There are opportunities for RNs and APRNs to get involved in policy review and advocacy. They can join professional nursing organizations to inform legislators on healthcare issues. State nurses associations also have roles for nurses to review policies. However, policy work can be time-consuming and difficult to balance with clinical jobs. Employers and boards of nursing should promote nurses' involvement in policymaking given their frontline healthcare experiences and knowledge.

1. The Role of the RN/APRN in Policy Evaluation
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to TO THIS POST by suggesting additional opportunities or
recommendations for overcoming the challenges described by
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There are opportunities that exist for RNs and APRNs to
actively participate in policy review.. One opportunity that
exists for RNs and APRNs is to become a member of a
professional nursing organization such as the American Nurses
Association or the American Cancer Society. Often times,
nurses are not motivated to participate in policy because there
are many individuals writing policies that do not have health
care knowledge and it can be intimidating to work with them.
According to Matthews (2012), "Members and experts from
many specialty organizations work with ANA lobbyists in the
U.S. Congress and the various state legislatures to inform and
persuade legislators concerning the needs of nursing and the
general public regarding healthcare issues and quality care.
Another opportunity that exists to become involved in
policy review for RNs and APRNs is to become a member of
your state nurses association. Many state nurses associations
hold positions for nurses to be a part of reviewing different
health care policies. The challenge that is posed by this type of
involvement in policy review is that it is a time consuming

2. position and it can be difficult to balance that and a full time
RN or APRN job. According to the Delaware Nursing
Association (n.d), "DNA takes appropriate action whenever
necessary to recommend and/or promote legislation (including
statutory and administrative laws, executive policies standards,
regulations, rulings, and legal decisions) which affect the
interest of healthcare consumers, the nursing professional and
support the mission and goals of DNA. The advocacy committee
is charged with monitoring and participating in policy related to
health care, the workplace, patient care, and many other areas
where nurses are engaged".
I believe that the opportunities that are available for
RNs and APRNs to become more involved in policy review
should be advocated by employers and by state boards of
nursing. Employers should promote and foster the relationship
of its nursing staff becoming more involved in health care
policy making and review. After all, nurses are on the front
lines and have a great deal of knowledge to share when it comes
to policies in health care. According to Burke (2016), "More
than ever, nurses are present in every healthcare setting and
possess a unique role in formulating policy".
References
Burke, S. (2016). Influence through policy: Nurses have a
unique role. Retrieved October 23, 2020 from
https://nursingcentered.sigmanursing.org/commentary/more-
commentary/Vol42_2_nurses-have-a-unique-role
Delaware Nurses Association (n.d). Advocacy Committee.
Retrieved October 23, 2020 from
https://www.denurses.org/Committees
Matthews, J., (January 31, 2012) "Role of Professional
Organizations in Advocating for the Nursing Profession" OJIN:

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