PROFESSIONAL GROWTH Policy and politics: Why nurses should get involved

摘要

NURSES ARE SOMETIMES frustrated by regulations or policies directing nursing practice, especially when they're generated by those with little knowledge of healthcare. A growing number of nurses have used this frustration to fuel productive changes and become nurse advocates. They've taken on this new role to influence and change the policies, laws, and regulations that dictate our practice and how the larger healthcare system works.By knowing how the system works and what strategies can effectively influence policy, any nurse can become an advocate at the local, state, or federal level. Examples of nurse advocacy include making phone calls to elected representatives about bills under consideration, giving testimony before committees, becoming involved in practice councils or boards at the work place, and even running for elected office.