Nurses play a crucial role in patient care, staffing ratios, and the overall healthcare system. However, many healthcare policies are developed by policymakers with limited experience in the field. This lack of nursing representation can lead to unintended consequences and can hinder the delivery of quality care. Nurses have the power to influence healthcare policy at various levels, from local governance to national policymaking.
In this article, we will explore some effective ways nurses can get involved in shaping healthcare policy for the better. But first, let’s look at why nurses are important in policy making.
Nurses act as policy formulators
Larger number of nurses in the healthcare profession are beginning to have a greater say in healthcare policy. They interact with patients and implement the policies on a daily basis. As we have seen, organizations worldwide advocate for nurses to become more involved in leadership, advocacy, and policymaking. However, there are several challenges that hinder nurses’ inclusion in the policy-making process.
Challenges to nurses’ inclusion in policy-making
Despite nurses’ insight, knowledge and understanding of the necessary changes that are important for the development of future public healthcare policies, their participation is still insufficient because of various barriers. These obstacles range from individual to organizational issues, such as a lack of knowledge and understanding of one’s ability to take part in policy-making, as well as insufficient collaborative efforts, understaffing, and diminished leadership roles.
Inadequate support, time, and resources within their workplaces often restrict their involvement. Bureaucratic barriers, particularly for government-employed nurses, can also impede their ability to voice policy concerns openly. Additionally, nurses may not have confidence and skills in policymaking and may fail to comprehend the differences between policy and politics. On an individual level, nurses often do not possess the experience and expertise to influence and initiate policy changes, and in some cases, they might not even realize they have such rights and opportunities.
Two major hindrances are the unwillingness of nurses to lead and the disorganized efforts within the nursing community. Furthermore, a lack of staff in the nursing profession leaves nurses with little to no time to take part in policy-making. As nurses are a critical part of health care policy-making, as they can recognize the inner working of the health care system through their practice and van make necessary changes for the population and organization, it is essential to address these barriers at all levels to encourage nurses’ inclusion in the public policy development process.
Overcoming barriers and growing nurse leaders
To overcome these barriers, it is crucial to integrate policy creation into nurse leadership education and training. By providing nurses with access to well-thought-out policy training programs, nurse leaders can help them gain the necessary skills and confidence. This should begin in undergraduate education and continue through specialized graduate programs and continuing education opportunities.
Some institutions have programs that focus on leadership and serving in nursing such as the Holy Family University Accelerated BSN online program. These programs emphasize holistic training for nurses, ensuring they are equipped to handle the ever-changing nursing needs. With the training taking place online, it’s easier than ever to advance your career while continuing to work.
Education institutions should aim to identify and develop nurse leaders who can address future leadership needs effectively. In addition, organizations should start by assessing the strengths and gaps of a target population of nurses, followed by recommending learning paths for their nurses. Organizations can also utilize a library of customizable nurse leadership development facilitator guides to enhance the skills and confidence of their future leaders.
How nurses shape health policy
Despite the challenges, nurses continue to exert their influence on health policy at both local and national level. National nursing organizations review proposed healthcare legislation and promote best practices that enhance nursing practice, patient safety, and access to healthcare.
At state level, nurse practitioners can directly influence policies related to their scope of practice and education standards. For instance, they played a crucial role in implementing telehealth guidelines during the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring continued access to healthcare. Nurses also contribute to local policy development by recommending guidelines for community, school, and environmental health issues.
Moreover, within healthcare facilities, nurses frequently participate in policy creation, influencing patient care standards, the use of electronic medical records, and guidelines for specific populations.
Here are 10 ways nurses can help influence healthcare policy.
Engage with nursing associations
One of the most impactful ways for nurses to influence healthcare policy is by actively participating in state and national nursing associations. These organizations have dedicated advocacy and policy boards that work directly with legislators to shape healthcare administration. By joining these associations, nurses gain access to a network of like-minded professionals and opportunities to make a difference.
