Policies are essential opportunities for nurses to take ownership of advocacy. This completely updated third edition provides a hands-on approach to help nurses across a variety of settings to develop health policy competencies for managing an ever-changing health and uncertain policy arena. Four major units provide a framework for the authors approach as the chapters of the book take the reader on a journey through all the steps of the policy-making process. Leadership, ethical, and social justice principles are unifying concepts integrated across chapters. Throughout each new or revised chapter, policy development is exemplified from the grand scale of global or national to the local level. The authors believe that policymaking at all these levels is essential. Often, however, the interplay between levels is not always recognized or acknowledged. The key features of each chapter covers specific aspects of the policy-making process including learning objectives, an introduction, policy challenge and solutions, policies on the scene, key concepts, future implications, summary, learning activities, and e-resources. These features in each of the 15 chapters have been thoroughly revised. Each chapter introduces a key aspect of the policy-making process framing the important details for the reader. The Policy Challenge presents a particular dilemma or issue in policy with a Policy Solution illustrating the outcome at the end of the chapter. Policies on the Scene provide short vignettes about the policy journeys of nurse leaders and aspiring policy activists. Implications for the Future describe projected developments in nursing and healthcare that have the potential to influence policy. Key Concepts aid learning by taking readers through the steps of the policy process to enhance their policy skills. The Learning Activities are designed to enhance critical thinking. E-Resources reflect key information from a variety of sources important for policy savvy nurses.
