Political Advocacy Letter

Ethics, Law, Economics 412 – Political Advocacy Letter

Purpose of Assignment

In order to effectively lobby for or against an issue of concern, the professional nurse must be
informed, professional and politically aware. The purpose of this assignment is to allow the
student the opportunity to submit a formal letter regarding a current piece of legislation to their
appropriate legislator.

Student Approach to Assignment

I approached this assignment with careful consideration due to the importance on what my letter
can impact. I chose something that I am sure many nurses have experienced, a needle stick. I
believe it is every in the interest of both parties.

Reason for Inclusion of this Assignment in the Portfolio

This assignment was included because of the impact that my letter can have. I wrote the letter
about a topic that I feel is important to me. This letter showed my growth in real life to gather an
issue topic to present factual information to obtain a position on a specific bill.

• Critical Thinking

o Evaluates nursing care outcomes through the acquisition of data and the questioning of
inconsistencies

Many individuals underreport the sticks they may receive due to a very busy day. This
underreport can alter the actual number of individuals that do suffer from the diseases like HIV,
hepatitis B and C. I questioned the liability of the information gathered because of the
inconstancies.

• Professionalism
o Advocates for professional standards of practice using organizational and political processes

I advocated for the bill to be considered because of the safety of both parties involved. I reached
out to a legislator on my position and why it is important to me. This standard could make the
difference in the health care community. As a health care community, we need to get more
involved in reporting needle sticks. Having consent may entice individuals to report every needle
stick.

• Nursing Practice
o Applies appropriate knowledge of major health problems to guide nursing practice
The major health issue is concerning to all when it comes to being exposed to contaminated
bodily fluids. By mandating mandatory reporting of needle stick. This can guide nursing practice
in the right direction if all health care individuals report all needle sticks. When the
documentation is done correctly, the individual can go through testing and be disclosed on what
they may have been exposed to.