title: Modifiable Factors that Support Political Participation by Nurses.
abstract: Political participation is an opportunity for individuals to give their time and energy in such a way that it benefits others and advances relevant agendas. Political participation is a key issue for nurses because they are familiar with clinical issues that directly impact health care policies instituted at the local, state, and federal levels. Collectively, nurses also represent the largest number of health care providers in the United States and are among the most trusted health professionals. However, there are many obstacles that prevent nurses from taking a more active role in politics, creating a gap in how nurses pursue and respond to political participation, or civic engagement. The purpose of this exploratory review is to identify modifiable factors that support political participation among nurses. A review of the extant literature revealed three primary factors that promote civic engagement among nurses: (a) integration of political education in the nursing curriculum; (b) value of active psychological engagement, including a personal interest in political knowledge and information; and (c) value of collective influence such as membership in professional organizations.
authors.affiliation: Optum CarePlus Practitioner, College of Nursing, Washington State University, Spokane, WA 99210-1495.. Electronic address: bswbsw2006@yahoo.com.
authors.forename: Bobbi
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Woodward
authors.affiliation: Associate Professor, College of Nursing, Washington State University, Spokane, WA 99210-1495.. Electronic address: dsmart@wsu.edu.
authors.forename: Denise
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Smart
authors.affiliation: Associate Professor, Montana State University College of Nursing, Missoula, MT 59812-7416.
authors.forename: Sandra
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Benavides-Vaello
mesh_terms: D004506:Education, Nursing; D006291:Health Policy; D006801:Humans; D009726:Nurses; D011057:Politics; D012935:Social Justice; D014481:United States
keywords: Civic engagement; Nurses; Political participation; Social justice