Use of professional associations for political action

Health care reform has generated a new excitement, energy, and movement within nursing. New opportunities abound for perinatal and neonatal nurses in these changing times as nurses realize that health care is a business intimately tied to legislation and government regulations. To achieve a voice in nursing's future, one must be politically aware and active, not a passive recipient of change. One of the easiest ways to become politically active is to work with professional associations in the best interest of nursing. This article outlines how nurses can use their professional organizations to survive the new health care systems.