2023 Comment1 More and more nurses are getting involved in politics and represent the profession as nobody else can Nursing representation

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 More and more nurses are getting involved in politics and represent the profession as nobody else can. Nursing representation, and being the voice of the profession as legislators, can have a positive impact on the laws that are made that govern the profession. Laws, at times, can have a negative effect on the way nursing care is delivered and the day-to-day responsibilities of the nurse. Having representation in politics can be beneficial as nobody else understands the challenges that face a nurse in healthcare today. There are both registered nurses and licensed practical nurses involved in politics. Nurses that are currently involved in politics encourage all nurses to vote and to testify in public hearings on issues that interest them or involve them (Larson, 2016).

            Adults with cognitive or physical disabilities are protected under a law authored by Senator Pat Vance in Pennsylvania.  Hearing about abuse is common now in families and health care settings.  It is mandatory to report abuse even if it is susceptive.  The law created an Adult Protective Services system with clearly defined procedures for filing complaints of abuse, neglect and exploitation against adults ages 18 to 59 with disabilities.  This law also provided for investigation of complaints and the development of service plans to remove the adult from imminent harm and provide for long-term need.

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Nurse legislatures can represent the nursing profession because they understand the challenges that nurses face in the current health care environment.  Nurse legislatures are in the unique position of representing the interests of nurses and the health care needs of the public.  Mary Ann Dailey, RN, DNSc, a member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives approaches the job from the perspective of a nurse and says that nurse legislators can represent the interests of the nursing profession in ways that no one else can.  They understand the challenges that nurses face in today’s health care environment in a world in which hospitals desperately need more nurses and nurses agonize about being overworked (Larson, 2016). 

Daley has been involved in efforts to pass a bill allowing prescriptive privileges for nurse practitioners in Pennsylvania and a bill that affects the usage and education of unlicensed assistive personnel. She is currently working on a bill to give whistleblower protection to nurses and other health care professionals who are concerned about issues that have happened in their hospital and may be too afraid of repercussions to speak up.  Daily and other nurses serving in state and federal levels agree that more nurses should get involved in politics and encourage volunteering for others who are in office.  She further states that it could be running for office, contacting their representatives with concerns, voting regularly, or volunteering for others who are in office and could even mean paying closer attention to issues that involve nursing