Nurses, through their frontline role as direct caregivers, provide a unique, expert perspective on all aspects of the healthcare system and play a crucial role in enhancing public health and patient care.

Nurses, through their frontline role as direct caregivers, provide a unique, expert perspective on all aspects of the healthcare system and play a crucial role in enhancing public health and patient care. Decision makers need to hear from all nurses, including experienced nurse advocates and direct patient-care nurses. Nurses must stand up for important issues, as competing interests in healthcare may not be heard. Policy can influence nursing practice, and becoming a nurse advocate requires experience, preparation, and knowledge of the law and its processes. Most nurses lack awareness and involvement in policymaking due to poor nursing images, inefficiency, lack of confidence, mentorship, and insufficient knowledge of policy making strategies. The study indicates that new graduate registered nurses require enhanced advocacy, communication, teamwork, and collaboration skills to effectively perform their professional duties (Sharpnack, 2022). Nurses play a crucial role in policy making, providing valuable perspectives and insights to lawmakers. They can inspire change and provide practical references on current health policies. Nurses’ influence in health policies protects patient safety, enhances care quality, and facilitates resource access. By continuing education, nurses gain autonomy, clinical credibility, and expertise in health policy development. They can become political leaders and influence policy development. Nurses’ educational status expands professional development and helps them discern effective policies for nurses and patients. Overall, nurses’ involvement in policy making is vital for patient safety and quality care and can be an impactful contribution to change and the future of nursing and healthcare. 

Reference: Sharpnack, P. (2022). Overview and Summary: Nurses’ Impact on Advocacy and Policy. The Online Journal of Issues in Nursing.https://ojin.nursingworld.org/table-of-contents/volume-27-2022/number-2-may-2022/nurses-impact-on-advocacy-and-policy/Links to an external site.