Framework offers self-assessment for nurses to become policy leaders

A self-assessment framework can help nurses become effective policy leaders. Published in the September issue of the American Journal of Nursing, the Patton Zalon Ludwick Policy Assessment Framework is intended for nurses across various settings and roles to examine their knowledge and actions for expanding policy activities. It assesses three dimensions of policy work: engagement, partnership and reach. The engagement levels are literacy, advocacy and influence. The partnership levels are single unit or community group, interdisciplinary team(s) and broad-based coalitions. The reach levels entail the policy work’s location: local/unit/organization, regional/state and national/global. Detailing each dimension and level, the authors offer examples of policy goals and actions. Nurses throughout the world can use the framework to self-reflect and envision actions to achieve their policy goals.