Zangerle: Leverage stories, data to influence policymakers

Claire Zangerle, DNP, RN, AONL CEO and American Hospital Association senior vice president and CNE, was part of a panel discussing how nurses can advocate for policies benefiting patients, families and communities. Zangerle and other panelists noted nurses should build relationships with local, state and federal policymakers. Nurses also can become subject matter experts who policymakers can call upon to discuss health care topics. Panelists recommended nurses present data, including patient outcomes and experience, nurse vacancies and nurse-sensitive indicators from a policymaker’s constituency and their health system’s community. Nurses should share stories to underscore why policies are important. The panel also recommended CNOs serve at their state and national hospital associations, as well as mentor younger nurses in policymaking and advocacy. (HealthLeaders Media article, 7/9/25)