NR 553 Week 6 Nursing and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)

Student Name

Chamberlain University

NR-553: Global Health

Prof. Name:

Date

Week 6: Nursing and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)

The Role of Nurses in Policy Development

Arabi, Rafii, Cheraghi, and Ghiyasvandian (2014) emphasized that health systems are rapidly evolving, compelling the nursing profession to adapt and actively engage in these changes. Nurses should not only execute existing health policies but also participate in shaping their development. Burke (2016) supports this notion, noting that nurses bear a critical responsibility in influencing both the present and future landscape of healthcare delivery. Through active involvement in policy creation, nurses can advocate for more effective healthcare systems and improved patient outcomes.

Global Health Council (GHC) and Its Contributions

The Global Health Council (GHC), founded in 1972, is an international non-governmental organization devoted to promoting global health priorities. Its primary mission is to enhance worldwide health and well-being by linking stakeholders, policymakers, and advocates to address critical health challenges (Global Health Council, n.d.). With representation in over 150 countries, GHC serves as a collaborative platform that brings together diverse participants engaged in research, healthcare delivery, and program evaluation.

Nurses’ Role in GHC

Nurses play a vital role in global health advocacy through the Global Health Council. Their close interaction with patients, families, and communities allows them to identify emerging health issues and needs. By raising awareness, providing evidence-based interventions, and engaging in advocacy, nurses can significantly influence global health agendas. Additionally, they can contribute to population health improvements, enhance patient care, and promote cost-effective and sustainable healthcare strategies.

Table 1
Nurses’ Contribution to Global Health through GHC

Contribution Area	Description
Awareness & Advocacy	Raising awareness of health concerns to policymakers and stakeholders.
Evidence-Based Interventions	Offering solutions supported by clinical expertise and research.
Cost Reduction Strategies	Implementing strategies to minimize healthcare expenses.
Population Health Improvement	Promoting preventive care and community health programs.
Collaborative Leadership	Engaging in policymaking and advocacy with global partners.

Professor Response to Post

Question: Nurses have a great role in promoting the mission of GHC. Please share your thoughts on how we can get nurses’ work recognized on the world stage.

Response to Professor

Dr. Fildes and classmates, enhancing the global recognition of nurses’ contributions requires establishing sustainable academic and research frameworks. Developing global health nursing programs, promoting interdisciplinary research, and forming partnerships with governments and NGOs are essential steps (Gimbel, Kohler, Mitchell, & Emami, 2017).

Nurse scientists bring invaluable frontline perspectives that can foster innovative solutions to global health challenges. Their impact can be amplified through publications in peer-reviewed journals, presentations at international conferences, and collaborative projects across disciplines. Furthermore, nurses’ political engagement in global policymaking offers direct opportunities to influence reforms. Representation in leadership positions within nonprofit organizations, health boards, and philanthropic institutions further enhances the visibility of their work.

Sustaining equitable and mutually beneficial collaborations with governments, private sectors, and consumer organizations is fundamental to ensuring patient-centered healthcare (Institute of Medicine, 2011). Through these combined efforts, nurses can secure greater global acknowledgment for their leadership and advocacy roles.

Response to Peer Post

Gomez and Ruger (2015) contended that although many governments strive to create independent health policies, international organizations frequently influence these efforts to achieve broader global health goals. Often, these policy adjustments are incorporated into domestic frameworks.

Leslie, Faina, and classmates, effective stakeholder participation has become increasingly important in international health policymaking. Despite strong intentions, governments frequently encounter challenges such as limited resources, conflicting priorities, or insufficient expertise, which impede policy execution. In such circumstances, NGOs often transition from advocacy roles to oversight functions, ensuring that governments remain accountable to their commitments (Tortajada, 2016).

Since no single sector—governmental, private, or nonprofit—can independently address global health challenges, collaboration is essential. NGOs play a crucial role in documenting field realities, advocating for vulnerable populations, and recommending evidence-based interventions. Their collective action with other stakeholders enhances the implementation and sustainability of global health initiatives.

References

Arabi, A., Rafii, F., Cheraghi, M. A., & Ghiyasvandian, S. (2014). Nurses’ policy influence: A concept analysis. Iranian Journal of Nursing and Midwifery Research, 19(3), 315.

Burke, S. (2016). Influence through policy: Nurses have a unique role. Reflections on Nursing Leadership. Retrieved from https://www.reflectionsonnursingleadership.org/commentary/morecommentary/Vol42_2_nurses-have-a-unique-role

Global Health Council. (n.d.). About Us. Retrieved from http://globalhealth.org/aboutus/mission-and-vision/

Gimbel, S., Kohler, P., Mitchell, P., & Emami, A. (2017). Creating academic structures to promote nursing’s role in global health policy. International Nursing Review, 64(1), 117–125. https://doi.org/10.1111/inr.12301