NR 506 Week 1 Discussion, The Four Spheres of Political
Action in Nursing
Please discuss the four spheres of political action in nursing. In addition, please develop a brief
argument sharing how these spheres are interconnected and overlapping by applying an example from
your practice. What are some ethical considerations here?
The four spheres of political action in nursing include the workplace, government, professional
organizations, and the community. The workplace sphere addresses issues regarding jobs and patient
care, as well as influencing policies and procedures. The government sphere addresses laws and
regulations regarding nursing practice, as well as influencing local, state, and national policies. The
professional organizations sphere addresses the many areas that shape the practice of nursing, as well
as influences practice standards and credentialing. The community sphere addresses issues regarding
community health, as well as influencing the activity throughout the community. It is critical for
generating the energy, flow of ideas, and proactive work needed to maintain a healthy profession that
advocates for the needs of its clients and nurses, and the trust of society.
An example from my practice would be from the professional organization sphere. We have Shared
governance committees that address issues that affect patient safety, nursing satisfaction, product
selection and nursing development. Organizational policy sources are developed through the
committees along with health care institutions to govern workplaces and direct behaviors… The core of
each policy source – patients and consumers.” (Nault, 2012 p. 16)
Reference
Nault, D. (2012). Nurses and Public Policy. Michigan Nurse. www.minurses.org (Links to an external
site.)Links to an external site..
Matthews, J., (January 31, 2012) "Role of Professional Organizations in Advocating for the Nursing
Profession" OJIN: The Online Journal of Issues in Nursing Vol. 17, No. 1, Manuscript 3.
Action in Nursing
Please discuss the four spheres of political action in nursing. In addition, please develop a brief
argument sharing how these spheres are interconnected and overlapping by applying an example from
your practice. What are some ethical considerations here?
The four spheres of political action in nursing include the workplace, government, professional
organizations, and the community. The workplace sphere addresses issues regarding jobs and patient
care, as well as influencing policies and procedures. The government sphere addresses laws and
regulations regarding nursing practice, as well as influencing local, state, and national policies. The
professional organizations sphere addresses the many areas that shape the practice of nursing, as well
as influences practice standards and credentialing. The community sphere addresses issues regarding
community health, as well as influencing the activity throughout the community. It is critical for
generating the energy, flow of ideas, and proactive work needed to maintain a healthy profession that
advocates for the needs of its clients and nurses, and the trust of society.
An example from my practice would be from the professional organization sphere. We have Shared
governance committees that address issues that affect patient safety, nursing satisfaction, product
selection and nursing development. Organizational policy sources are developed through the
committees along with health care institutions to govern workplaces and direct behaviors… The core of
each policy source – patients and consumers.” (Nault, 2012 p. 16)
Reference
Nault, D. (2012). Nurses and Public Policy. Michigan Nurse. www.minurses.org (Links to an external
site.)Links to an external site..
Matthews, J., (January 31, 2012) "Role of Professional Organizations in Advocating for the Nursing
Profession" OJIN: The Online Journal of Issues in Nursing Vol. 17, No. 1, Manuscript 3.
