We find ourselves in a time of unprecedented, devastating health challenges harming all of humankind, particularly those most marginalized and vulnerable. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Healthy People 2020 identifies policy making as one of the five determinants of health. Never before has the impact of public policy on health been more apparent. Nurses’ responsibility to influence public policy through advocacy and at the ballot box are powerful means to positively affect the health of patients, families, communities, and populations. Shaping public policy is a true opportunity for nurses to lead and cannot be missed in order to fulfill nursing’s professional commitment to social justice.
