We’ll write everything from scratch Question  Political Competence Define “political competence” and discuss at least one example of how a nurse leader has or could demonstrate political competence at the local, state or national level. The example may be from an organizational perspective or a political challenge.

Political Competence and its Demonstration by a Nurse Leader

Political competence refers to the ability of an individual, such as a nurse leader, to effectively navigate and engage in the political landscape to influence decisions, policies, and practices that impact healthcare at the local, state, or national level. It involves understanding the complexities of the political environment, building relationships with key stakeholders, and strategically using political skills to advocate for the needs of patients, healthcare professionals, and the community. An example of how a nurse leader could demonstrate political competence is by advocating for improved healthcare legislation at the state level (Hirani & Richter, 2019). A nurse leader may recognize a gap in legislation regarding nurse-to-patient ratios in their state and, by so doing, impact patient safety and quality of care. Subsequently, to demonstrate political competence, the nurse leader could identify like-minded individuals and organizations, such as nursing associations, patient advocacy groups, and other healthcare professionals, who share concerns about nurse staffing and patient safety, establish alliances, and collaborate to form a strong coalition with a unified voice.

Secondly, the nurse leader could gather evidence-based research and data that supports the need for improved nurse-to-patient ratios. This includes examining studies, reports, and statistics that demonstrate the impact of inadequate staffing on patient outcomes, such as increased mortality rates, medication errors, and nurse burnout. Lastly, the nurse leader could reach out to key stakeholders, including legislators, policymakers, and healthcare administrators, to educate them about the issue and its consequences. They schedule meetings, participate in public hearings, and attend legislative sessions to present their findings, share personal stories, and advocate for change.

To summarize, a nurse leader actively engages in the political process to impact change, address healthcare concerns, and advocate for improved patient outcomes by displaying these political competencies. Their efforts not only contribute to the advancement of nursing practice but also have a broader impact on the healthcare system as a whole.

References

Hirani, S. A., & Richter, S. (2019). Maternal and child health during forced displacement. Journal of Nursing Scholarship, 51(3), 252–261. https://doi.org/10.1111/jnu.12460