The Nurse as Change Agent: An Approach to Environmental Health Advocacy Training

Abstract

In 2004, environmental health issues continue to dominate the policy agenda. Nurses, the first or only point of contact for many patients in underserved communities, are well positioned to advocate for a healthier environment. The development of excellent databases for nurses to learn about environmental health issues and develop competencies provides an opportunity for those wishing to be change agents. Nevertheless, a gap exists for nurses wishing to learn about environmental health nursing advocacy. A program, The Nurse and the Environment: Tools for Action (NETFA), was initiated in 2003 and includes information about the nurse’s advocacy role in environmental health as well as case studies about successful environmental health advocacy campaigns specific to Michigan to promote increased awareness of nurses’ need to develop a strong advocacy role. Such a role should include knowledge of policy and political practices and strategies for influencing current environmental health policy and practices.