5.1 Power, Politics, and Influence

Question 1

Politics

Answer 1

• Congress creates legislations (US Capitol) and when the president signs these bills (executive branch) they become law.
• President also has executive power over government agencies (health and human services). Health laws are implemented under health agencies (regulation).
• State governments run the same way
• Legislative branch passes legislation (bills) that are moved to the governor that are signed to law. Under the executive branch there are different agencies (where laws are moved to to be implemented).
• The department of health professions have laws that govern nursing practice (Nurse Practice Act)

Question 2

Advocacy

Answer 2

• Health policies are plans and actions that are undertaken to achieve specific health goals
• Advocacy is a pillar of nursing.
• Advocacy is guided by 3 nursing documents seen below

Question 3

Nursing Documents

Answer 3

Code of Ethics
- Responsibility for nurses to advocate for individuals and their family

Social Policy Statement
- Contract with public that nurses are responsible to advocate beyond the bedside by helping shape healthcare policy at institutional, community, state and national level

Scope and Standards (Leadership)
- Influences policy to promote health

Question 4

Policy

Answer 4

• Decisions, plans and actions that we undertake to achieve specific goals for society.
• (P and p)
• P = Government activities and professional standards (nurse practice act to protect the public)
• p = Institutional decisions and organizational positions

Question 5

Power

Answer 5

• Ability to influence others
• Voting is an example of exercising power. Others include joining legislative committee’s (nursing associations), attending lobby days, or tell stories to elected officials.
• Power combined with influence effects change

Question 6

Definitions

Answer 6

Politics
- Activities associated with running a government

Empowerment
- Process of exercising ones own power to facilitate the participation of others in decision making and acting so they are free to exercise power

Laws
- System of rules that regulate the actions of people and which may be enforced by the imposition of penalties

Advocacy
- Public support for or recommendations of a particular cause of policy

Influence
- The process of using power

Policy
- Decisions, plans and actions that are undertaken to achieve specific goals within society

Regulations
- A rule or order issued by an executive authority or regulatory agency of a government and having the force of law.

Power
- The ability to influence others to achieve a goal.