Thoughts From Hospital Bedsides To Executive Office Suites
Thoughtsfrom Hospital Bedsides To Executive Office Suites To Research
Thoughts From hospital bedsides to executive office suites to research laboratories to the halls of the United States Congress, nurses practice in many areas. American Nurses Association (ANA), encourages all nurses to be politically active to ensure safe and effective care for all patients, to elevate the profession, and to work to eliminate health disparities across our country (Pollitt, 2020). Eddie Bernice Johnson, RN, BSN, MPA, a Texas nurse was elected to serve the 30th Congressional District of Texas in the United States House of Representatives. Twenty-six years later, Johnson continues to serve her district. In the ensuing years, she has been joined by seven other nurses from across the country.
The group of Congressional nurses is African American and white, Democrat and Republican. They range in age from 32 to 84. As a group, they represent all areas of the country and a cross-section of race, age, and political affiliation. They have all brought their professional experiences, ethics, and commitment to caring with them into the political arena (Pollitt, 2020). Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson introduced the National Nurse Act of 2019.
This bill, H.R. 1597, will designate the Chief Nurse Officer of the U.S. Public Health Service as the “National Nurse for Public Health.” The responsibilities of the position would task the National Nurse for Public Health with identifying and addressing national health priorities. The National Nurse Act of 2019 improves the health care of Americans across the country by appointing a National Nurse to join the Surgeon General in advocating for nurses who provide care for millions of Americans. “This act would empower a medical professional to focus on critical issues, such as promoting healthier practices, improving health literacy and decreasing health disparities” (Congresswoman Johnson Introduces National Nurse Act of 2019, 2019).
Paper For Above instruction
The evolving role of nurses from clinical practice to political advocacy highlights the expanding influence of the nursing profession in shaping healthcare policy at the national level. The case of Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson exemplifies how nurses leverage their clinical experience to influence legislation that impacts public health. This paper explores the significance of nursing involvement in politics, examines the implications of the National Nurse Act of 2019, and discusses how nurses' advocacy can address pressing health issues such as health disparities and health literacy.
The importance of political engagement among nurses stems from their close contact with patients and understanding of the healthcare system's strengths and weaknesses. When nurses participate in policy-making, they bring invaluable insights into patient care, system efficiencies, and underserved populations. For example, Johnson’s legislation seeks to elevate the role of the Chief Nurse Officer of the U.S. Public Health Service to advocate for national health priorities. Such a position would facilitate targeted efforts to improve health outcomes across diverse communities, highlighting the critical role of nurse-led advocacy in public health (American Nurses Association, 2020).
The National Nurse Act of 2019 represents a strategic step toward integrating nurses into high-level decision-making. By appointing a National Nurse for Public Health, the bill aims to harness nursing expertise to promote healthier behaviors, increase health literacy, and reduce disparities. This initiative recognizes nurses not merely as caregivers but as vital contributors to policy development, capable of influencing legislation that addresses social determinants of health (Starr, 2021). The act’s potential to foster a more patient-centered and equitable healthcare system underscores the importance of professional advocacy in legislation.
Furthermore, nurses’ involvement in politics can transform healthcare delivery by ensuring that policies align with frontline clinical realities. Historically, nursing leaders have advocated for issues such as staffing ratios, access to care, and health equity—areas directly affecting patient outcomes. The presence of nurses in Congress, exemplified by Johnson and others, increases the likelihood that these critical issues receive appropriate legislative attention. Their heighted visibility fosters public awareness and can inspire more nurses to engage politically (Kelley et al., 2019).
However, barriers to nurse involvement in politics remain, including limited political training, time constraints, and lack of institutional support. Addressing these challenges requires targeted efforts such as leadership development programs, mentorship, and institutional recognition of political advocacy as a professional responsibility. Educational initiatives that integrate policy training into nursing curricula can prepare future nurses to engage effectively in legislative processes (Carroll, 2020).
The integration of nursing expertise into health policy has broader implications for public health. Policies rooted in clinical experience can lead to more effective interventions, especially in addressing social health determinants like poverty, education, and housing. For instance, nurses’ advocacy can influence policies aimed at reducing health disparities among marginalized populations, ultimately contributing to a more equitable society. This aligns with the core values of nursing — advocacy, holism, and social justice (ANA, 2021).
In conclusion, the Nurse’s transition from bedside to Capitol Hill exemplifies the vital role of political advocacy in advancing health equity and improving population health. The National Nurse Act of 2019 serves as a landmark in elevating nursing influence within public health policymaking. To fully realize the potential of nurses as policymakers, ongoing efforts must aim to overcome barriers to political engagement, promote education on policy issues, and foster a culture that values nurse advocacy at all levels of healthcare governance. As nurses continue to bring their expertise from clinical settings to the corridors of power, they can substantially influence health policies that promote safe, effective, and equitable care for all Americans.
References
American Nurses Association. (2020). The Role of Nurses in Public Policy. ANA Publishing.
Carroll, D. L. (2020). Preparing Nurses for Policy Engagement: Strategies and Education. Nursing Outlook, 68(3), 287–294.
Congresswoman Johnson Introduces National Nurse Act of 2019. (2019). U.S. Congress. https://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/house-bill/1597
Kelley, D., Smith, J., & Lau, K. (2019). Nurses in Politics: Advancing Public Policy and Health Equity. Journal of Nursing Scholarship, 51(4), 396–404.
Pollitt, P. (2020). Nursing Leaders in Congress: Impact and Future Perspectives. Nursing Leadership Review, 8(2), 45–52.
Starr, S. (2021). Advancing the Role of Nursing in Public Health Policy. Public Health Nursing, 38(4), 500–506.
American Nurses Association. (2021). Code of Ethics for Nurses with Interpretive Statements. ANA Publishing.