Written by those in the know-exceptional nurse leaders in practice, education, and politics-this is a practical how-to guide written to help advanced students and nurse leaders develop health policy skills to advocate for patients from the bedside to the larger political arena. Co-published with the ANA, the book examines the pivotal role of nurses involved in health policy and describes the requisite steps for facilitating policy change. The second edition addresses the Trump administration's impact on health care, including information on the increased need for primary care providers, how full practice authority has been implemented in different states, the need for an enhanced RN role in ambulatory care, and many other topics. It updates the impact of the Future of Nursing Report, the integral role of nurses on the front lines of health care, and presents cases focused on nurses' role in containing the Zika virus spread.

The second edition also discusses committees within health care institutions working on legislative proposals regarding the development of policy at the community level. Using descriptive case histories, the book delves into the increasing role of nurses in elected or appointed positions. A particularly timely contribution focuses on evaluating policy sources, such as Fake News. Additionally, the book describes how research can be used to strengthen policy initiatives, and clarifies the process of identifying issues that need a policy solution. Also covered are strategies for working with the media, the process of taking a leadership role, using policy to eliminate health inequities, and maintaining and expanding momentum. Woven throughout are the themes of ethics, leadership, safety, and the quest for quality of care.

New to the Second Edition:

• Examines the Trump administration's impact on health care
• Discusses the increased need for primary care providers
• Addresses how full practice authority has been implemented in various states and its implications for nursing
• Considers the need for the enhanced role of RNs in ambulatory care
• Updates the impact of the Future of Nursing Report
• Discusses the integral role of nurses on the front line of health care; particularly regarding the containment of the Zika virus
• Highlights committees within health care institutions working on specific legislative proposals for developing policy at the community level
• Addresses the increasing role and contributions of nurses in elected or appointed positions
• Evaluates policy sources such as Fake News

Key Features:

• Delineates the steps, strategies, and competencies needed to becoming a health policy advocate in organizational, educational, and political settings
• Aligns with DNP competencies by providing clear strategies for leadership and influencing policy
• Demonstrates every step of the policy process with real world examples
• Illustrates how quality, safety, ethics, and leadership are integral to policy
• Incorporates examples from research to illustrate the impact of policy
• Written by exceptional nurse leaders in practice, education, and politics