Nurses in politics

Q Every day, legislators make critical decisions that impact the healthcare system and the nursing profession, but there aren't many healthcare professionals in politics. How can we change that? Although there are a growing number of nurses engaged in advocacy, being engaged politically can be a bigger stretch for individual nurses and the profession. There's often an impulse to "turn off" politics. It can be confusing, stressful, and sometimes downright nasty. But we can't ignore politics any more than we can ignore disease. Additionally, there's sometimes concern (justifiably in many employment settings) about rules that govern nonprofits and what electoral activities are permissible. Bolder Advocacy is a good resource to understand what activities are allowed and how to keep personal and organizational advocacy separate.1 Representation matters. A more diverse elected body produces better public policy; we've all seen the impact of policy developed by individuals who don't have a "boots on the ground" perspective. That said, nurses are sorely underrepresented in legislative bodies.2 There are currently three nurses serving in the US House of Representatives. There has never been a nurse in the Senate. In state legislatures (critical to so much policy that impacts nursing and healthcare), there are only 72 nurses serving across all 50 states, and 14 states don't have a single nurse in their legislature.3 This isn't because nurses aren't qualified to run for elected office, win, and produce better public policy. Nurses possess many skills and qualities that make them well suited to elected office, including the ability to build and lead teams, conflict management, negotiation, evidence-based thinking, and listening and communication skills.4 One nurse legislator recalled being told in nursing school, "When you walk in a patient's room, you have about 30 seconds to establish trust." She learned that skill and uses it today with constituents, stakeholders, and colleagues. Every day, nurses quickly build relationships with diverse individuals under stressful circumstances—what better foundation for politics? Nurses comprise the largest single group in healthcare and nursing is the most trusted profession: It's time to leverage that trust! More than ever, the public is looking for trustworthy political candidates. The public trusts nurses to weigh in not only on healthcare issues but other issues that make up the social determinants of health (education, transportation, food, the built environment, economic stability). Whether you're "election curious" or simply want to be more involved, here are some ways to get started. Vote in every election. Get a Vot-ER badge and register voters!5 Educate yourself. Follow nursing advocacy groups (and other groups that advocate on issues you care about) on social media or subscribe to their newsletters. Healing Politics has a free monthly newsletter and hosts monthly online educational sessions on a variety of topics relevant to all nurses, whether you plan to run for office or just want to be more engaged.6 Support other nurses' political pursuits. Is there a nurse in your network who you think would make a great political candidate? Encourage that person and offer support; send them information and resources to help inform their decision. You can also assist with a candidate's political campaign. Donate. This can be a monetary donation or a donation of your time. Foster advocacy. As a nurse leader, you're in a perfect position to inspire a passion for advocacy and political engagement in other nurses by becoming involved, and you can connect interested individuals with resources for involvement. At Healing Politics, we inspire nurses to run for office up and down the ballot. We provide nonpartisan training to help nurses who run get elected.6 However, only a small percentage of nurses will choose to run, so it's important that we build a community to help them. Please join our efforts to promote a culture within the profession that supports nurse colleagues who enter politics!