Nurse’s Role in Influencing the Legislative Process

For this week’s project, you’ll answer three questions related to your opportunity as a nurse and an advocate. The first two questions relate to influencing a bill is traveling through the legislative process. The third question refers you to the social determinants of health as described in your course textbook reading and asks you to think specifically on your role as a nurse in influencing social determinants of health.

In a brief paper (no more than 2 typed pages, 1 inch margins, 12 font Times New Roman or Courier New), answer the questions below. Write each question as a new topic area and then follow with a paragraph or two to answer the question. You may find it necessary to search for answers to the questions outside of the assigned reading. Be sure to use APA guidelines for writing style, spelling and grammar, and citation of sources.

Answer the following questions:

• What parts of the lawmaking process does a nurse have an opportunity to influence the final bill passage?
• List at least two ways that this influence can take place. In your opinion, would one way be preferable over the other?
• Reviewing the social determinants of health, select one to respond to this question:
  • What role can nurses play in promoting health status through policy changes directly affecting this social determinant?