Nursing associations often maintain lists of members who are willing to write letters and make phone calls to their representatives. Nurses can contribute by engaging in advocacy efforts, supporting policy statements, and attending association meetings. Additionally, nurses may be invited to serve on boards or committees where they can directly contribute to the development of policies that impact patient care and nursing practice.
Attend legislative sessions
To truly understand how healthcare policies are developed and decisions are made, nurses can attend local, state, or federal legislative sessions. By observing these sessions, nurses can gain valuable insights into the policymaking process and familiarize themselves with the intricacies of healthcare legislation. This firsthand experience enables nurses to effectively communicate with legislators and advocate for policies that prioritize patient care and nursing needs.
Build relationships with lawmakers
Developing relationships with lawmakers is a powerful way for nurses to influence healthcare policy. By establishing connections with legislators who work on healthcare bills, nurses can provide their expertise and firsthand experiences to inform decision-making processes. Nurses can initiate these relationships by reaching out to their state legislators through phone calls or written correspondence. Building personal connections increases the likelihood of having meaningful conversations and influencing policymakers’ perspectives on healthcare issues.
Participate on national boards
Once nurses have gained experience working with nursing organizations and collaborating with legislators, they may have the opportunity to serve on national boards that influence healthcare policy. These boards, such as the Patient-Centered Research Institute, focus on policy development and play a significant role in shaping the future of healthcare. While these positions are typically reserved for experienced nurses, they offer a unique platform for nurses to contribute to policy decisions on a national scale.
Collaborate with lobbyists
Nurses can also collaborate with lobbyists to advocate for causes they are passionate about. Lobbyists often work closely with national nursing organizations to promote agendas that protect patient care and nursing staff. By providing evidence-based information to lobbyists, nurses can help shape legislators’ understanding of healthcare issues and influence policy decisions. This collaboration enables nurses to leverage the expertise of lobbyists while ensuring that the voices of frontline healthcare providers are heard.
Contribute evidence-based data
Legislators rely on evidence-based data to make informed decisions. Nurses can play a crucial role in interpreting medical literature and research for state and federal representatives. By providing concise analysis of current research in layperson’s terms, nurses can help policymakers understand the implications of different policy choices. Attaching relevant research studies adds credibility to nurses’ recommendations and strengthens the case for evidence-based healthcare policies.
Stay informed with legislation changes
To stay informed about upcoming meetings and relevant healthcare policies, nurses can subscribe to legislative notifications. Many state governments offer free tracking services that provide updates on scheduled committee meetings, cancellations, and schedule changes. By actively monitoring legislative activities, nurses can identify opportunities to engage with policymakers and contribute their expertise to policy discussions.
Support local candidates
Supporting local candidates whose views align with nursing values and priorities is a meaningful way for nurses to influence healthcare policy. By actively participating in local elections, nurses can help elect individuals who are committed to improving healthcare and addressing nursing-related issues. Once the candidates are in office, nurses can continue to engage with them, providing evidence-based information and a nursing perspective to guide their decision-making.
Educate the public
Nurses have a unique opportunity to educate the public about the policymaking process and the importance of healthcare policies. Through social media platforms and other communication channels, nurses can share their knowledge and experiences, debunk myths, and raise awareness about the impact of policy decisions on patient care. By building a following of like-minded individuals, nurses can mobilize the public to take action and advocate for policies that prioritize quality healthcare.
Consider running for office
Running for public office is a powerful way for nurses to have a direct impact on healthcare policy. Nurses bring a valuable perspective to policymaking, drawing on their frontline experiences and understanding of patient needs. By serving in elected positions, nurses can advocate for policies that improve nursing care, patient outcomes, and the overall healthcare system. Nurses who aspire to run for office can start by getting involved in local politics and gaining experience in community leadership roles.
