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Monday, 18 November 2013
Learning Objective 1: identify at least two areas where BSN students in aggregate demonstrate political astuteness based on PAI measures.
Learning Objective 2: identify at least two areas where BSN students in aggregate do not demonstrate political astuteness based on PAI measures.
The purpose of this multistage study is to describe current astuteness regarding nursing influence on public policy. Textbooks and curriculum as well as professional organizations often focus on promoting the legislative process including knowing your legislator, being a registered voter and providing expertise on issues of concern. While the legislative process is an important avenue for political influence, other avenues such as coalitions, boards and commissions, or holding an appointed or elected office have not received as much attention although the potential for policy influence can be great. Prior studies have used the Political Astuteness Inventory (PAI) as developed by Clark (1984) to examine astuteness of BSN students related to course activity (Primomo, 2007; Byrd, 2012) and political participation such as voting and engaging in political campaigns (Vandenhouten, et al, 2012). Stage one of this study will use the PAI to provide a baseline of astuteness among BSN students, some who have taken a health policy course and some who have not. Later stages of this study will extend to MSN students , nursing faculty and nurse leaders. Essential baseline information is needed to inform advocates, educators and professional practice organizations regarding educational needs so that nurses can more fully utilize political advocacy venues to advance policy issues. Results of stage one, information regarding BSN students, will be presented.