What Is The Political Facets Of Our Role In Health Care
Politics and policy affect every area of nursing, whether it’s education, practice, or research; in other words, healthcare is political. As the largest medical profession in the country, nurses have the greatest potential to profoundly influence policy and politics on a global scale. “Unfortunately, many health care practitioners allow policy to happen around them but not through them.” (Goudreau & Smolenski, 2014, p. 3)
Understanding the political facets of our role in health policies is paramount in determining the future of the U.S. health-care system. Typically, nurses are the first line in patient care, and are often the first providers to see clearly when and how the health care system is not effectively meeting patient needs. During
this turbulent time in health care, nurses will be asked to sit at the decision-making table, and we must be able to use our unique perspective as an advocation tool for our patients (Whitehead, Dittman, & McNulty, 2017). Endeavoring to work together, as advocates for our patients, we can have a positive impact on the health of our communities and the nation by taking an active role in the health policy process.
Understanding the political facets of our role in health policies is paramount in determining the future of the U.S. health-care system. Typically, nurses are the first line in patient care, and are often the first providers to see clearly when and how the health care system is not effectively meeting patient needs. During
this turbulent time in health care, nurses will be asked to sit at the decision-making table, and we must be able to use our unique perspective as an advocation tool for our patients (Whitehead, Dittman, & McNulty, 2017). Endeavoring to work together, as advocates for our patients, we can have a positive impact on the health of our communities and the nation by taking an active role in the health policy process.