A Guide for APRNs: Becoming a Leader in Health Policy

Developing Leadership in the Health Policy Arena: How APRNs Can Make a Difference

Developing leadership in the health policy arena is essential for Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) to influence healthcare delivery and advocate for their patients effectively. Health policy issues affecting APRNs and their patients, including strategies for political advocacy, are explored in Chapter 17. The following section describes how APRNs can develop skills to influence health policy through creative leadership and political advocacy, whether by means of local grassroots endeavors or directly through top government involvement.

The term advocacy is the act of pleading another person’s cause and is multifaceted with diverse activities (Kendig, 2006); “the endpoint of advocacy is the health and welfare of the public” (Leavitt et al., 2007, p. 37). APRNs are being called on, both collectively and individually, to make their voices heard as governments struggle with budget constraints and difficult decisions about health policies, organization, and the funding of healthcare programs.

Building Influence and Power in the Health Policy Arena

In the political arena, developing power and influence uses a number of leadership skills. Leadership strategies used by APRNs in the political arena include developing influence with policymakers, motivating colleagues to stay informed of current issues, and providing bridges to other leaders who have access to important resources. The policy arena is made up of a variety of rules, regulations, laws, court opinions, funding strategies, and other interrelated areas. There is often no one simple approach to this area.

Mentoring APRNs to understand their power and influence in the health policy arena is a key role for the APRN leader. The developmental process for becoming a political activist begins early in life with an understanding of how government and political systems work. Focused understanding often begins when health policy is introduced in the nursing curriculum. Students are coached to understand the power inherent in policymaking, the power of politics to influence practice, and the ways in which they can influence the system, individually and collectively, to better their own practice and be high-level patient advocates.

Mentorship and Learning Opportunities for APRNs

There is no question that influencing policy takes substantial commitment, time, and energy. Timing is an important consideration. APRNs ask themselves several personal and professional questions to determine the degree of involvement and level of sophistication at which advocacy is to be undertaken. Questions to be considered include:

• What are my personal responsibilities related to wage earning, small children, dependent parents, single parenthood, health issues, school, and gaining initial competence as an APRN?
• How can I best serve the APRN community at this time?
• What data sources can I access that keep me informed and up-to-date?
• What learning opportunities will help me be an effective APRN advocate?
• How can I develop short-term and long-term plans for becoming a more politically astute advocate for myself, my patients, and nursing?

APRNs will need to find an appropriate mentor once they have made a decision about the depth of involvement to which they can commit. There are numerous effective nurse leaders and advocates who are willing and able to move new advocates into positions to make positive changes in health policy. Opportunities for input and influence exist at various levels of the legislative process.

Strategies for Political Advocacy in Health Policy

APRNs can develop their leadership skills in the health policy arena through various strategies, including:

1. Engaging in Grassroots Advocacy: Grassroots efforts involve mobilizing community members to influence policy at the local level. This can be a powerful way for APRNs to start their advocacy journey.

2. Participating in Legislative Hearings: APRNs can attend legislative hearings to provide testimony and advocate for policies that benefit patients and the healthcare system.

3. Joining Professional Organizations: Many professional organizations offer tools and opportunities to engage in the political process. These organizations provide resources and mentorship to APRNs looking to influence health policy.

4. Mentorship Programs: Engaging with mentors who are experienced in health policy can provide APRNs with the guidance needed to navigate complex political landscapes.

5. Developing Communication Skills: Effective communication is critical in advocacy. APRNs must be able to articulate their positions clearly and persuasively to policymakers and stakeholders.

FAQs on Developing Leadership in the Health Policy Arena

Q: Why is leadership in the health policy arena important for APRNs?
A: Leadership in the health policy arena is crucial for APRNs to advocate for their patients and influence healthcare delivery. It allows them to shape policies that directly impact their practice and patient outcomes.

Q: How can APRNs start their journey in health policy advocacy?
A: APRNs can begin by engaging in grassroots advocacy, attending legislative hearings, joining professional organizations, and seeking mentorship from experienced health policy leaders.

Q: What skills are essential for APRNs to develop leadership in health policy?
A: Essential skills include political advocacy, communication, strategic thinking, networking, and an in-depth understanding of the healthcare policy landscape.

Q: What challenges might APRNs face in developing leadership in health policy?
A: Challenges include time constraints, balancing professional and personal responsibilities, understanding complex policy systems, and finding mentorship opportunities.

Q: How can APRNs influence health policy at different levels of government?
A: APRNs can influence health policy through direct involvement in legislative processes, collaborating with policymakers, and participating in professional organizations dedicated to health policy advocacy.