Denise Rab-Wilson responds: My intention was not to diminish the contributions of nurses involved in health policy. Rather, I argue that nurses working for national or state agencies don't necessarily have influence over policies, funding, or staffing. Also, I don't believe I'm alone in my perception of nursing's need for greater visibility in health policy. The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation has started Pipeline to Placement: Nurse Leaders in the Boardroom, an initiative designed to help get nurses named to major policymaking committees. It's not enough to be close to the decision makers; we need to become the decision makers.

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