Advocating for Policy Change to Improve Health Outcomes in the Community
1
Advocating for Policy Change to Improve Health Outcomes in the Community
Samantha R. Morales
College of Health Professions, Western Governors University
D025: Essentials of Advanced Nursing Roles & Interpersonal Practice
Gina Loveitt
June 22, 2025
, Advocating for Policy Change to Improve Health Outcomes in the Community
2
Advanced Professional Nurse as Advocate
Two advanced-level competencies from Domain 3 of the American Association of
Colleges of Nursing (AACN) guide the advanced professional nurse (APN) in improving
population health by emphasizing data-driven decision-making and collaborative intervention
design. The first competency focuses on analyzing population health data to identify health
disparities and the influence of social determinants of health (SDOHs). For example, an APN
may investigate local health department data to discover a high prevalence of uncontrolled
diabetes in a specific low-income community and initiate targeted screening and education
efforts.
The second competency emphasizes partnering with stakeholders to develop and
implement interventions that address identified health needs. For instance, the APN may
collaborate with public health officials, local food banks, and schools to establish a nutrition and
wellness program aimed at reducing childhood obesity in rural areas. These competencies enable
nurses to address systemic issues while promoting equity and better outcomes at the population
level.
Interprofessional Professionalism Assessment
Based on the interprofessional professionalism assessment, the six categories provide a
comprehensive view of collaboration in practice within healthcare teams. Every area offers
opportunities for growth and are continuously in flux as one’s practice grows.
1
Advocating for Policy Change to Improve Health Outcomes in the Community
Samantha R. Morales
College of Health Professions, Western Governors University
D025: Essentials of Advanced Nursing Roles & Interpersonal Practice
Gina Loveitt
June 22, 2025
, Advocating for Policy Change to Improve Health Outcomes in the Community
2
Advanced Professional Nurse as Advocate
Two advanced-level competencies from Domain 3 of the American Association of
Colleges of Nursing (AACN) guide the advanced professional nurse (APN) in improving
population health by emphasizing data-driven decision-making and collaborative intervention
design. The first competency focuses on analyzing population health data to identify health
disparities and the influence of social determinants of health (SDOHs). For example, an APN
may investigate local health department data to discover a high prevalence of uncontrolled
diabetes in a specific low-income community and initiate targeted screening and education
efforts.
The second competency emphasizes partnering with stakeholders to develop and
implement interventions that address identified health needs. For instance, the APN may
collaborate with public health officials, local food banks, and schools to establish a nutrition and
wellness program aimed at reducing childhood obesity in rural areas. These competencies enable
nurses to address systemic issues while promoting equity and better outcomes at the population
level.
Interprofessional Professionalism Assessment
Based on the interprofessional professionalism assessment, the six categories provide a
comprehensive view of collaboration in practice within healthcare teams. Every area offers
opportunities for growth and are continuously in flux as one’s practice grows.
