Most nurses are familiar with their roles as caregivers and even a educators. According to Millstead (2013), nurses must adopt multiple roles, including that of political activist and advocate. She went on to explain that “nurses cannot afford to limit their actions to monitoring bills; they must seize the initiative and use their considerable collective and individual influence to ensure the health, welfare, and protection of the public and health care professionals” (Millstead, 2013, pp15-16).
Introduction:
In the field of nursing, professionals are expected to perform various roles beyond their conventional caregiving responsibilities. One prominent role that nurses must adopt is that of a political activist and advocate. Nurses have the unique opportunity to not only monitor bills and policies but also utilize their collective and individual influence to safeguard the health, welfare, and protection of the public and healthcare professionals. This paper will explore the importance of nurses as political activists and advocates, and discuss the implications of their involvement in policy-making and the broader healthcare landscape.
Background:
Nursing is a profession that encompasses a wide range of responsibilities, including direct patient care, health promotion, and disease prevention. Over time, the role of nurses has expanded to include advocacy and activism in the political arena. According to Millstead (2013), nurses need to understand the influence that policies, laws, and regulations have on the healthcare system and the overall well-being of society. By actively engaging in the political process, nurses can shape policy decisions and advocate for the needs of both patients and healthcare professionals.
1. The Role of Nurses as Political Activists:
Nurses play a crucial role as political activists by advocating for the rights and well-being of their patients. Millstead (2013) argues that nurses must go beyond traditional caregiving and actively participate in political processes to influence healthcare policies. By becoming advocates, nurses can raise awareness about critical healthcare issues and promote positive changes in the system. For example, they can actively participate in public campaigns for immunizations, educate policymakers about the importance of affordable healthcare access, and actively engage in community organizing to address health disparities.
Additionally, nurses are in a unique position to provide firsthand knowledge and expertise to policymakers. As frontline healthcare professionals, they witness the impact of policies on patients’ lives and can offer valuable insights on the effectiveness or shortcomings of healthcare initiatives. Through their involvement in political activism, nurses can bridge the gap between policy decisions and the realities of healthcare delivery.
2. The Role of Nurses as Advocates:
In addition to being political activists, nurses also act as advocates for patients and their families. Advocacy involves speaking up on behalf of those who are unable to adequately express their needs or navigate the complexities of the healthcare system. Nurses possess in-depth knowledge of patient care, healthcare policies, and the overall healthcare system, making them ideally positioned to advocate for improved patient outcomes and quality of care.
As advocates, nurses can actively engage with patients and their families to promote health literacy and empower them to make informed decisions about their healthcare. They can also collaborate with other healthcare professionals and organizations to address systemic issues and ensure equitable access to healthcare services. By advocating for patient rights, nurses can contribute to the development of policies that prioritize patient-centered care and improve overall healthcare outcomes.
3. Implications of Nurse Involvement in Policy-Making:
The involvement of nurses in policy-making has significant implications for the nursing profession, healthcare systems, and ultimately, patient care. By actively participating in policy discussions and decision-making processes, nurses can influence the development and implementation of policies that align with their professional values and ethics. This involvement can enhance the professional autonomy and authority of nurses, enabling them to shape the future of healthcare.
Furthermore, nurse involvement in policy-making can contribute to the advancement of evidence-based practice. By engaging in research and providing evidence-based recommendations, nurses can influence policy decisions that are grounded in scientific principles and prioritize the delivery of high-quality, cost-effective care. This integration of research and policy can lead to more efficient healthcare systems and improved patient outcomes.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, nurses have a critical role to play as political activists and advocates in the healthcare system. By actively participating in political processes, nurses can influence healthcare policies, raise awareness about critical healthcare issues, and advocate for the rights and well-being of patients. Their involvement in policy-making can have significant implications for the nursing profession, healthcare systems, and patient care outcomes. Therefore, it is imperative for nurses to recognize and leverage their collective and individual influence to ensure the health, welfare, and protection of the public and healthcare professionals.