An upstream approach to health care: the education of nurses for policy change

Working within the social context of well-being, therefore, enables nurses to respond holistically to clients. Central to the accomplishment of this vision, however, is a reformation of policies, starting with the educational foundation of nursing students. Equipped with a liberal education, an internalization of the values that uphold human dignity and sense of self, and professional knowledge, nurses can become leaders in the process of policy change. With associate health professionals, nurses can assist in forming interventive policies that lay the foundation for community-based programs aimed at the preventive nature of an upstream approach.