Title: Patient Advocacy in the Community and Legislative Arena
Headings: 
Patient Advocacy in the Community and Legislative Arena
Abstract
Advocacy Described
Advocating in the Community Arena
Economic Matters
The Educational System
The Healthcare System
Advocacy in the Legislative Arena
Conclusion
Authors
References

Content: When nurses have the ability to share experiences and insights with public and elected officials, they can advocate for patients and families effectively and become a powerful force in the policy-making process. Whether nurses are advocating for increased access to immunizations or increased funding for education, the respect they already have strengthens their ability to persuade elected officials and other ‘gatekeepers’ to create the needed changes regarding patient care and services in a variety of arenas. Although experience can highlight issues, alone it does not offer sound solutions. Nurses also need the ability to analyze these experiences so they can propose sound changes and persuade the elected officials and other gatekeepers to accept these changes. They need to develop skills that enable them to participate in the public policy process. Advocating in the Community Arena
The following sections will give examples illustrating how nurses can develop and use their skills to advocate effectively in the community to persuade those in positions of power and authority to meet the needs of patients and their families. These arenas include economic matters and the educational and healthcare systems. Economic Matters
Families are often willing to share with the nurse the difficulty they are experiencing in obtaining needed treatments due to the costs of these treatments. The cost of healthcare continues to rise making it difficult, if not impossible for some patients to receive the care they need. Families are often willing to share with the nurse the difficulty they are experiencing in obtaining needed treatments due to the costs of these treatments.