The MSN Essential most relevant to this discussion is “Leadership in Community Health Nursing Practice”, which focuses on the role of the nurse as a leader in community health. This essential emphasizes how important it is to support public policies which promote quality healthcare access for every member of the community. It is important to advocate for greater access to mental health and preventative services as well as other resources to guarantee that all communities receive equal access to healthcare. It also stresses that nurses must work with other healthcare professionals and make data-driven decisions to bring about positive changes in their community.
Nurses can be leaders in the creation of healthier environments for all sections of society by participating on committees that make policy or develop initiatives to improve population health. By taking an active role in shaping healthcare policies and programs, nurses can help bridge gaps between those who have access to quality care and those who don’t, thus helping create more equitable systems of healthcare delivery. In addition, they can be better prepared when advocating changes to government policies and working with other stakeholders in order to find solutions for the entire community by understanding population health issues.