Learning the Ropes of Policy Politics and Advocacy

Learning the Ropes of Policy, Politics, and Advocacy By: Jose Cayabyab Annie Halverson

� Nurses learn the skills of politics and policy by mentoring, role modeling and practice. � There are hundreds of causes and issues to stimulate our interest, we as students decide how much energy, time, and interest to put forth. � The political arena will open many doors for us as nurses. Political Involvement

Political Development of Nursing: How it is related to the Individual �Buy In Phase: Is a reactive stage. When the profession begins to promote the political awareness of nurses to injustices or changes needed in the policy arena. �Self-Interest Phase: When nurses see the connections between politics and policy in their lives, they are more likely to engage in political activism.

Political Development of Nursing: How it is related to the Individual �Political Sophistication Stage: When policy makers and health care leaders view nurses as having valuable expertise. �Leading the Way Stage: Highest level of political involvement when nursing “sets the agenda” for change.

�Nurses are considered to be POWERFUL ADVOCATES What does this mean ? �Difference between BSN vs. MSN ◦ BSN: Advocate for health care that is sensitive to the needs of patients and for professional standards of practice ◦ MSN: Advocate for nursing profession and the role of change agent within the health care system Advocacy and Activism

Different Advocate Roles Nurses Assume �Legal: The nurse guards the patients rights. �Moral-Ethical: The nurse up holds the patients values. �Spiritual: The nurse provides access to spiritual support. �Substitutive: The nurse protects the interests of the patients unable to do so themselves. �Political: The nurse facilitates equal access to health care.

Research found that there are three “hooks” that get nurses involved in health policy: �Personal experience �Mentors �Dramatic interventions The Role of Mentoring

The Role of Mentoring Mentor relationships are essential for professional success, socialization, and leadership development.

The Role of Mentoring A mentor can inspire, encourage, guide, and model behavior.

A mentor can also teach the “nuts and bolts” of political involvement. The Role of Mentoring

Mentors can empower others and inspire them to make a change. It is important to develop a “can-do” attitude. The Role of Mentoring

Empowerment as a model for political action – development in three dimensions: �Consciousness raising about the sociopolitical realities of nursing �Strong and positive self esteem �Political skills for changing the system (Mason, Leavitt, & Chaffee, 2007) The Role of Mentoring

Political mentors can be found in: �Classrooms �Clinical Settings �Professional Associations �Political Parties �Government �Community Settings Finding a Mentor

It is important to find the right mentor, a person who has knowledge and an interest in you. Role Models Finding a Mentor

How to find a mentor: 1. Start with a list of what you would like to learn. Finding a Mentor

How to Find a Mentor: 2. Make a list of who you would like to mentor you, people you know who may know the individual, and how to gain access to the prospective mentor. Finding a Mentor

How to Find a Mentor: 3. Contact the person. Finding a Mentor

How to find a mentor: 4. When you contact the prospective mentor, it is helpful to state what you want to learn from them. Finding a Mentor

Reciprocal collective mentoring is when every nurse not only seeks a mentor, but also actively mentors others as they become more knowledgeable and involved. �Work together �Develop networks Collective Mentoring

There are multiple ways to learn about health policy and politics: �Programs and courses in nursing schools �Degree programs in public health, political science, public policy, and public administration �Continuing education programs �Experiential learning �Self-study Educational Opportunities

The Nurse-Citizen Registers to vote Votes in every election Keeps informed about health care issues Speaks out when services or working conditions are inadequate � Participates in public forums � Interacts regularly with local, state, and federal elected officials � Joins politically active nursing organizations � � Levels of Involvement

The Nurse-Activist � Contacts public officials through letters, email or telephone � Registers people to vote � Contributes money to a political campaign � Works on a political campaign � Lobbies decision-makers by providing pertinent statistical and anecdotal information � Forms or joins coalitions that support and issue of concern � Writes letters to the editors of local papers � Invites legislators to visit the workplace � Holds a media event to publicize and issue � Provides testimony Levels of Involvement

The Nurse Politician �Runs for elected office �Seeks appointment to a regulatory agency �Seeks appointment to governing boards in the public or private sector �Uses nursing expertise as a policymaker in public or private sector Levels of Involvement