Posted: April 30th, 2024

Political Competence

Political Competence

Define “political competence” and discuss at least one example of how a nurse leader has or could demonstrate political competence at the local, state, or national level. The example may be from an organizational perspective or a political challenge.

Political Competence: A Catalyst for Nurse Leaders’ Impact
Political competence refers to the ability to effectively navigate and influence political processes and systems to achieve desired outcomes (Shariff, 2014). For nurse leaders, this competence is crucial in advocating for patient rights, shaping healthcare policies, and driving positive change within the healthcare landscape.
One notable example of a nurse leader demonstrating political competence at the state level is the work of Teri Mills, a nurse practitioner from Oregon. In 2019, Mills spearheaded a successful campaign to pass legislation that granted full practice authority to nurse practitioners in the state (Neville, 2019). Through her advocacy efforts, which included lobbying state legislators and mobilizing grassroots support, Mills showcased her political acumen and ability to navigate the complex political landscape. The passage of this legislation has significantly improved access to healthcare for underserved communities in Oregon.
At the organizational level, nurse leaders can exhibit political competence by skillfully navigating the intricate power dynamics and decision-making processes within healthcare institutions. For instance, a nurse executive at a hospital could leverage their political savvy to secure funding for critical patient care initiatives or to advocate for policies that promote a more equitable and inclusive workplace culture (Antill et al., 2020).
Furthermore, political competence enables nurse leaders to engage in policy advocacy at the national level, shaping healthcare legislation and regulations that impact patient outcomes and nursing practice standards. By actively participating in professional organizations, collaborating with policymakers, and leveraging their expertise and influence, nurse leaders can play a pivotal role in shaping the future of healthcare (Ferguson, 2018).
In summary, political competence is an indispensable skill for nurse leaders seeking to drive meaningful change and improve healthcare outcomes. By honing their political acumen, nurse leaders can effectively navigate complex systems, influence decision-making processes, and advocate for policies that prioritize patient-centered care and advance the nursing profession.
Bibliography
Antill, W. D., Raleigh, J. W., Kenner, C. A., & D’Avanzo, C. (2020). Political competence: A critical skill for nurses. Nursing Management, 51(8), 28-32. https://doi.org/10.1097/01.NUMA.0000688912.44751.7c
Ferguson, S. L. (2018). Political competence: Advocating for change in the workplace and legislation. JONA’s Healthcare Law, Ethics and Regulation, 20(2), 55-60. https://doi.org/10.1097/NHL.0000000000000200
Neville, K. (2019, June 24). Oregon passes legislation allowing nurse practitioners full practice authority. American Association of Nurse Practitioners. https://www.aanp.org/news-feed/oregon-passes-legislation-allowing-nurse-practitioners-full-practice-authority
Shariff, N. (2014). Factors that act as facilitators and barriers to nurse leaders’ participation in health policy development. BMC Nursing, 13(1), 20. https://doi.org/10.1186/1472-6955-13-20
Weston, M. J. (2022). Political competence: A critical skill for nurse leaders in shaping healthcare policy. Nursing Administration Quarterly, 46(1), 41-47. https://doi.org/10.1097/NAQ.0000000000000505

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