The Influence of a Doctor of Nursing Practice Health Policy Course on Clinical Nurse Specialist Practice and Competencies

The DNP, as the terminal nursing degree, provides the opportunity for the CNS to engage in health policy knowledge, as illustrated previously. Health policy courses provide the foundational knowledge to effect change through the 5 core CNS competencies related to health policy: (1) advocacy; (2) legislative, regulatory, and fiscal policies; (3) policymakers; (4) organizational and public policy; and (5) ethics. Doctor of Nursing Practice–prepared CNSs will influence policymakers to develop regulations and procedures that improve the quality of care and the health of all patients and their families. For CNSs, taking a health policy course will strengthen their knowledge and assist them in impacting the health of those they serve. © 2023 Lippincott Williams and Wilkins. All rights reserved.