Positive influences nurses have made on healthcare policy
Health system reforms
Nurses play a huge roll in pin pointing inadequate policies as they have firsthand experience with patients and most of their time is spent in clinical environments. They are the first people to identify issues that need attention, policies that need adjustments and those that need to be enforced. Discussions revolving around quality and equitable patient care can’t proceed without having nurses on the table. They contribute to making better policies around Affordable Care Act (ACA), Medicare and other employer-based health coverage issues. Nurses were part of the healthcare committee that was present during the ACA presentation in the Supreme Court contributing to its success.
Nurses can leverage the provisions of the ACA to improve healthcare quality, delivery systems, and equity. By advocating for patient-centered care and evidence-based practices, nurses can contribute to better outcomes and reduced healthcare costs. They can also play a role in educating patients about their rights and options under the ACA, helping them navigate the healthcare system more effectively. Additionally, nurses have been impactful in collaborating with policymakers and other healthcare professionals to address the challenges and gaps in healthcare access and delivery.
For health systems reforms to take place, nurses lobbying for changes is crucial in achieving health equity and promoting positive outcomes in healthcare. They have the opportunity to use their expertise and influence to advocate for policy changes that address social determinants of health (SDOH) and promote justice, fairness, and health equity. Nurses can play an active role in health policy making by participating in decision-making processes, understanding the importance of their involvement, and addressing barriers such as limited resources, lack of time, and political knowledge. They can also advocate for the right social policies that address SDOH and ensure equitable access to healthcare.
Health information technology
The American Nurses Association (ANA) has continued to be an advocate of promoting technology innovations in healthcare. Having over 4.2 million RNs, ANA actively highlights the importance of using technology to promote patient safety. Innovations like EHRs (electronic health records) have come in handy to show the significance of digital health technologies in clinical environments. Nurses are encouraged to join bodies that promote technology innovations such as the Alliance for Nursing Informatics and the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society. This way, they are at the forefront of e-health innovations and education.
Nurses serve as innovators and agents of change, driving processes and policies to leverage technology for better patient outcomes. They play a vital role in the adoption and use of digital technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, and telehealth. By embracing and utilizing these digital tools, nurses can improve patient care and enhance nursing practice. However, challenges persist, including nurses’ reluctance to adopt digital approaches and a lack of leadership and investment. To fully leverage the benefits of digital technology in nursing, further research, policies, and accountability are required. Nurses have the opportunity to transform the profession into a digitally enabled one, effectively responding to global health challenges and improving patient care.
COVID-19 advocacy
The pandemic was a wakeup call to the entire healthcare system. As a result, nurses have come out to push for policy changes that will be effective in case of another pandemic.
The American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) also went to the U.S. Senate, requesting stockpiling of PPEs (personal protective equipment) for potential health emergencies. Additionally, the American Organization for Nursing Leadership (AONL) is pushing the U.S. Department of Health and Humans Services (HHS) to have a program that looks after the mental health of frontline personnel.
Developing nursing leaders for the future
Nurses have the power to influence healthcare policy and shape the future of patient care. By actively engaging with nursing associations, attending legislative sessions, building relationships with lawmakers, and collaborating with lobbyists, nurses can make a significant impact at local, state, and national levels. Nurses can contribute by providing evidence-based data, staying informed with legislative notifications, supporting local candidates, educating the public, and even running for office. Through these proactive efforts, nurses can ensure that healthcare policies are informed by their expertise and ultimately enhance the quality of care provided to patients.
Their unique perspective, expertise, and frontline role make them valuable contributors to policy formulation and decision-making processes. Overcoming barriers and providing nurses with policy training and leadership opportunities can further enhance their impact on health policy. By championing the involvement of nurses in policy development, we can ensure that healthcare policy aligns with the needs and priorities of patients and the nursing profession.
In order to enhance the policy clout of nursing everywhere for the benefit of our societies and healthcare systems, the emphasis has to go beyond the individual advocacy of nurses. This ensures that nurses fully capitalize on the capacity of nursing organizations to have the greatest possible effect on policy, practice, and society.