How to Become a Nurse Lobbyist
While most nurse lobbyists are not paid, The American Nursing Association (ANA) and some state nursing associations employ lobbyists. The American Academy of Ambulatory Nurses (AAAN) and Rosemary Mortimer, RN, MSN, nurse lobbyist and nursing instructor at Johns Hopkins, urge nurses and nursing students to lobby for health care reform and seek better working conditions, recognition, benefits and compensation for nurses by using the following strategies.
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Instructions
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Learn how America's health care system works. Familiarize yourself with laws, policies and funding practices affecting patients and nurses locally, in your state and nationwide. To understand the big picture, compare U.S. health care costs, providers, insurers, funding and outcomes to those of other developed and developing nations.
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Network to boost your influence. Take part in nurse lobbyist nights. Join national and local nurses' associations.
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Telephone the Congress person or legislative assistant handling the issue that concerns you. Identify yourself. Prepare a script that states the bill number and lists your main points and reasoning. For example: "Please tell Senator/Representative [Name] that I support/oppose bill #____ because...."
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E-mail or write a one-page letter to your Congress persson. In the first paragraph, identify yourself and the specific legislation or issue you are writing about. Address only one issue per letter. To identify yourself as a constituent, include your full name, address and phone number.
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Become actively involved in politics and public policy making at the local, state and national levels. Vote in elections. Campaign for candidates who support your concerns.
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Become familiar with key legislative players. Support nurses already active in the state legislatures and Congress, including the ANA lobbyist. AAAN suggests, "Get to know the legislator's staff. It is frequently more productive to speak to a staff member than the lawmakers themselves."
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Build credibility and strong working relationships by learning political and legislative procedures. Shadow an experienced lobbyist, observe as a health-related bill makes its way through Congress, and/or serve as a legislative intern.
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Testify on a bill by going to your State Legislature or to Washington to tell your story or present your views on an issue.
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Schedule a meeting at the Congressman's local and/or Washington, D.C. office by contacting the U.S. Capitol Switchboard at 202-224-3121. Leave a printed fact sheet about your issue with the legislator. Make extra copies for attending staff.
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Tips & Warnings
When lobbying Congress:
Listen to develop a thorough understanding of the issue and the motives of those who oppose and support your position.
Clearly articulate what you want and why it's important.
Present the facts briefly, speaking with authority and conviction.
Use examples to support your position.
Acknowledge difficulties and opposition. Present your case to supporting and opposing legislators. Lobbying changes minds and votes.
Be courteous. Respect the listener's time by limiting your agenda to no more than three separate topics. Say "Thank you."
Be professional and flexible. Today's opposition may back your next bill.
When the answer is "no, " regroup and wait for another chance.
Consider Congressional deadlines and don't make last-minute requests.
References
Resources
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