Nurses bring unique perspectives to the legislative process and have a role outside of the hospital, according to an op-ed written by Janice Phillips, PhD, RN, and published in The Hill.
Nurses are increasingly showing up in the race for public office across local, state and federal levels, and more should hold office, wrote Dr. Phillips, director of nursing research and health equity at Chicago-based Rush University Medical Center and an associate professor at Rush University College of Nursing.
Dr. Phillips outlines several reasons that highlight why nurses are well-suited to hold office:
- Nursing is the most trusted profession. A Gallup poll found nursing to be the most trusted and ethical profession for the last 18 consecutive years.
- Nurses know how to advocate for public health. Nurses are passionate about their patients and consumers, which can translate well to advocating for constituents.
- Nurses understand the value of the Affordable Care Act. Nurses recognize the need to eliminate health disparities and guarantee greater access to healthcare.
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