As you are learning this week about the spheres of political action, I wanted to give some additional information on the topic. As many of you pointed out, the four spheres of political action in nursing include the workplace, government, professional organizations, and the community (Mason, Leavitt, & Chaffee, 2007). These are the areas where nurses have the opportunity to be politically involved. An important element to keep in mind is that each sphere has its own independent functions; however, all 4 spheres work together to create change. So, why does this matter and how does it affect us? 

You have learned throughout your nursing education that nursing practice is highly focused on patient safety, quality of care, outcomes, and evidenced based practice. As you will be graduating and starting your new careers, it will be important for you to review the policies and procedures of your employer, with specific attention to the nursing policies and procedures. What does it say about delegation to a licensed practical nurse? Presence of family members at a code? Expectations to work overtime? Refusing admissions based on acuity? You might be surprised at what you find and you will most certainly be amazed at the differences between the policy and procedure manual of a rural hospital and a Magnet hospital. In your workplace you need to think about changes that will impact the quality and safety of your work environment, patient outcomes, safety, and quality of care, and whether or not evidenced based nursing practice is implemented. 

Literature often shows that nurses view themselves as politically powerless. They see their role at the bedside as a technical activity, not a political opportunity. What nurses do not realize is the very act of being a nurse makes one politically involved (Cameron, Ceci, & Salas, 2011). This is due to the fact that our practice is shaped by governing bodies, ethical standards, professional standards, governmental standards, and health care itself (Bjornsdottir, 2009). Since we are already politically involved, why not take the plunge and become politically active?

Reflect on a health care or nursing practice issue you feel passionate about and would like to change. Share this with the class, the sphere(s) of political action it falls into, and why you think it is important to address. The idea is to get us thinking about different areas we can impact as nurses. This does not have to be a long response.

An example: Smoking in the workplace, which is a community hospital. I would like to ban smoking on the hospital campus. Political spheres include the workplace and community, possibly government with the federally mandated health insurance laws rolling out. This is important as the negative effects of smoking and second hand smoke are well documented, and patients requiring hospitalized care do not need to be exposed.

And guess what?! There are 2 health care systems in the county that have accomplished this with buy-in from nurses, physicians, hospital administration, and insurance companies!!! Change can happen if nurses speak up and voice their concerns :0)

                               References

Bjornsdottir, K. (2009). The ethics and politics of home

     care. International Journal of Nursing Studies, 46,

     732–739.

Cameron, B., Ceci, C., & Salas, A. (2011). Nursing and the

     political. Nursing Philosophy, 12, 53-155.

     doi:10.1111/j.1466-769X.2011.00499.x.

Mason, D. J., Leavitt, J. K., & Chaffee, M., W. (2007).

     Policy and politics in nursing and health care

     (5th ed.). St. Louis, MO: Elsevier Saunders.