Winner of Sigma's 2023 Capstone International Nursing Book Award


Awarded second place in the 2022 AJN Book of the Year Awards in Nursing Management and Leadership


This completely updated third edition challenges nurses to fulfill their critical role and responsibility to society in advancing health policy by providing them with the tools to achieve their goals. This edition addresses the impact of critical issues including COVID-19, diversity, social determinants of health, and social justice. Challenges faced by nurses in care delivery including the safety, health, and well-being of nurses (e.g., suicide) are explored. Recently issued seminal documents, including the Future of Nursing 2020-2030 report, the American Association of Colleges of Nurses’ “Essentials,” and the World Health Organization’s report on the Health Workforce are highlighted. Emphasis is placed opportunities for nurses to leading and taking action in health policy. Robust discussion of strategies with the use of evidence and real-world examples and stories provide nurses with the foundation to be policy influencers.


This pragmatic text helps nurses acquire an in-depth understanding of the intricacies of policy development and the opportunities to shape policy across the larger healthcare landscape and within their communities. It illuminates the steps, strategies, and competencies needed for health policy advocacy in various settings and also incorporates a Health in All Policies approach. Real world examples of policymaking by frontline nurses are provided. Leadership, ethical, and social justice principles are integrated across chapters, which exemplify policy development from the global scale to the local level.


A completely revised chapter describing the trajectories of nurse influencers at different career stages illustrates how nurses can be engaged in policy to address new and perennial challenges faced by nurses. A new chapter, “Transforming Policy Through Innovation,” encompasses the most current technologies and opportunities for creative development within healthcare.


To promote learning about policy, abundant examples, learning activities, and exercises are provided. New Policy Challenges/Solutions, Policies on the Scene, and case examples reflect recent changes to the healthcare environment. A comprehensive Instructor’s Manual also includes strategies for purposeful discourse that facilitate a deeper dive into provocative topics. PowerPoint slides include a faculty version with notes pages to facilitate discussion and a student version.


New to the Third Edition:





Major revisions and updates to each chapter

New chapter: Transforming Policy through Innovation

New lead authors that expand the high standard of content for advanced competencies

New Policy Challenge/Solution and Policy on the Scene features in step with today's healthcare system

The impact of COVID-19 on health policy

Policy implications of key reports impacting health outcomes and nursing

New illustrations, figures, and exhibits to emphasize key events and concepts



Key Features:





Features real-world exemplars from distinguished national and international nursing policy leaders

Illustrates how nurses are leaders across settings in a variety of policy arenas

Discusses policies to address social and economic inequities impacting health

Includes Learning Activities and E-resources designed for meaningful engagement

Patton-Zalon-Ludwick Policy Framework provides a visual guide for the self-assessment of policy competencies

A comprehensive Instructor's Manual and PowerPoint slides are included!