From the Patient Room to the Board Room: An Imperative for Nursing Action

Abstract

Traditionally, the areas of policy and politics have referred more to state and federal governmental activities than to the area of institutional governance. This article uses an academic health center as a point of reference to query a number of important issues related to institutional governance. The questions raised by the author guide readers to formulate answers to a set of questions that could ultimately serve as an impetus and rationale for expanding political influence to include institutional boards. Just as nurses have begun to engage in efforts to move from the sidelines of influencing public policy through lobbying and influencing campaigns of others running for office, to themselves being elected to public office, the case for direct participation in the governance of the business of health care must be made and systematic action to ensure nursing’s inclusion must begin.

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