title: Nursing and public policy: a tool for excellence in education, practice, and research.
abstract: Complex social and health policy issues face our nation and profession, and proactive participation in the public policy arena is a key to excellence in clinical practice, scholarship, and education for nursing. The purpose of this article is to reflect on the value of the nursing profession's public policy involvement. Specifically, a case example of the author's experiences as a nurse-legislator at the state level is provided. Public policy examples and political strategies are included. Being a part of the political arena or "game" is a key to shaping health policy and, in turn, a strategy for excellence in nursing.
authors.affiliation: University of Delaware School of Nursing, 365 McDowell Hall, Newark, DE 19716, USA. blong@udel.edu
authors.forename: Bethany
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Hall-Long