Political advocacy and practice barriers: a survey of Florida APRNs.

PURPOSE

This study examined factors aligned with advocacy among advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) by examining the relationships among demographics, years of RN and APRN experience, education levels, affiliations with professional organizations, perceptions of barriers to practice, political activism, and willingness to speak to the media.

DATA SOURCES

This was a secondary analysis of online survey data (N = 884) from APRNs in Florida. All APRNs with an e-mail address with the state nursing board or a Florida Coalition of Advanced Practice Nurses' membership organization received an e-mail requesting their participation to the survey.

CONCLUSIONS

Having a high educational level and involvement in a professional organization are each individually statistically associated with perceiving practice barriers, engaging in political activism, and willingness to speak with media. Emerging nurse leaders need an understanding of policy issues, an appreciation of the potential of the profession, and enhanced advocacy skills.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

To address the nation's health needs, APRNs need to recognize practice barriers, develop advocacy skills, and take action for policy changes to enhance the legal authority to practice to full extent of APRNs' education and training.