All nurses, including perioperative nurses, must create opportunities to advocate for patients, the community, and the nursing profession at the legislative level.

There are numerous ways to become involved in professional advocacy. Joining the state nurses' association gives members the opportunity to network and utilize preexisting legislative strategies and connections at the state level. It is also important to get to know legislators and the committees on which they serve. Calling or visiting them either in the state's capital or in the community is one way to introduce yourself. By holding a reception gathering before an election endorsing a specific legislator, nurses can show that they are committed to getting involved. Professional advocacy means educating legislators to understand and value nurses' healthcare expertise. Legislators should be invited to professional nursing meetings as well to learn about the important issues the profession is facing.

Building legislative advocacy skills

Many states offer "nurse for the day" opportunities in which nurses volunteer at the state legislature. The nurses are permitted to sit in the House and Senate during their sessions and are introduced and thanked for serving that day. This helps build relationships with the legislators, which creates more opportunities, such as helping at the polls, passing out flyers, endorsing candidates, and telephone banking.

It is also important to become a member of a specialty nursing organization and to reach out to the legislative advocacy division. The Association of periOperative Registered Nurses (AORN) works with the membership to educate, motivate, and provide opportunities to be a part of the legislative process. Visit the AORN website (http://www.aorn.org), and select the Advocacy tab for information on advocacy and public policy.

Utilizing calls for action, signing petitions, testifying as an expert, sending letters, e-mails, and networking with fellow nurses advances the nursing profession. Nurses who are members of the American Nurses Association (ANA) and their state nurses' association can apply to participate in the American Nurses Advocacy Institute (ANAI). Visit the ANA website to find out more about the ANAI's year-long mentored program to educate nurses about professional advocacy and help develop political nurse leaders (http://www.nursingworld.org/AdvocacyResourcesTools).

Getting involved

Perioperative nurses should begin by learning to track and interpret nursing-related legislation and work with all interested parties to move legislation forward. By crafting a bill and obtaining a sponsor, nurses can forward it to the appropriate committees and defend their position. All legislation will not pass, so nurses must be prepared to negotiate and continue working with all involved parties. Perseverance and timing are essential. Nurses are encouraged to reach out and engage a fellow nurse to mentor and share their knowledge and passion for legislative advocacy.

Professional nurses need to be the voice for healthcare issues to protect patients, the community, and the nursing profession. It is critical that all nurses vote and support other nurses participating on boards and running for legislative offices. Getting involved in the legislative arena is exciting and worthwhile. Nurses should consider taking steps immediately to begin their personal journey toward legislative advocacy.