What are the best ways for nurses to influence policy locally?

Nurse advocates can expand their impact by getting involved in local nursing associations or healthcare advocacy groups. Associations act as platforms to elevate nurses' voices on key policy concerns, wielding their significant influence over local healthcare policies, to actively shape policy discussions. Joining an association opens the door to a world of opportunities and makes nurses' voices heard in meaningfully ways.

Organizations such as the ANA here in American or the Healthcare association in your state can be a great way to move policy in the right direction.

Joining my state professional nursing association in Pennsylvania has helped me accomplish most of the bullet items in this article. PSNA has provided much needed “street cred” to the topics affecting nurses and our patients, they provide talking points about imminent legislature, they foster relationships with our other statewide professional organizations and our union leadership. Speaking to state legislators and helping them understand what they’re voting on is a vital function of nurses, especially once we understand how outnumbered we are in our state capitals by administrative lobbyists. Our legislators get ONE side of the story unless nurses get involved and speak our truth. Join your state nursing associations!

In my experience, nurses can influence policy in several ways by joining a professional association. Nurses can participate in advocating activities that promote the interests and values of the nursing profession, such as lobbying, public education, and media campaigns. By joining a professional association, nurses can amplify their voice and impact on policy issues that affect their practice and the health of the public.

Unity ,harmony and solidarity amongst Professional development nursing associations is vital and essential in preventing the "divide to rule policy. Engagement in advanced Nursing programs like Health management and administration, global health policy programs and scholarship for nurses with trace records of Leadership... In as much as we claim health to be apolical ,its high time we have some of our Nurse leaders involve actively into politics to defend our interest...

Perhaps the most direct way nurses can influence policy is by running for public office. Whether it's on a local or federal level, nurses can make a big impact by becoming policymakers and using their position to advocate for real, meaningful change.

Nurses can influence policy by building relationships with policymakers and advocating for evidence-based solutions to health problems. Approaches for nurses to build relationships with policymakers include: - Identify the policymakers relevant to their area of practice or interest and learn about their background, priorities and positions on health issues. - Communicate with policymakers regularly through emails, phone calls, letters, social media or personal visits and share their expertise, insights and stories from the frontlines of care. - Invite policymakers to visit their workplace or community and show them the impact of their policies on health outcomes and quality of care.

Nurses can be the policy makers. Run for public office, serve on national boards, and throw your CAP in the ring for important appointments. Nurses don't sit on the sidelines. Be a movement maker and a change agent.

Nurses should establish connections with their district legislators to directly advocate for policy changes. By sharing and educating policymakers on key issues impacting the nursing profession and their constituents, such as addressing staffing ratios, improving mental health resources, or enhancing access to care for vulnerable communities, nurses can help policymakers understand the practical and unrealized implications of proposed policies on the ground.

For most nurses (me included), this can feel scary. Trying to navigate the government landscape isn't for the faint of heart. However, from a recent experience speaking with four aides on the HELP Committee led by Bernie Sanders, I can tell you that if you never ask, the answer is always no! Go outside your comfort zone and talk to folks who have the influence to make changes.

One way to influence policy is participating in calls for public comment. These typically will come from national organizations looking for input on proposed policy. Contributing to these drafts with productive comments is helpful to the process.

In my experience try to get involved in your community Start with promoting health in schools and elderly clubs. Collaborate with the mayor office and the local department of health When someone asks you to volunteer - do it When someone asks you to participate in a meeting regarding policy of health please say yes, get ready and collect info before the meeting and then at the meeting itself express your opinion and raise your voice

When nurses participate in public forums, such as town hall meetings, legislative hearings, or online platforms, nurses can influence policy by sharing their expertise, insights, and stories with policymakers and the public. Public forums allow nurses to advocate for policies that promote health equity, quality, and safety and educate the public about the value and scope of nursing practice. Nurses can also use public forums to network with other stakeholders, build coalitions, and raise awareness of emerging issues and trends in health care.

Involve yourself in public discussions on policy issues by attending or speaking at forums like town halls or public hearings. Share your professional perspective as a nurse, and absorb diverse viewpoints to enrich your understanding and advocacy efforts.

Après discussion avec les autorités et le bureau exécutif de l'association Les décisions prises sont partagés avec les différents membres d'associations,les représentants de la société civile, les patients et experts de la déontologie

Networking and connecting with likeminded nurses and other healthcare professionals is a crucial way to learn more and influence policy. Put yourself out there! You'll never know what you can accomplish if you don't try.

You can affect change in numbers. Its going to be hard for one person to drive change. While it can happen. Working in groups with others ensures you have other perspectives when trying to promote change in policy. No policy should be made in a vacuum

Nurses can enhance collaboration with other groups by actively participating in interdisciplinary initiatives, joining professional organizations, attending cross-sector events, and seeking opportunities to share knowledge. Engaging in joint projects, workshops, or task forces can facilitate teamwork and create connections with diverse stakeholders, strengthening the impact of nursing contributions in healthcare and policy discussions.

Run for political office. Volunteer to campaign for a nurse running for political office. The way we change this is by changing the politicians who make the laws.

Partner with other healthcare professionals and community organizations to build a robust coalition for healthcare change. This collaboration combines diverse strengths and networks, fostering a united front for policy influence.

Nurses can play a pivotal role by engaging in educational outreach within their communities to shed light on healthcare issues. This is especially crucial because many local policymakers lack a deep understanding of nursing-specific concerns. By actively educating both the public and policymakers, nurses not only raise awareness but also bridge the knowledge gap. This becomes instrumental in shaping public opinion and garnering much-needed support for policies that effectively address the unique needs of the community.

Run for office. Vote for nurses running for office. Volunteer for nurse politicians campaigns. We need nurses in politics, not just on the sidelines.

In my experience by staying updated on current issues, research, and evidence-based practices, nurses can advocate for the best interests of their patients and the public. Nurses can also participate in professional organizations, networks, and coalitions that promote policy change and reform. Furthermore, nurses can develop leadership skills and competencies to communicate effectively with policymakers and stakeholders. Nurses can become more confident, informed, and influential in the policy arena by educating and empowering themselves.

Nurses can educate and empower themselves by staying informed about current healthcare policies, attending relevant workshops and seminars, pursuing further education in health policy, and actively seeking out resources to enhance their understanding of the broader healthcare landscape. Additionally, staying engaged with professional associations and networks can provide valuable insights and opportunities for ongoing learning and advocacy.

Communicate with the staff, ask for their perspective on certain topics you feel strongly about. If you have a consensus, then take it to the committee chairperson and present it.

If you don't now what to do to make change. Make some noise. Ask people to reach out to SM. Change can start when we speak up. Nursing does not change as it should because we do not speak up as we should.

It’s been my opinion that in order for us to impact policy, we must take our seat at the table. This could mean we submit testimony for bills presented before committees. Show up for BON meetings and speaking up as an expert. Join boards, even non medical related ones, because our voice matters. We have a perspective that encompasses the knowledge we hold of the social determinants of health and those we encounter in our daily jobs.

In addition to education and collaboration, nurses can actively participate in grassroots movements, contribute to research that informs healthcare policy, and leverage social media to amplify their voices. Building strong communication skills, both written and verbal, is crucial for effectively conveying the importance of nursing perspectives to policymakers and the public. Moreover, cultivating resilience and adaptability helps nurses navigate the evolving healthcare environment and respond to policy changes.