Influence on the Political Process

Nurses’ Influence on the Political Process
Nurses pledge to take care of individuals in all parts of life. Florence Nightingale fought to implement concepts that we tend to overlook now. She was the advocate for total well-being during times when sanitation or patient care were not a top issue. Advocacy is a major aspect of patient care because nurses interact with the individuals on a daily basis and are entrusted to help make the best decision in difficult situations. This is why nursing is considered to be one of the most trusted professions. A certain level of professionalism has to be upheld to maintain this standard.
The Code of ethics names advocacy as one of the professional nursing responsibilities (Healthy Nurse, Healthy Nation, 2021). Nurses have a perspective of health care that can be very valuable to politicians. This insight can help to develop policies or laws that could better the lives of not only their lives, but also the lives of the individuals who they have pledged to take care of. Despite the differences that may stem from the bipartisan parties, nurses provide knowledge about topics that can be supported by both parties.
It may seem like a daunting task, but there are so many opportunities to get involved in the political process. Politics is present in all areas. Nurses can first begin to make changes within their own communities or at their jobs. At work, you can report any issues that you may notice. Nurses can also join professional organizations that deal with health care issues on both the state and federal level. There are opportunities for nurses to discuss their perspectives and ideas with lawmakers. Nurses can develop connections with elected officials. Advocacy could simply look like spreading information to others via your social media platform.
As a professional nurse, you have the responsibility to stay aware of changes to health care policies and prominent issues. All health care professionals should be continuously learning and playing an active role in making laws concerning patient care. There are many versions of advocacy and that promotes participation from nurses from various backgrounds.
Institute of Medicine. (2010). The future of nursing: Leading change, advancing health. https://books.nap.edu/openbook.php?record_id=12956&page=R1
Political Activism For Nurses – Blog. Healthy Nurse, Healthy Nation. (2021). https://engage.healthynursehealthynation.org/blogs/8/1733.
Rasheed, S. P., Younas, A., & Mehdi, F. (2020). Challenges, Extent of Involvement, and the Impact of Nurses Involvement in Politics and Policy Making in in Last Two Decades: An Integrative Review. Journal of Nursing Scholarship, 52(4), 446455. https://doi.org/10.1111/jnu.12567
Please reply to this post. do it now if you can 🙂
Reply to

Last Completed Projects