Role of the Advanced Practice Nurse as Change Agent

Role of the Advanced Practice Nurse as Change Agent
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Role of the Advanced Practice Nurse as Change Agent
Introduction
The purpose of this paper is to explore the important role of the Advanced Practice Nurse (APN) as a change agent in the healthcare setting. Cultural change has become a common phenomenon in the healthcare sector, necessitating nurses to be at the forefront in advocating for change. Understanding the important role of the role of a change agent is needed in shaping the future landscape of healthcare delivery. The paper is an eye-opener on the transformative influence of APNs and the need for their consultation and involvement in driving positive changes in healthcare systems. Readers will gain insight into how APNs contribute to the advancement and improvement of healthcare practices, which enhances patient outcomes. Additionally, readers will appreciate the pivotal role of APNs in improving the quality of care to patients.
Literature Review
According to Kruk et al. (2018), in the developed world, financial limits hamper the ambitious goals of developing and expanding healthcare services. As a result, unconventional approaches are needed to reduce the gap between the ever-increasing needs and declining budgets. In particular, the population of older adults is increasing, straining the healthcare system, since the population often has complex care needs that need qualified healthcare interventions and care at all day hours (Karam et al., 2021). In recent decades, organizational changes have become necessary and the healthcare industry is not an exception. In the healthcare setting, organizational change has been associated with increased levels of stress and absenteeism rates, reduced job satisfaction and high rates of turnover (Lidman & Strandberg, 2023). As a result, a change agent is needed to reduce the adverse effects of the change. The individual who carries out change by having others engaged in the change is called a “change agent.” A change agent has the skill to stimulate, facilitate and coordinate the change effort.
There are several theories about education and administration. Two prominent ones are Kurt Lewin’s change theory and diffusion of innovation theory by Everest Rogers. Lewin’s theory consists of three stages: unfreezing, changing and refreezing. Unfreezing entails preparing people for change, change involves implementing the actual change, while refreezing entails stabilizing the change as the new norm (Cummings, Bridgman & Brown, 2016). Lewin’s theory is relevant to the role of APNs as they guide the transitions within healthcare settings. The Diffusion of Innovation Theory explores how innovations spread. Rogers categorizes individuals within a social system into five groups based on their willingness to adopt innovations. The innovators are the first to adopt new ideas. According to Dearing, & Cox (2018), the early adopters embrace innovations quickly, but not as early as innovators. The early majority adopt innovations before the average person. The late majority adopt innovations after the average person. The laggards are the last to adopt innovations. As APNs, as change agents can leverage this theory to strategize the adoption of new healthcare policies, technologies and policies in the healthcare setting.
The Role of a Change Agent in Education, Administration, and Clinical Practice
Effective change agents in the nursing process have a unique set of qualities and skills that empower them to drive meaningful change. Firstly, change agents need to have leadership skills (Gerwing, 2016). They should exhibit strong leadership skills to guide others through the change process. The process of change is challenging and requires leadership skills to foster confidence and encourage all the participants to actively get involved in the process. Secondly, change agents need to be good communicators. Strong communication skills are needed to articulate the vision for change and address any issues that may arise in the process. Lastly, change agents need to have advocacy skills. They need to advocate practices that enhance the health outcomes of patients. APNs need to ensure that changes align with the best interests of the patients.
Nurses can assume the role of change agents in the educational setting in various ways. Firstly, they can promote innovative teaching approaches. Here, they can help learning institutions incorporate innovative approaches that make learning much more effective (Culha, 2019). Secondly, nurses can advocate for the incorporation of technology in the learning process. For instance, they can demonstrate the importance of virtual reality simulations in offering comprehensive learning experiences for nursing students. Thirdly, change agents can call for curriculum improvements. Here, they can work to ensure the curriculum aligns with the evolving healthcare needs of the population.
Identifying Areas for Change
Currently, there are various challenges and issues in healthcare and education that require change and improvement. One of them is the shortage of healthcare workers (Džakula, Relić & Michelutti). The healthcare sector lacks potential educators, meaning that fewer nurses are trained. The limited number of nursing trainers means a limited talent pipeline. Additionally, the nursing profession experiences a high rate of turnover. The increased burnout due to the high demand placed on nurses causes some to abandon nursing and consider less strenuous careers. At the same time, the changing demographics especially the increase in the ageing population increases the need for more healthcare professionals to meet the needs of the group. The ongoing shortage of healthcare...