Strategies for the development of contemporary nursing policy

Legislated health care reform was a primary issue of concern and activity during the early part of the Clinton administration. Nursing was among those disciplines with proposals for change. Although legislated health care reform failed to achieve congressional approval, the momentum for change continued and has contributed to a newly emerging, market-driven health care environment. Professional leadership is needed to lend perspective to the many health care innovations. Nurses should play an important role in this leadership, but they must rise above some of their own divisiveness to do so. Strategies for the development of nursing policy aimed at achieving this goal are discussed.