Nurse Leaders: Extending Your Policy Influence

Opinion leaders have long held the belief that nurses' voices are largely silent in policy making, particularly within the legislative and regulatory arenas. Issues such as nursing workforce and health disparities are examples of policy established in law. Because health care policy is constantly changing, nurses must always have a seat and a voice at the table. Therefore, nurse advocacy needs to extend beyond the clinical setting. There are many points of entry into the political arena for nurses, and those who get involved can identify a trigger or defining moment that started them on their political advocacy journey.