title: Changes in political astuteness after a health systems and policy course.
abstract: Political advocacy, an integral part of the nursing role, requires knowledge of the policy process and skills. Few studies describe the influence of nursing education on political competence. This study examined political astuteness in graduate students before and after a required course in health policy. Students reported significantly higher political astuteness scores after the course. Academic preparation in health policy can increase the knowledge and skills that nurses need to effectively advocate for healthcare change.
authors.affiliation: Tacoma Nursing Program, University of Washington, Tacoma, Washington 98402, USA. jprimomo@u.washington.edu
authors.forename: Janet
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Primomo
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D018672:Community Health Planning; D003479:Curriculum; D004511:Education, Nursing, Graduate / Q000458:organization & administration*; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006291:Health Policy / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D024802:Nurse's Role / Q000523:psychology; D015402:Nursing Education Research; D010344:Patient Advocacy / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D011050:Policy Making; D011057:Politics; D011361:Professional Competence / Q000592:standards; D015397:Program Evaluation; D013338:Students, Nursing / Q000523:psychology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013597:Systems Analysis; D014861:Washington