As nurses, we wield a significant influence, not just in our workplaces but also in shaping the future of healthcare policy through our votes. This election is a pivotal moment for nurses to champion policies that align with our Code of Ethics and guarantee that the principles of compassion, equity, and justice are upheld in national leadership.
Framed by the ANA Code of Ethics, nurses place health, safety, and dignity for all people at the forefront. This includes endorsing policies that foster fair healthcare, patient autonomy, and the right to safe and respectful work environments. The policies under consideration during this election cycle make it imperative that we ensure candidates align with our core values in several key areas. By doing so, we can be confident that our professional principles will be genuinely reflected in future leadership decisions, reassuring us that we are making the right choices for our profession and our patients.
- Healthcare Access and Equity: Nurses are committed to addressing health disparities and ensuring equitable access to care. Policies that expand Medicaid coverage, particularly postpartum care from 90 days to 12 months, demonstrate a solid commitment to vulnerable populations. This aligns with our responsibility to advocate for the underserved, a commitment that we hold dear and that drives our work every day.
- Reproductive Health and Autonomy: Our profession upholds the right to privacy and informed decision-making in reproductive health. The continued support for reproductive rights, including access to all options, including abortion, is a reflection of our ethical obligation to provide unbiased information and maintain patient autonomy, a commitment we all share.
- Workplace Safety and Violence Prevention: Nurses face increasing risks of workplace violence, and policies supporting zero-tolerance for violence in healthcare settings and OSHA regulations for site-specific prevention programs promote the safety and well-being of nurses.
- Full Practice Authority for APRNs: Removing barriers to care is critical in ensuring that advanced practice nurses can work to the full extent of their education and training. Efforts to expand APRN practice authority, particularly during the pandemic, align with our role in advocating for high-quality, accessible care for all patients.
- Staffing Standards: Adequate nurse staffing is crucial for safe patient care. Policies that support minimum staffing standards, particularly in long-term care facilities, directly address the staffing crisis and the need for sustainable nursing work environments
By standing behind these policies, we affirm our commitment to the core values of nursing and advocate for a healthier nation, and more equitable society. Nurses have an ethical and moral duty to ensure that healthcare policies reflect the best interests of patients and the professionals who care for them.
Voting is a vital act of advocacy—it allows us to influence decisions on issues like healthcare access, reproductive rights, workplace safety, and nurse staffing. These issues directly affect our ability to provide high-quality care and advocate for our patients. By voting for policies that support safe staffing, workplace protections, and expanded access to care, we uphold our ethical commitment to promoting health, protecting patient rights, and addressing systemic inequities in healthcare.
Your vote can ensure that healthcare policies reflect the best interests of nurses, patients, and communities. Use your voice in this election to stand for leaders and policies that honor the values embedded in our profession. Voting is not just a right; it’s an extension of our duty to advocate for the well-being of society. Together, we can make a lasting impact by ensuring that our leaders champion the principles we hold dear as nurses.
Here is the ANA Policy Alignment document prepared by the American Nurses Association that highlights where presidential candidates stand on key issues such as healthcare access, reproductive rights, nurse staffing, workplace safety, and advanced practice authority.
This comparison is a powerful tool for nurses to understand which policies and candidates align with our professional values. It underscores the importance of voting for leadership that will advocate for addressing health disparities and equitable access to care, staffing standards, violence prevention in healthcare settings, and removing barriers to full practice authority for APRNs—all issues directly impacting our ability to provide safe, effective care.
As we head into the election, it is essential to review this document and consider how each candidate’s platform aligns with our shared commitment to advancing the health, safety, and the dignity of all people. By doing so, we can make informed decisions that support the future of our profession and the well-being of those we serve
Signed by
ANA-Illinois Board of Directors