Are We Change Agents?

As nurses, we are uniquely positioned to bring about change within health care and policy. So why are so few of us contributing? An opinion piece.

Are We Change Agents?

In nursing school, we are taught that we are uniquely skilled to bring about change within the healthcare field. The process of developing knowledge of evidence-based practices and honing our abilities to think critically, coupled with our innate sense of compassion and care, places us in a matchless position to advocate for our patients. It's what makes the nursing field the blend between art and science, and the reason by which we are consistently ranked as one of the most trusted professions. Due to this, I feel it imperative that we continue our positions as advocates, outside of traditional patient care areas, more specifically, into the political arena.

Why Politics?

Currently, we have major decisions on policies related to the health and well-being of our communities, where the voice of patients and healthcare providers aren't being heard. Many of these decisions go into effect without tapping into one of the most valuable resources available, a nurse. The list of reasons as to why nurses are qualified to become more active and/or invested in politics is limitless, but let's outline a few:

As previously stated, nurses can be effective advocates

Nurses are skilled in communicating complex information in a clear and concise manner. These skills are applied to advocating for healthcare policies and legislation that benefit patients, families, and healthcare providers.

Nurses have a unique perspective

We are at the front lines of healthcare delivery and have a firsthand understanding of the challenges faced by patients and healthcare providers. We also work closely with patients and their families to meet their needs and create an environment of individualistic care. Another unique perspective that is invaluable to shaping healthcare policy and legislation.

Nurses can bring diversity to politics

Nurses come from diverse backgrounds and bring a unique perspective to the political realm. By entering politics, nurses can help ensure that healthcare policies and legislation are inclusive and reflect the needs of a diverse patient population.

How Can We Become More Involved?

Now that you're feeling more motivated, there are several ways to bring forth your and your community's concerns to your local lawmakers.

Reach out to legislators

If you have a concern that you are particularly passionate about, let your legislators know. Not only should they care about the voice of their constituents, but it is also a good way to bring forth community concerns that they otherwise may not have been privy to. Common ways to contact include:

1- Email: State legislators often have email addresses listed on their websites. You can use these email addresses to send a message to your legislator expressing your opinion on a particular issue or to request a meeting.

2- Phone: You can call your legislator's office and ask to speak with them or their staff. This can be a quick way to express your opinion or to request a meeting.

3- Social media: Many state legislators have social media accounts such as facebook and Instagram. You can use these platforms to send a message to your legislator or to share your opinion on a particular issue.

4- Letter: You can write a letter to your legislator expressing your opinion on a particular issue. You can either mail the letter or hand-deliver it to their office.

5- Attend a town hall or public meeting: Many state legislators hold town hall meetings or public events where constituents can ask questions and express their opinions. Attending these meetings can be a good way to make your voice heard and to engage with your legislator in person.

Respectful Conversation

As always, when reaching out to legislators, respectful language is best. Communicate your stance on the issue at hand as clearly as possible. Personal stories hold a lot of power and can be truly impactful. Please remember to remain HIPAA compliant when doing so. It would also serve well to learn of your election schedules for your respective area. Politicians tend to dedicate quite a bit of time to making themselves known as well as the platforms in which they support. Additionally, you can search for known bills and supporters, to narrow down the individuals you would like to contact.

Run for office!

Yes, you've read that correctly, and it wouldn't be the first time a nurse has and had succeeded in doing so.

Join a nursing organization

Nurses can join nursing organizations that advocate for healthcare policy and legislation. There are many in existence, and often have political outlets that work to influence healthcare policy through lobbying, advocacy, and grassroots organizing.

Begin locally

Nurses can start by becoming involved in their respective local communities and running for office for positions on the school board or in the city council. By doing so, you'll be able to build a network of supporters and gain experience.

Go for gold

Nurses can run for office at the local, state, or national level. Running may seem intimidating, as it takes a significant amount of planning, fundraising, and campaigning. Our nursing community is large, and not only will you find support amongst us, but your potential position can be a powerful way to enact changes in healthcare policy.

Is This Right for Me?

In summary, nurses have the talent, expertise, and point of view needed to be effective advocates for healthcare policy and legislation. By taking space in the political arena, nurses can make a significant difference in enhancing healthcare delivery and ensuring that patients receive the support and care that they need. To determine the level of involvement you'd wish to pursue, you may consider courses in public policy, public speaking, and/or leadership. Additionally, some of these opportunities may be offered to you within your current place of work. In fostering these skills, your ability to advocate will only grow stronger.

References/Resources

Nurses Serving in Congress: American Nurses Association

Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA): Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2022)

State Legislature Websites: CONGRESS.GOV

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TheInclusiveNurse

About TheInclusiveNurse, BSN, RN

TheInclusiveNurse has 4 years experience as a BSN, RN and specializes in ER, FNP-S.

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Specializes in ICU.

I agree with this piece. Nurses continue to experience increase responsibilities and workload under an unsafe work environment for low pay, especially post pandemic. I keep hearing complaints but very few are willing to speak out and be a voice for themselves and others on a bigger scale.  

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Specializes in Psych, Addictions, SOL (Student of Life).

I agree with the OP and I participate in several of the above activitie. I think that many nurses start out wanting to be change agents especially when they have encountered health care disparity prior to becoming a nurse. The problem is that these hopes and dreams are largely shut down by workload and staffing issues. If you have an opinion and dare voice it you are called into the DON's office who will tell you "If you have concerns we appreciate you coming to us rather than speaking out on the floor.

In the past three years I have participated in two commitees only to find out that they (hospital) only had me participate as they needed an RN to round out the panel. All my suggestions were downplayed or outright regected. 

Corporate healthcaredoes not want nurses to be change agents and brutally come down on nurses who try to bring about change.

Just my two cents.

Hppy


 

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It's a noble cause, all that is written above, but the large money making corporations that own most of the hospitals and are driven by numbers and insurance companies, makes true change extremely difficult to achieve. 

Remember any hospital that wanted to be "THE" hospital worked to become a Magnet hospital..guess what? Few hospitals that started the jouney finished, those that did, the outcome was basically nothing changed. I worked both types - there was no difference other than slight higher pay at the magnet. I'm not even sure hospitals strive for that anymore.

With the mess healthcare in the US is in with fewer medical professionals entering the field to balance those leaving, the obscene cost of medications, surgeries, etc. the burnout of nursing & ancillary staff will continue to climb while the hospital CEO's decide if there is enough viability to keep the doors opens.

You can go to this site to see more about the state of affairs for hospitals in the US including by states https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/

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In summary, nurses  (some people that) have the talent, expertise, and point of view needed to be effective advocates for healthcare policy and legislation (are nurses.)

 

FTFY

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Specializes in Case Management.

It is extremely difficult to be change agents when working in a highly risk adverse environment. So, no we are not, nor can be until we achieve collective power thru unionization. 

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