Political Issues In Nursing

November tends to be the month consumed by political arguments, opinions, and elections; making it appropriate to discuss these unstable times and the role legislation plays within the nursing career. Political action is typically associated with government concerns (Blais, 2016, p.231), but in more recent years, nurses have sought out to change this perception. Whether it be through establishing issues or promoting growth of policies, actively participating can promote change in the healthcare industry. Nurses are obligated to be politically active because policy exists in all realms of the nursing profession. Nursing efforts are a necessity for the evaluation of the legislative sphere. This can be done within different magnitudes: Nurses

“The realm of nursing is no longer limited to a patient’s bedside”, nurses have an obligation to be politically informed to ensure a safe healthcare environment. Considering the government has the power to change laws and regulations within the health care system, it is important for nurses to gain political awareness. “Many state nursing and specialty nursing organizations sponsor annual state legislative days, offer policy internships or fellowships (Hofler, 2006), and conduct policy workshops, all designed to give nurses the opportunity to learn more about current health care issues and the legislative process” (Abood, 2007). Nurses should make their attendance to these educational programs a priority. Obtaining political insight to the current status’s that can affect their performance levels is the essence of professionalism and adequate care. For example, health insurance guidelines and requirements are

The nursing community can vouch for reform by directly contacting legislators through letters, phone calls, or meetings. Communication is key to political activism. In order to continue advocacy group coalitions form to negotiate, compromise, and merge goals to achieve a bettered health industry. This type of alliance has gone on to achieve positive outcomes within the political arena, as shown through the cohesion of the American Association of Critical Care Nurses and the American Nurses Association. As healthcare reform continues to unroll in the United States, lobbyists are employed to monitor legislative activities and relay the found information back to the political action committees. Organizations that implicate this process have a higher chance of influencing legislators to either support or oppose a particular bill. Nurses can also proclaim their obligation to being political active through testifying information at hearings. Any experiences from the clinic can aid in the passage of a bill. Furthermore, professional organizations; such as, ANA, CAN, NLN, and NSNA, update society on legislative matters and encourage nurses to take advantage of their profession and fight for legislative rights on behalf of healthcare consumers. (Blais,