ANSWER
1. The idea of a social change agent and nurses’ role
An individual who actively seeks for, promotes, and executes improvements that enhance the well-being of society is known as a social change agent. Addressing systemic injustices, advancing justice, and creating an atmosphere that allows people and communities to flourish are all part of this position. Because of their special role in healthcare, close contact with patients, and knowledge of the social determinants of health (SDOH), nurses are especially qualified to act as social change agents.
There are several ways that nurses can carry out this role:
Advocacy:
In order to alleviate gaps, advance health equity, and enhance access to healthcare, nurses can support legislative changes. For instance, advocating for increased Medicaid coverage enables underprivileged groups to obtain essential medical treatment.
Health Education:
In order to enhance health outcomes, nurses educate people and communities on lifestyle changes, nutrition, and preventative care.
Participation of the Community:
Nurses address SDOH that contribute to poor health outcomes, such as housing insecurity, unemployment, and lack of mobility, by taking part in outreach activities.
Healthcare Leadership:
Leadership-level nurses have the ability to put institutional policies into place that lessen systemic prejudices, boost workplace diversity, and improve patient care.
Nurses are essential change agents because they are trusted experts who can close gaps between communities and healthcare systems.
2. Effect on Living Standards
The most important aspect affecting a person’s quality of life is their access to healthcare. Access to healthcare has a direct impact on people’s capacity to prevent illness, manage chronic disorders, and preserve general wellbeing.
Care Prevention:
By detecting illnesses at controllable stages, routine screenings and early therapies lower morbidity and mortality rates (McMaughan et al., 2020).
Management of Chronic Illnesses:
By guaranteeing that people with diseases like diabetes or hypertension have regular monitoring and treatment, accessible healthcare helps to avoid consequences that can seriously lower quality of life.
Mental Wellness:
Having access to mental health services helps with psychological issues, stress management, emotional health, and productivity.
Access issues lead to untreated illnesses, avoidable consequences, and a shorter life expectancy, especially for underprivileged people. Improving societal well-being requires addressing this issue through public health initiatives, nurse advocacy, and policy reform.
Citations
Oloruntoba, O., McMaughan, D. J., & Smith, M. L. (2020). Access to healthcare and socioeconomic level are linked factors that promote healthy aging. Public Health Frontiers, 8, 231. The publication https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2020.00231
2015; American Nurses Association. A nursing code of ethics that includes interpretive statements. World Health Organization, American Nurses Association, 2021. health-related social determinants. taken from the website https://www.who.int
QUESTION
INSTRUCTIONS APA STYLE , AT LEATS THREE REFERENCES
1. Explain your concept of a “social change agent” and how a nurse can fill that role.
2. Explain what you view as having the biggest impact on the quality of a person’s life and why.