Over the winter months, I was worried how new administration would impact nurses and healthcare. Years ago, my therapist advised me to stop ruminating about issues in which I have no control. While I have made progress, I still occasionally find myself caught in a cycle of overthinking. This changed when I participated in ANA-Ohio’s Inaugural Policy Influencer Bootcamp. The experience transformed my perspective, empowering me to take action rather than dwell on uncertainties.
At the bootcamp, I gained insights into the policy development process, learning how laws are crafted, and the critical role nurses can play in shaping policy. It became clear that many decisions affecting our profession and our patients are made without our input. These decisions go on to influence our work environment, the resources available to us, and Social Determinants of Health (SDOH). Despite recognizing these issues in our daily practice, nurses often fail to advocate for necessary changes. How can we ensure our well-being if we do not champion the changes we need?
Advocating for Social Determinants of Health
Nurses have a unique perspective on SDOH because we see firsthand how factors like housing, education, and access to healthcare affect our patients. By engaging in public policy, we can advocate for changes that address these determinants, leading to healthier communities. This advocacy not only benefits patients but also impacts nurses as part of the community.
The Intersection of Public Policy and Self-Care
Nurses are at the forefront of healthcare and community wellness and our well-being is crucial for the delivery of high-quality care. Policies that support nurses’ health and wellness are essential to promote opportunities for self-care and safety (ANA, n.d). For instance, mental health resources and workplace violence regulations can significantly improve nurses’ work environments and overall well-being. When nurses are healthy and supported through both policy and action, we are better equipped to care for our patients.
Taking Action: From Ruminating to Advocating
The Policy Influencer Bootcamp empowered me to shift from ruminating to taking action. I now understand the importance of nurses’ voices in shaping policies that affect our profession, our patients, and our own well-being. By advocating for policies that support self-care and wellness, we can create a healthier work environment, champion a healthier community, and improve patient outcomes. It is time for nurses to pull up a chair to the table where policies are made or we will miss the opportunity to take action on behalf of ourselves and our patients. n
Reference:
American Nurses Association. (n.d.) Health Policy. Retrieved 5/26/2025 from https://www.nursingworld.org/practice-policy/health-policy/
