In 1996 the American Association of Colleges of Nursing published The Essentials of Master’s Education for Advanced Practice Nursing. This document outlined core curriculum content for master’s education in nursing. The first core element was Research. Health Policy, Organization, and Financing of Health Care came in at number two. Since the publication of this document, and a subsequent revision that renamed the subject to Health Policy and Advocacy, most graduate nursing schools have added a health policy course. In these courses, graduate nursing students are socialized to be advocates for their patients and for the profession.
I have taught this course for the past decade, most recently at the Ohio State University. I am convinced that exposure to this content will result in nurse leaders who will influence the way scarce resources are allocated and impact the regulation of health care. Based on student feedback, I believe that this education is making a difference.
One of my course assignments is a political action visit, which requires students to visit a legislator, educate them about a nursing issue, and share opinions regarding current legislation. The following paragraphs are excerpts from students’ experience in getting to know a legislator.
Cassie Bradford shares these comments, “I developed a real interest in the political side of nursing. I could honestly see myself being a part of some sort of advocacy. It might be working with HB 170! This bill would prohibit employers from taking actions against employees who refuse the annual mandatory influenza vaccination. Sometimes, all it takes is a quick meeting to educate [legislators] on an issue that they previously didn’t know about for changes to start happening! Our legislators and peers only know what they know. I understand this now and why it is so important to have the nurse’s voice in policy-making.”
Zach Scott visited Ohio House Representative Margaret Ruhl to discuss HB 216. This bill is known as the advanced practice nurse (APRN) modernization act that promotes independent practice. Zach commented, “As the co-sponsor, Representative Ruhl understands the fiscal and regional implications HB 216 would have for Ohio. She had a couple of questions regarding the difference between physicians and APRNs, and whether or not other physicians would be in support of this particular bill. She hopes this will become law and that [physicians] will come around to the issue. I enjoyed the appointment considerably and felt that Representative Ruhl understood our issue.”
Rachel Childs also discussed APRN issues with Ohio Senator Charleta Tavares. “We discussed the opposing arguments on behalf of physician lobby groups. The Senator identified a need for increased legislator education and strategic advocacy efforts. She had questions regarding the difference between physicians and APRNs, and whether or not other physicians would be in support of this particular bill. Senator Tavares advised that effective advocacy efforts should include a personal story that draws the legislator in, along with evidence in order to increase legitimacy surrounding the issue.”
Rachel summarized her experience, “Education is key. Nurses need to be aware of the issues they’re advocating for as well as the opposing arguments. Advocacy does not occur in a bubble. Legislators consider the implications of a specific bill against the backdrop of a wider, complex environment relating to their party, leadership goals, election funding, and political climate of their district. This visit was an incredible stepping-stone in beginning to develop advocacy skills. I will use this experience to inform future visits throughout my time in graduate school and beyond.”
We are educating a new generation of nurse leaders who will take their place at the political table and make their voices heard. Engaging in a conversation and educating legislators provides a context for future political involvement. Stepping onto the marble floors of the Ohio Statehouse is the first daunting step in developing advocacy skills and confidence in the legislative arena.
Are you interested in being a nurse advocate? Join us for the Advocacy Academy on July 25th, where you'll become an official ONA Legislative Ambassador! Email Lisa Walker at lwalker@ohnurses.org for more information.