Nurses play a vital role in patient care, yet their participation in shaping hea

Nurses play a vital role in patient care, yet their participation in shaping healthcare policy at the state, national, or organizational levels faces various barriers. One significant obstacle is the hierarchical structure within healthcare organizations and policy-making bodies, where decision-making power tends to be concentrated among higher-ranking professionals and administrators.
Firstly, time constraints and heavy workloads impede nurses from actively engaging in policy development. Daily patient care demands, paperwork, and extended shifts leave little time for nurses to delve into the complexities of policymaking. Nurses may find it challenging to balance their clinical responsibilities with the additional workload associated with policy advocacy.
Secondly, a lack of education and training in policy-related matters is a barrier. Many nurses receive extensive clinical training but may not be adequately equipped with the knowledge and skills required to understand and engage in policy discussions. This knowledge gap hinders their ability to contribute effectively to healthcare policy development.
Also financial constraints can restrict nurses’ involvement in policy development. Attending conferences, workshops, or engaging in advocacy activities often requires financial resources for travel, registration fees, and time away from work. Nurses who may be interested in policy work may face barriers in accessing these resources, limiting their participation.
To overcome these barriers, there needs to be a shift in organizational culture and recognition of nurses as valuable contributors to policy development. This involves providing educational opportunities, allocating time for involvement in policy activities, and actively seeking nurses’ input in decision-making processes. Initiatives that promote a collaborative approach, recognizing nurses as knowledgeable partners in healthcare improvement, can dismantle these barriers and enhance their meaningful participation in shaping healthcare policy.
Hajizadeh, A., Zamanzadeh, V., Kakemam, E., Bahreini, R., & Khodayari-Zarnaq, R. (2021). Factors influencing nurses participation in the health policy-making process: a systematic review. BMC nursing, 20(1), 128. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12912-021-00648-6