The DNP ractice scholar has the skills, knowledge, experience, and ability to be a strong political advocate. Yet, despite this collective awareness, many nurses avoid becoming political engaged in health policy within the community and in some cases, within the organizations where they work.

As a DNP practice scholar, political competency is a crucial aspect that cannot be overlooked. However, many nurses tend to avoid political engagement despite having the necessary skills, knowledge, experience, and ability to be strong political advocates. Personally, I have had several opportunities to become politically involved, but I did not pursue them due to various reasons, including lack of time and fear of being victimized for speaking up. Nevertheless, as a DNP practice scholar, I understand the significance of being politically competent and the positive impact it can have on the community and healthcare system. Therefore, I need to develop my political competency further, particularly in advocacy and community engagement, as well as policy development and analysis.

Regarding the tweet by CDC, I strongly agree that COVID-19 vaccines are effective in preventing severe illness, and the study mentioned in the tweet supports this assertion. Vaccines have been and continue to be a critical tool in fighting COVID-19 and preventing severe illness, hospitalization, and death. Therefore, it is essential that people get vaccinated as soon as possible to protect themselves and the community from COVID-19. Additionally, this tweet emphasizes the significance of using evidence-based research to inform and support public health policies.

In conclusion, political competency is a crucial aspect that DNP practice scholars should develop to be effective political advocates for their patients and communities. Developing political competency requires one to be politically engaged in various areas, including advocacy, community engagement, policy development, and analysis. As highlighted in the CDC tweet, using evidence-based research to inform and support public health policies can have a significant impact on public health outcomes. Therefore, it is essential that nurses become politically competent and engage in political activities that promote the health and well-being of their patients and communities.

References

Drenkard, K. (2018). The value of political competence for nursing. The American Nurse, 50(3), 13–14. https://doi.org/10.1097/01.naa.0000549029.17930.5f

McGee, P., & Minnick, A. F. (2020). Developing political competence in nursing students: A systematic review of the literature. Journal of Nursing Education and Practice, 10(7), 53–61. https://doi.org/10.5430/jnep.v10n7p53

Porta, C. M., & Carnevale, F. A. (2020). Political competence in nursing education: A concept analysis. Journal of Nursing Education and Practice, 10(10), 43–50. https://doi.org/10.5430/jnep.v10n10p43