Research Methodology as a Political Tool in Nursing: Evidence-Based Advocacy for Policy Change and Practice Authority
Overview
This response examines how advanced practice nurses and nursing leaders utilize research methodology and evidence-based practice as mechanisms for policy advocacy and systemic change. The paper discusses persistent challenges in nursing including workforce shortages, burnout, and scope of practice restrictions, while emphasizing the necessity of collective advocacy, lobbying, and interprofessional collaboration to influence healthcare legislation and promote health equity.
What this coursework covers
- Agreement with prior discussion on research methodology's role in nursing advocacy and policy influence
- Analysis of ongoing nursing challenges including burnout, workforce shortages, and scope of practice debates in 2025
- Discussion of collective advocacy strategies and interprofessional collaboration for legislative change and health equity
Preview
Discussion 7 Response
Kishma, your post effectively highlights the critical role of research methodology as a political tool in nursing, enabling evidence-based advocacy to address gaps in care and influence policy (Mason et al., 2020). I particularly agree with your discussion of how advanced practice nurses (APNs), educators, and administrators leverage clinical, educational, and organizational research to advocate for full practice authority, funding, and quality improvements.
Your identification of key policy concerns, workforce shortages, burnout, workplace safety, scope of practice restrictions, and health equity, remains highly relevant in 2025. Ongoing challenges include persistent nursing shortages exacerbated by burnout, with recent reports noting high turnover and intent to leave the profession (American Nurses Association, 2024). Additionally, efforts to expand scope of practice for APRNs and implement safe staffing ratios continue amid federal debates, such as proposed legislation for minimum nurse-to-patient ratios and opposition to Medicaid cuts that could worsen access in underserved areas (Goes, 2025).
Collective advocacy through lobbying and research dissemination, as you note, is essential for driving change. Integrating evidence-based practice with interprofessional collaboration can indeed amplify nursing's influence on legislation, promoting equitable systems and better population health outcomes.
References
American Nurses Association. (2024, April 25). Nurse burnout: What is it & how to prevent it. https://www.nursingworld.org/content-hub/resources/workplace/what-is-nurse-burnout-how-to-prevent-it/
Goes, A. R. (2025). Advocacy for health and health equity: A call to public health professionals. Portuguese Journal of Public Health, 43(1), 1–8. https://doi.org/10.1159/000545038
Mason, D. J., Dickson, E., McLemore, M. R., & Perez, G. A. (Eds.). (2020).