Developing Political Engagement Competency Among Primary Care Advanced Practice Nursing Students

Area of Science:

• Health Policy
• Nursing Education
• Health Equity

Background:

• Rural and underserved communities face significant health inequities.
• Political engagement among nurses is crucial for addressing these disparities.
• Advanced practice nursing students require policy skills for effective advocacy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an experiential learning opportunity for primary care advanced practice nursing students.
• To equip students with policy skills for advocating for rural and underserved populations.
• To foster political engagement among future nursing leaders.

Main Methods:

• An experiential learning program was designed.
• The program was informed by the principles of Lobby Day.
• The curriculum focused on policy advocacy skills relevant to primary care.

Main Results:

• Students gained practical policy skills.
• The program enhanced students' readiness to advocate for patients and communities.
• Experiential learning proved effective in developing political engagement.

Conclusions:

• Developing political engagement in nursing is vital for mitigating health inequities.
• Experiential learning, such as Lobby Day simulations, can effectively prepare nursing students for policy advocacy.
• Empowering nurses with policy skills strengthens their role in serving vulnerable populations.