Chapter 23 explores the role of the nurse in the policy process and political advocacy. As nurses we are charged with the responsibility to contribute to the development of health policies that promote a healthier society. The following discussion topics relate to this chapter. There are several discussion items from which to choose. Please do not duplicate material discussed in your classmates' posts.
What statewide office came up for election in your state this year? Do the newly elected individuals have stated positions on health care issues? Do you agree or disagree with these positions? What questions would you ask concerning their positions on health care if given the opportunity to talk with them?
Identify the current health policy priorities for your state nurses association. Identify the benefits that could come to you, your community, health care consumers in the district, and other members of the nursing profession if proposed priorities were supported. Develop a plan of action to educate your state senators and representatives about these priorities.
Review the methods by which grassroots lobbying can and does occur. Which methods would you choose if your plan is to maintain and improve the quality of patient care as it relates to the use of mandatory overtime as a routine staffing method? Explain your answer.
Use the Library of Congress€™' Thomas' website (http://www.thomas.gov) to search for new bills in the 112th Congress related to nursing, patient safety, and health care quality. Also, monitor the websites of your state nurses association and the American Nurses Association for information on new bills that will require nursing attention. Identify the bill sponsors and bill numbers, and then explore the positions of your state senators and representatives on these bills; if they are neutral or are opposed to either bill, develop a plan of action for influencing their position.