In this section you'll learn:
How persistence and data passed legislation to save mothers
How to raise the value of nurses' services
How small policy changes can lead to global impact
Nursing advocacy success stories are powerful examples of how nurses can make a real difference in the lives of their patients and communities.
These stories showcase the critical role that nurses play in advocating for patients' rights and improving the quality of care in healthcare settings.
Whether it is advocating for a patient's right to quality healthcare, pushing for policy changes that benefit the nursing profession, or lobbying for legislation that improves healthcare outcomes for all, nurses are at the forefront of healthcare advocacy.
By sharing these success stories, we can inspire and motivate nurses to continue their advocacy work and demonstrate the critical impact that nurses can have in creating positive change in the healthcare system.
How Legislation Improved Perinatal and Maternal Outcomes
Guest: Holly Smith, Health Policy Chair at California Nurse-Midwives Association
Host: Rachel Viale, 2023 Fellow
2023 Advocacy Institute Fellow Rachael Viale interviews Holly Smith, Health Policy Chair for the California Nurse-Midwives Association (CNMA), about SB 1237 (Dodd) regarding physician supervision of nurse-midwives.
California was the last of three states in the country facing this hurdle - a contentious topic since before the 1950s. Impacts on perinatal outcomes, both geographically (rural communities) and ethnically (black maternal health), were realized, researched, and recorded.
This drove support for nurse-midwives to fill a gap in physician-delivered care. CNMA and coalition partners, including ANA\California included, were able to successfully advance and pass SB 1237 (Dodd).
Watch the interview below to learn lessons from Holly Smith and the California Nurse-Midwives.
Tobacco Use and Public Health
Guest: Dr. Stella Bialous, Profess of Social Behavioral Services at UCSF, School of Nursing
Host: Melissa Sablik, Joanne Powell Award Winner
ANA\California member Melissa Sablik interviews Dr. Stella Bialous, Professor of Social Behavioral Sciences at the School of Nursing, UCSF, and consultant with the World Health Organization’s Tobacco Free Initiative for over 15 years.
Dr. Stella Bialous’ research focuses on the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, tobacco industry monitoring and building nurses’ capacity for tobacco control nationally and internationally.
Tobacco remains the leading cause of death in the United States but nurses can help. Watch the interview below to learn more.
Nursing Regulations: How to Raise Value of Nurses' Services
Guest: BJ Bartleson, Former VP of Nursing at California Hospital Association
Host: Rachael Viale, 2023 Fellow
2023 Advocacy Institute Fellow Rachael Viale interviews BJ Bartleson, recent VP of Nursing for the California Hospital Association (CHA) where she lobbied for advancements in nursing practice and care delivery.
BJ discusses the need of raising the value of nurses' services to the public, how there is a lack of nurses who have an understanding of nursing regulations, statutes, and standards in California, and the struggle to balance advocacy in a difficult role in the California Hospital Association.
Watch this interview to learn more.
Nursing advocacy success stories not only inspire and motivate nurses to continue fighting for change but also educate policymakers and the public about the important work that nurses do. By sharing these stories, we amplify the voices of nurses and elevate the nursing profession to its deserved place of recognition and respect.
If you have a nursing advocacy success story of your own, we encourage you to reach out to us at relations@anacalifornia.org. Your story could be the catalyst for positive change in the lives of countless patients and healthcare providers.
In the next section of the Advocacy Institute Guide, we will share templates you can use to help you along your nursing advocacy journey.