Politics and nursing: an elective experience

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Health Policy
• Political Science

Background:

• The importance of political awareness for nurses is increasingly recognized.
• North American nursing schools are incorporating political topics into curricula.
• Existing literature highlights the need for political education in nursing.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the case for enhancing nurses' political awareness.
• To examine the inclusion of political issues in nursing education.
• To describe the experience of a 'Politics and nursing' elective course.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of North American nursing curricula.
• Description of a 4-week theoretical elective course on 'Politics and nursing'.
• Analysis of course content aimed at developing political knowledge and skills.

Main Results:

• Some North American nursing programs include political content.
• Courses cover health policy and offer elective options.
• The 'Politics and nursing' course aimed to raise awareness and build skills.

Conclusions:

• Political education is crucial for nursing practice and advocacy.
• Integrating political science into nursing curricula is feasible and beneficial.
• Further development of political competencies can empower nurses in healthcare.