Nurse state legislator urges nurses to get involved in advocacy

In the spring issue of AACN Advanced Critical Care, Gale Adcock, MSN, RN, a North Carolina state senator provides lessons learned during her journey from nurse to elected official. Adcock says nurses must develop the confidence and competence to advocate on issues affecting their patients, communities and the nursing profession. Calling advocacy one of nursing’s superpowers, she encourages nurses to speak out at the local, state and federal levels to improve outcomes. Adcock says nurses connect easily with others and use understandable language instead of jargon. She offers specific steps nurses can take to influence policy makers, including storytelling, joining professional associations, and introducing themselves to and staying in touch with state and federal lawmakers. In addition, she provides tips for nurses interested in running for office. (Newswise news release, 4/16/24)