Valuing the Political Process

Nurse Practice Act

Defines scope of nursing practice for each state.

ANA Political Action Committees

Advocate for nursing interests in government.

How can nurses be involved in political and professional advocacy?

• Stay informed using multiple reliable sources

• Vote for candidates/issues aligned with your concerns

• Vote in professional or organizational elections

• Share your opinions in letters or public forums

• Communicate with legislators and public officials

• Support or work with non-lobbying nursing groups or PACs

• Support candidates who reflect your views

• Testify before decision-making bodies

How does the federal budget affect nursing?

• Determines funding for nursing education & research

• Authorization Act: Creates or continues programs

• Appropriations Act: Provides the actual funding

What is OSHA?

• Occupational Safety and Health Act

• Ensures workplace safety standards

• Protects healthcare workers from hazards

Politics

The interaction between public policy and public interests, involving actions that influence government decisions, maintain society, and reflect partisanship, self-interest, and ideology.

What is the structure of government?

-executive, enforces the laws and runs the government (President/governor & agencies).

-legislative, makes the laws (Congress or state legislatures).

-judicial, Interprets the laws and decides if they are constitutional (court system).

How do bills become law?

Tracking number → Committee → Survival/Revision → Debate → Amendment → Vote → Signing.

Why should nurses be politically active?

Nurses become active based on client needs, nurses’ needs, or when they feel powerless and want to influence change.

What key resources are needed for political action?

Money, volunteers

Lobbying

when people try to influence government officials to make certain decisions or pass specific laws.

International Council of Nurses (ICN)

A global organization that represents nurses worldwide and works to improve health and nursing policy internationally.

American Nurses Association (ANA)

A national organization that supports and advocates for all registered nurses in the U.S.

American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC)

Provides specialty certifications for nurses and recognizes high-quality healthcare organizations

American Nurses Foundation (ANF)

The charitable arm of the ANA that funds nursing research, scholarships, and programs that advance the profession.

American Academy of Nursing (AAN)

A group of nursing leaders recognized as “Fellows” for making major contributions to health and nursing practice.

National League for Nursing (NLN)

An organization that supports nursing education and nurse educators.

ANA Membership

Open to registered nurses who want to influence practice standards, ethics, and policy.

NLN Membership

Open to nursing schools, educators, and students interested in advancing nursing education.

Ergonomics

The science of designing work tasks, equipment, and environments to fit the worker and prevent injury.

What is the scope of practice?

The legal guidelines that define what tasks and responsibilities a nurse is allowed to perform.