How do I become a political nurse?

[Nurse Beth, MSN]

It's wonderful that you want to leverage your nursing background to make a difference through politics!

There is such a need for nurses to be engaged in policymaking. Nurses are socially mandated to be advocates. 

Here are some thoughts to help you get started:

Clarify Your Political Goals

• Identify issues. Reflect on what specific healthcare issues you're passionate about. This may include healthcare access, nurse workforce issues, mental health, insurance reforms, or public health initiatives.
• Type of involvement. Consider if you want to work directly in political office, as a legislative aide, or prefer advocacy through nursing organizations or think tanks.

Get Involved in Advocacy

• Join nursing associations. National organizations like the American Nurses Association (ANA), the National League for Nursing (NLN), or State Nurses Associations often advocate for policy changes. You can find your state association here. Join your specialty professional organization. These can all be platforms to learn, get training, and build connections. The California Nurses Association (CNA) was responsible for implementing nurse-patient ratios, and California is the only state to have done so so far. Note that  ANA/CA is the CA chapter of the ANA, while CNA is a union.
• Engage in political advocacy. Start by attending town halls, political rallies, or even local meetings to discuss health policy. Reach out to legislators and share your perspective as a nurse.
• Volunteer for campaigns. If you feel drawn to a specific politician or party, volunteer to gain insight into the political process and build relationships within the political network.

Develop Political Skills

• Learn the political process. Educate yourself on how laws are made, the roles of different government bodies (e.g., legislative, executive), and how healthcare policy impacts nursing.
• Public speaking & communication. Develop skills in public speaking and effective communication. You'll need to advocate for your causes clearly and persuasively, whether in meetings, interviews, or public forums.
• Negotiation and diplomacy. Politics is about balancing various interests. Learn how to negotiate and work with diverse groups, including healthcare organizations, lawmakers, and community groups.

Pursue Political Education

• Political science courses. Consider taking courses in political science or public policy (many are available online). This will give you an understanding of political theory, campaign strategies, and public administration.

Network with Political Leaders and Healthcare Influencers

Find mentors. Reach out to nurses or healthcare professionals who are engaged in politics. They can guide you in navigating this career path.

• Build relationships with your legislative representatives. Contact them by phone or e-mail. Politicians need expert advice on healthcare matters, and you can offer your professional knowledge. Attending legislative events or joining nursing policy-focused organizations could help you form those relationships.

Run for Office

• Start locally. A good starting point is to run for a local position, such as city council, school board, or in a professional nursing organization. Starting small helps you build experience and name recognition.
• Leverage your nursing background. As a nurse, you bring a powerful and much-needed perspective on healthcare policy and patient care. Highlight this in your campaign messaging.

Collaborate and Advocate for Change

• Work with healthcare advocacy groups. Numerous groups advocate for healthcare reform, and many involve nurses. Partnering with them allows you to push for policy change on issues that matter to you.
• Stay informed on policy issues. Stay updated on local, state, and national healthcare policies. This will help you remain relevant and knowledgeable as a political nurse. The Federal Register is the top source for information on proposed rules and changes to federal programs. Published daily, it provides instructions for submitting comments and deadlines for public feedback.

Be Prepared for a Long-Term Commitment

Political change takes time, but your voice as a nurse is a valuable asset. Be patient, persistent, and open to learning along the way.

Starting your journey as a political nurse will likely involve a combination of community involvement, continued education, and strategic networking. By pairing your nursing expertise with a commitment to policymaking, you can help make a meaningful impact on the healthcare system.

Best wishes,

Nurse Beth