CNOs must learn the different ways to get involved in the legislative process to make the nursing industry better.
Now more than ever, it's time for the voice of nursing to enter the conversation.
Policymakers should have the input of nurse leaders when making decisions about whether to support legislation that will impact nursing. As lawmakers proceed with healthcare-related bills, it's critical that CNOs give their input and use their position to advocate for patients and the nursing workforce.
There are several pieces of federal legislation that healthcare executives should be paying attention to, including the PRECEPT Act and the I CAN Act. The PRECEPT Nurses Act aims to instate a tax credit for nurses who successfully serve as nurse preceptors for nursing students. The I CAN Act would remove federal barriers in Medicare and Medicaid programs that prevent APRNs from practicing to their fullest extent. CNOs should also keep tabs on the state and local legislative sessions and advocate for laws that will greatly impact their workforce and community.
According to the HealthLeaders CNO Exchange members, there are several ways that CNOs can get involved in political advocacy. First and foremost, CNOs should brush up on their knowledge of how laws are made and educate themselves on policy issues. The second step is for CNOs to ask for support from their peers and join policy circles. Lastly, CNOs should visit their legislators in their communities, attend town halls, and leverage their votes.
Getting more involved
CNOs should be able to collaborate with professional organizations, educate policymakers, and drive nursing-forward agendas that impact patient care, healthcare equity, and workforce development and sustainability.
But where do you start?
The next webinar in our Winning Edge series will explore the various issues and pieces of legislation that nurse leaders should be advocating for. Join us to learn about the different ways that CNOs can get involved in the legislative process to make the nursing industry better.
Our distinguished panel includes:
- Rudy Jackson, SVP and CNE, UW Health
- Claire Zangerle, CEO | SVP and CNE, American Organization for Nursing Leadership | American Hospital Association
- G Hatfield, Event Moderator and HealthLeaders CNO Editor
This isn’t just another webinar—it’s your chance to learn from the best in the business and walk away with strategies you can implement immediately.
Join us as we face the problems, share solutions, and help you reboot your advocacy strategy.
Register here today to reserve your spot.
The HealthLeaders Exchange is an executive community for sharing ideas, solutions, and insights. Please join the community at our LinkedIn page.
To inquire about attending a HealthLeaders Exchange event, email us at exchange@healthleadersmedia.com.
G Hatfield is the CNO editor for HealthLeaders.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
CNOs should keep tabs on federal, state, and local legislative sessions, and advocate for laws that will greatly impact their workforce and community.
CNOs must brush up on their knowledge of how laws are made and educate themselves on policy issues.
Nurse leaders can also visit their legislators in their communities, attend town halls, and leverage their votes.