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How to Engage Nursing Students in Health Policy: Results of a Survey Assessing Students’ Competencies, Experiences, Interests, and Values

Preparing nursing students to engage in health policy is critical to ensuring the nursing workforce can influence the structure and financing of health care. The purpose of this study was to assess nursing students’ perceptions of their competencies, previous experiences, levels of interest, and values concerning health policy. Between September and November 2018, we conducted a cross-sectional online survey study among baccalaureate, masters, and Doctor of Nursing Practice students at a midwestern U.S. nursing school. Students (N = 89) reported moderate levels of health policy competence while recognizing the value of health policy. Students reported high levels of involvement in some health policy activities (e.g., voting, belonging to student organizations, and following nursing and health care issues) and low levels of other activities (e.g., tracking policies and elections, meeting with officials, and participation and leadership in organizations). These findings provide insight into how nursing educators and administrators can capitalize on students’ experiences and interests to better prepare nurses in health policy.