CNOs must be equipped with the skills to advocate for policies that will improve the lives of their nurses and help them deliver the best quality care to patients.
Nurses across the country are faced with many challenges, such as workplace violence and staffing ratios, that have potential legislative components.
In a discussion about advocacy and policy at the 2025 HealthLeaders CNO Exchange, the participating CNOs had several areas of focus for nurse leaders wanting to get involved in the legislative process.
Here is a checklist of what CNOs can do to get involved in political advocacy.
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G Hatfield is the CNO editor for HealthLeaders.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
CNOs must stay up to date with the newest proposals from legislative bodies at all levels and focus on areas where they can affect the most change.
Many policymakers do not understand the inner workings of the healthcare ecosystem and by developing strong relationships with legislators, nurse leaders have the ability to make a real impact.