Modifiable Factors that Support Political Participation by Nurses

• A review of the literature examining factors that positively affect political participation, or civic engagement, among nurses.
• Three themes were identified as factors that promote political participation: political education in nursing education, active interest and knowledge seeking about political processes that impact health and health care, and value of membership in a professional nursing organization.
• Contributes to the body of evidence that supports a need for enhanced health policy courses as well as improving participation in professional and/or advocacy organizations.

Political participation is an opportunity for individuals to give their time and energy in such a way that it benefits others and advances relevant agendas. Political participation is a key issue for nurses because they are familiar with clinical issues that directly impact health care policies instituted at the local, state, and federal levels. Collectively, nurses also represent the largest number of health care providers in the United States and are among the most trusted health professionals. However, there are many obstacles that prevent nurses from taking a more active role in politics, creating a gap in how nurses pursue and respond to political participation, or civic engagement. The purpose of this exploratory review is to identify modifiable factors that support political participation among nurses. A review of the extant literature revealed three primary factors that promote civic engagement among nurses: (a) integration of political education in the nursing curriculum; (b) value of active psychological engagement, including a personal interest in political knowledge and information; and (c) value of collective influence such as membership in professional organizations.