D025: Phase 1 Reflection on Health Policy Advocacy Insights

D025: Phase 1 Reflection on Health Policy Advocacy Insights

Student Name

Western Governors University

D025 Essentials of Advanced Nursing Roles and Interprofessional Practice

Prof. Name:

Date

Phase 1 GoReact Reflection Summary

Western Governors University

D025: Essentials of Advanced Nursing Roles and Interprofessional Practice

Engaging in Phase 1 of the GoReact reflection and the associated policy advocacy planning process prompted a deep sense of professional growth and appreciation. Through this coursework and continuing professional education (CPE) activity, I gained meaningful insight into the responsibilities of advanced practice nurses in influencing health policy and driving systemic change. The experience strengthened my understanding of how healthcare professionals can actively participate in advocacy efforts that address population-level health concerns within their communities and at the state level.

What insights were gained from the policy advocacy planning process?

The policy advocacy planning process highlighted the importance of proactive engagement rather than reactive healthcare delivery. Unlike previous academic projects, this activity required critical analysis, long-term planning, and alignment of personal passion with public health priorities. The process reinforced that meaningful change begins with education, collaboration, and sustained advocacy. It also clarified the nurse’s role as not only a clinician but also a change agent capable of influencing policy decisions that shape health outcomes.

Why was obesity selected as the focus of the policy advocacy initiative?

Obesity was selected due to its widespread prevalence and its strong association with multiple preventable chronic diseases. Current healthcare practices often emphasize treatment of obesity-related conditions, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and hypertension, rather than prioritizing prevention. Addressing obesity at its root—through early education and lifestyle awareness—has the potential to significantly reduce long-term healthcare costs and improve quality of life across the lifespan.

How can early education contribute to obesity prevention?

Integrating comprehensive nutrition, healthy diet, and obesity prevention education into the Kindergarten through 12th-grade curriculum represents a proactive approach to public health. Early childhood and adolescence are formative periods during which lifelong habits are established. Providing consistent, age-appropriate education during these years can reinforce healthy behaviors, promote informed decision-making, and normalize wellness-focused lifestyles. Over time, this foundational knowledge can contribute to reduced obesity rates and lower incidence of related modifiable diseases.

What challenges and motivations emerged during this CPE activity?

This CPE activity was notably more demanding than other coursework completed during the program, requiring persistence, critical thinking, and strategic planning. Despite its rigor, the experience was highly motivating and reaffirmed my commitment to health advocacy. The challenges encountered underscored the complexity of policy change while simultaneously reinforcing the necessity of continued effort, resilience, and professional responsibility in advancing public health initiatives.

What initial advocacy actions have been taken?

Inspired by the knowledge gained in this course, I have initiated direct advocacy efforts by contacting two policymakers via email to introduce the proposed policy concept. This initial outreach represents the first step in a longer advocacy journey aimed at influencing educational and public health policy. Moving forward, continued engagement, coalition-building, and evidence-based communication will be essential to advancing this initiative toward implementation.

Summary of Key Advocacy Components

Advocacy Component	Description
Identified Health Issue	Obesity and obesity-related chronic diseases
Target Population	Children and adolescents (K–12 students)
Proposed Intervention	Mandatory nutrition and obesity prevention education
Advocacy Strategy	Policy engagement and communication with state policymakers
Professional Role	Advanced practice nurse as advocate and change agent

Conclusion

Overall, this reflection and policy advocacy planning experience served as a catalyst for professional empowerment. The course reinforced the critical role of advanced nursing professionals in shaping health policy and promoting preventive care. While the path toward policy change is demanding, the knowledge and skills gained through this activity have strengthened my determination to pursue meaningful reform that prioritizes prevention, education, and long-term population health improvement.

---

References

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