Full Answer Section

1. Protect patient rights and advance health equity: This priority includes items such as protecting patient privacy, ensuring access to affordable healthcare, and addressing social determinants of health.
2. Promote research and innovation: This priority includes items such as funding nursing research, developing new technologies for healthcare, and improving the use of evidence-based practice.
3. Advance nursing education and practice: This priority includes items such as strengthening nursing education, promoting interprofessional education, and advancing the practice of nursing.
4. Advance nursing leadership: This priority includes items such as increasing the representation of nurses in leadership positions, strengthening nursing advocacy, and promoting the value of nursing.

I believe that the two most important items on the ANA’s legislative priorities list are:

1. Increasing the number of nurses and nurse faculty: The nursing shortage is a major problem in the United States, and it is only getting worse. By increasing the number of nurses and nurse faculty, we can help to address this shortage and ensure that everyone has access to quality healthcare.
2. Improving working conditions for nurses: Nurses are facing increasing workloads and stress, which is leading to burnout and turnover. By improving working conditions for nurses, we can help to create a more sustainable and rewarding career for nurses, which will ultimately benefit patients.

I chose these two items because they are essential to improving the quality of care for all Americans. By increasing the number of nurses and nurse faculty, we can ensure that there are enough nurses to meet the needs of our growing population. And by improving working conditions for nurses, we can help to attract and retain the best nurses in the profession.

Here are some specific actions that Congress can take to address these two priorities:

• Increase funding for nursing education programs.
• Provide loan forgiveness programs for nurses who work in underserved areas.
• Make it easier for nurses to practice across state lines.
• Support policies that reduce nurse workloads and stress.
• Protect nurses from workplace violence.

By taking these actions, Congress can help to ensure that all Americans have access to quality healthcare.