Nursing Shortage an Awareness in the Political Arena

Hello everyone! I hope everyone has had a blessed week. Milstead’s argument that working at the policy level proves to be “natural” for nurses is well supported. Nurses are uniquely qualified to influence the decisions of policymakers and leaders based on our skill set. Among those are our increasing education requirements, leadership and communication skills, and involvement in various trade associations (Milstead & Short, 2019, p. 4). Currently, I wouldn't describe political activism within nursing to be insignificant, but rather largely overlooked. Many nurses have a feeling of powerlessness and experience a lack of knowledge regarding the political process. It is easy for nurses to focus on the clinical role with no regard for the effect health care policy decisions make for these environments (Rubenstein & Graham, 2011, p. 18). We should advocate for our patients and for ourselves by bringing awareness to the nurse’s role in the political arena (Zauderer, Ballestas, Cardoza, Hood, & Neville, 2008, p. 4).

Collaboratively three million voices could raise more than a metaphorical shout. In fact, one out of every forty-four voters is a nurse (Rubenstein & Graham, 2011, p. 18). We are the storytellers and as health care rapidly changes our voices can paint a picture. We experience firsthand the many issues of the health care delivery system. These may include access to care, quality and safety of services, workforce shortage, and increasing numbers of patients with multiple chronic diagnoses (Rubenstein & Graham, 2011, p. 18). This allows us the ability to make problems more personal and relatable to policymakers (Milstead & Short, 2019, p. 7). Therefore, we should use our voice to actively advocate for change.

Nursing is best defined as an occupation with unlimited possibilities for personal and community growth. Nurses need to be involved in every aspect of the political process. By being competent in knowing the components and issues involved in each phase, advanced practice nurses can find many opportunities to use expert advice (Milstead & Short, 2019, p. 13). 10 years from now these opportunities will still be present. However, by incorporating awareness of political activism through both undergraduate and graduate curriculum future leaders are cultivated. Upon graduation, nurses can enter the work field with a political foundation and perhaps confidence to be the difference (Rubenstein & Graham, 2011, p. 23). A wave of informed nurses using their voices for the greater good could make nursing a dominating power in the political arena come 2028.

Just as we are all called to different roles within the clinical setting; I believe we are led to specific roles politically. Involvement is necessary for the future of nursing, but to what extent is a personal decision (Milstead & Short, 2019, p. 13). Personally, I received a letter last week inviting me to become a member of the American Nurses Association. At the time, I didn’t realize the significance of the organization. I understand now how such a professional organization can influence the policy process in ways I can’t alone. I will research the different professional organizations and determine which one to join in membership so that I can become knowledgeable about current issues. I can also vote. I feel more confident knowing that if I am to have contact with a policy maker I do not have to be knowledgeable about every single health-related problem. Instead, I can work towards knowing the specific population in question and can gain a network of colleagues to provide facts (Milstead & Short, 2019, p. 7). Perhaps by the time we are reflecting ten years from now many of us will be resources to those redesigning health care in the United States. Thanks for reading!

References

1. Milstead, J. A., & Short, N. M. (2019). Chapter 1 Informing Public Policy: An Important Role for Registered Nurses. In Health policy and politics: A nurses guide (6th ed., pp. 1-16). Burlington, MA: Jones & Bartlett Learning.
2. Rubenstein, C. D., & Graham, A. C. (2011). Preparing the future nursing workforce for political activism. I-Manager's Journal on Nursing, 1(2), 18-23. Retrieved from http://ezproxy.gardner-webb.edu/login?url=https://search-proquest-com.ezproxy.gardner-webb.edu/docview/1473907086?accountid=11041
3. Zauderer, C., Ballestas, H., Cardoza, M., Hood, P., & Neville, S. (2008). United we stand: preparing nursing students for political activism. Journal Of The New York State Nurses Association, 39(2), 4-7.

Cite this page