Date of Award

Winter 2020

Project Type

Clinical Doctorate

College or School

UNHM

Department

Nursing

Program or Major

Doctor of Nursing Practice

First Advisor

Pamela DiNapoli, PhD, RN

Second Advisor

Joan Widmer, MS, MSBA, RN, CEN

Abstract

Background: The United States is expected to experience a shortage of Registered Nurses (RN) due to a demand for more nurses to care for an aging population. Not only is there a current deficit in the number of RNs, but there is also a lack of ethnic and racial diversity among RNs. Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) transition programs increase workforce mobility and allow LPNs to build upon their education and clinical experience as they transition to the RN roles. Therefore, the aim of this DNP project was to implement a health policy change initiative that addresses the barriers of workforce mobility of LPNs to transition to RNs in New Hampshire.

Methods: The Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Health Policy Analysis and Evidence process was the framework utilized for implementing the health policy initiative. The CDC framework was used to guide and evaluate the legislative proposal for this project. The legislative proposal was accomplished in collaboration with key New Hampshire stakeholders.

Purpose/Implementation Plan: The purpose of this DNP project was to implement a policy change that increases the number of diverse nurses working in New Hampshire by five percent within five years of implementation of the program. The policy initiative will address the need to have state funding for LPNs through a loan repayment program.

Results: The health policy proposal was presented to stakeholders, and a legislative service request was not pursued due to a 2020 budget deficit related to the impact of COVID-19.

Conclusion: Nurses with DNP education can be influential change agents and shape health policy. The author gained a greater understanding of the legislative process and how to build relationships with multiple stakeholders. The health policy proposal is a practical solution to decrease the nursing shortage and needs to be revisited in a more favorable time

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Other Nursing Commons

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