorities. One critical insight gained was that sustainable healthcare change is rarely reactive; instead, it demands prevention-focused strategies supported by evidence, collaboration, and persistent advocacy. This experience reinforced the concept that nurses are uniquely positioned to influence health policy because of their clinical expertise, ethical responsibility, and close connection to community needs.
Obesity was intentionally selected as the policy advocacy focus due to its widespread prevalence and its strong association with preventable chronic diseases, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and hypertension. Current healthcare systems often prioritize managing obesity-related conditions rather than preventing their onset. Addressing obesity through early intervention and education offers an opportunity to reduce long-term healthcare expenditures while improving overall quality of life. This policy focus aligns with national public health goals that emphasize prevention, health promotion, and health equity across diverse populations.
Integrating structured nutrition and obesity prevention education into Kindergarten through 12th-grade curricula represents a foundational public health strategy. Childhood and adolescence are formative periods during which lifelong behaviors related to nutrition, physical activity, and self-care are established. Providing consistent, age-appropriate education during these stages promotes informed decision-making and fosters positive health behaviors. Over time, such educational interventions can contribute to reduced obesity prevalence and a lower incidence of chronic disease across the lifespan, ultimately benefiting both individuals and healthcare systems.
This continuing professional education (CPE) activity proved more demanding than many prior coursework experiences due to its emphasis on critical analysis, strategic planning, and sustained advocacy efforts. Understanding the complexities of policy development, stakeholder engagement, and legislative processes required perseverance and adaptability. Despite these challenges, the experience was highly motivating and reinforced my commitment to health advocacy. The difficulties encountered underscored the importance of resilience and professional accountability when pursuing meaningful policy reform.
As a result of the knowledge gained during this course, I initiated direct advocacy efforts by contacting two state policymakers via email. These communications introduced the proposed policy initiative centered on mandatory obesity prevention education within schools. Although preliminary, this outreach represents an essential first step in influencing health and education policy. Sustained progress will require continued engagement with policymakers, coalition-building with community stakeholders, and the use of evidence-based data to strengthen advocacy messaging and support policy adoption.
| Advocacy Component | Description |
|---|---|
| Identified Health Issue | Obesity and obesity-related chronic diseases |
| Target Population | Children and adolescents (Kindergarten through 12th grade) |
| Proposed Intervention | Mandatory nutrition and obesity prevention education |
| Advocacy Strategy | Policy engagement, stakeholder collaboration, and legislative outreach |
| Professional Role | Advanced practice nurse as advocate, leader, and change agent |
In conclusion, the Phase 1 reflection and policy advocacy planning experience was instrumental in fostering professional empowerment and leadership development. This coursework emphasized the critical role advanced practice nurses play in shaping health policy and advocating for preventive care initiatives. Although policy reform is inherently complex and requires sustained effort, the competencies gained through this activity have strengthened my resolve to pursue initiatives that prioritize prevention, education, and improved population health outcomes. This experience reaffirmed the nurse’s responsibility to serve not only as a clinician but also as a catalyst for systemic change.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022). Childhood obesity facts. https://www.cdc.gov/obesity/data/childhood.html
Institute of Medicine. (2012). Accelerating progress in obesity prevention: Solving the weight of the nation. National Academies Press.
Milstead, J. A., & Short, N. M. (2019). Health policy and politics: A nurse’s guide (6th ed.). Jones & Bartlett Learning.
World Health Organization. (2021). Obesity and overweight. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/obesity-and-overweight
