Written by those in the know-exceptional nurse leaders in practice, education, and politics-this is a book written to help upper-level nursing students and nurse leaders develop health policy skills to advocate for patients from the bedside to the larger political arena. The book examines the pivotal role of nurses' involvement in health policy, and describes the requisite steps for facilitating policy change-from understanding the political system through activating a plan and beyond. A wide variety of nurse leaders discuss their policy work both locally and nationally through descriptive case histories.

Also included are multimedia electronic links (podcasts, online articles, social network resources, and key political websites) that promote policy research and leadership development. Woven throughout the book are the major themes of ethics, leadership, safety, and the quest for quality of care. The text also features information and perspectives relevant for the AACN DNP Essentials accreditation document, and provides digital resources for both faculty and students.