Politics and nursing

nicurn001 · Nov 23, 2011

Only as hard as from any other profession . The major problem I see is arranging your schedules .

foxtrotunicorns · Nov 23, 2011

There's 7 nurses in congress right now... and many nursing organizations have offices in DC that are responsible for governmental relations and affairs, so I say go for it. Because nurses are trusted so much and have a good understanding of the issues that influence health care, I think we need more representation in our government. It's all about being a leader...I'd say look up the nurses in congress to get some inspiration - there are also opportunities for internships in their offices where you'd be able to learn a lot more about the profession. Here's a list of the nurses in congress - Diane Black (R-TN), Lois Capps (D-CA), Karen Bass (D-CA) Renee Elmers (R-NC), Ann Marie Buerkle (R-NY), Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-TX), Carolyn McCarthy (D-NY)...I just did a presentation on this topic so I have a lot of information. Hope it helps :)

erinberrin, CNA · Nov 23, 2011

Would anyone consider a career in nursing a stepping stone in gaining political office. I'm thinking it can because of the amount of people you work with on a daily basis. I don't know but I'm wondering if that transition from nursing into politics would be easier or harder because of the nature of the profession.

Oh god..you might need a doctor if you make that transition..ouch....and pain meds..politics..god bless you.

Chico David, BSN, RN · Nov 24, 2011

There's 7 nurses in congress right now... and many nursing organizations have offices in DC that are responsible for governmental relations and affairs, so I say go for it. Because nurses are trusted so much and have a good understanding of the issues that influence health care, I think we need more representation in our government. It's all about being a leader...I'd say look up the nurses in congress to get some inspiration - there are also opportunities for internships in their offices where you'd be able to learn a lot more about the profession. Here's a list of the nurses in congress - Diane Black (R-TN), Lois Capps (D-CA), Karen Bass (D-CA) Renee Elmers (R-NC), Ann Marie Buerkle (R-NY), Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-TX), Carolyn McCarthy (D-NY)...I just did a presentation on this topic so I have a lot of information. Hope it helps :)

I'm on the board of directors and the PAC for my nurses union and I'd say this response has it just about right. A fair number of nurses are in politics now and a lot more are politically active.

And for all those nurses who say either "I'm not interested in politics" or "Nurses' organizations shouldn't be involved in politics", just consider this: Aside from all the ways the political process affects every citizen, think of all the ways it affects your career and your practice as a nurse. Just to name a few samples: Whether there is a place for you in nursing school, what you have to learn while you are there, what the qualifications of your faculty are, how much they get paid, what the graduation requirements are, what is on the test to get licensed, whether the hospital you work in is fire safe or earthquake safe, whether your patient has health coverage or not, whether the drugs you give are safe and effective, whether you get compensation if you are injured on the job, whether you can choose to join a union or not, how much you get paid.... and many more. All those decisions are affected by elected officials or bureaucrats appointed by elected officials. Anyone who doesn't get involved in politics is letting others decide all that stuff for them.

cgwrn · Nov 24, 2011

I have wondered this same thing. I have been politically active since high school and always considered law school but then really looked at that and decided against it. I did complete a B.A. in political science after getting my RN but decided to return to nursing full time. I have since started my MSN focusing on healthcare leadership. I am hoping that I can make a jump into politics eventually. My graduate project will (if approved) focus on educating hospitals and nurses on legislation and political changes that affect them.