From nurse citizen to nurse politician

Public health IS political! From its earliest days in America, led by Lillian Wald at the Henry Street Settlement House, public health nurses have been advocates for the health and environmental issues affecting communities they serve. Often, they have been the strongest voice for the most vulnerable residents, including pregnant women, infants, children and the elderly. Public Health practice is underpinned by social justice principles and the public health nurse has the unique opportunity to give voice to those who are often voiceless in the political process. Many social and environmental factors influence health and nurses need to understand which level of government (municipal, local, state, regional or federal) has major responsibility for the different aspects to make effective change. Nurses are often encouraged to advocate and bring issues to the appropriate elected officials, and while this is very important, nurses should also consider BECOMING an elected official. The public reports, year after year, that nursing is the most trusted profession, in poll after poll. Nurses need to recognize this and use it to their advantage in becoming more politically active. For some, this should include actually running for elected office at the local, state or national levels. Running (but not winning) for the Oregon legislature in 2006 taught me many important lessons that I am now sharing with nurses in Oregon. Joining the Health Policy Cabinet of the Oregon Nurses Association, speaking at Oregon Public Health Nursing Section meetings, serving as a consultant to the Association's Health Policy Committee, becoming a registered lobbyist for public health at the state legislature and mentoring other nurses are a few ways I am sharing this learning to improve the public's health. Public Health issues where I am currently providing leadership, advocacy and mentoring other nurses are: nutrition standards for all foods and beverages sold in schools K-12; workplace accommodation for breastfeeding mothers; statewide community water system fluoridation; mandated contraceptive Rx coverage by Oregon insurers to name a few. As a profession, we need to encourage public health nurses, earlier in their career, to explore the possibility of becoming elected officials.