please respond to the following post, with a long paragraph with your opinion add citations and references.

please respond to the following post, with a long paragraph with your opinion add citations and references.

What is the role of health care reform in shifting the focus from a disease-oriented health care system toward one of wellness and prevention, and how does nursing fit into this shift?

The role of the health care reform in shifting the focus from a disease-oriented health care system toward one of wellness and prevention by presenting a guideline of measures that creates a healthy lifestyle. This includes creating healthy living environments, safe communities, better access to community and preventive measures such as screenings and immunizations and elimination of health disparities. Other areas of priority include: healthy eating and exercise, mental health, reproductive health and a drug and tobacco free lifestyle (Benjamin, 2011). 

The nurse fits into this shift by educating the patient about health and wellness measures. Explaining the benefits of a healthy lifestyle and what interventions can be taken that is obtainable by the patient such as a proper diet. They also have the ability to assess the needs of the patient and refer them to programs and resources within the community. Resources such as home aids to prevent falls, dieticians to help with healthy eating, AA meetings or clinics that offer educational programs or screening for diabetes etc. In addition, nurses are the patient’s advocate and work closely with the patient more than any other health team member. Nurses can join their concerns together and become a voice to change polices or create improvement in their facilities, hospitals, communities or even their state.

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