Politics and nursing

Would anyone consider a career in nursing a stepping stone in gaining political office. I'm thinking it can because of the amount of people you work with on a daily basis. I don't know but I'm wondering if that transition from nursing into politics would be easier or harder because of the nature of the profession.
Only as hard as from any other profession . The major problem I see is arranging your schedules .

There's 7 nurses in congress right now... and many nursing organizations have offices in DC that are responsible for governmental relations and affairs, so I say go for it. Because nurses are trusted so much and have a good understanding of the issues that influence health care, I think we need more representation in our government. It's all about being a leader...I'd say look up the nurses in congress to get some inspiration - there are also opportunities for internships in their offices where you'd be able to learn a lot more about the profession. Here's a list of the nurses in congress - Diane Black (R-TN), Lois Capps (D-CA), Karen Bass (D-CA) Renee Elmers (R-NC), Ann Marie Buerkle (R-NY), Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-TX), Carolyn McCarthy (D-NY)...I just did a presentation on this topic so I have a lot of information. Hope it helps

Quote from NolanderWould anyone consider a career in nursing a stepping stone in gaining political office. I'm thinking it can because of the amount of people you work with on a daily basis. I don't know but I'm wondering if that transition from nursing into politics would be easier or harder because of the nature of the profession.

Quote from foxtrotunicornsThere's 7 nurses in congress right now... and many nursing organizations have offices in DC that are responsible for governmental relations and affairs, so I say go for it. Because nurses are trusted so much and have a good understanding of the issues that influence health care, I think we need more representation in our government. It's all about being a leader...I'd say look up the nurses in congress to get some inspiration - there are also opportunities for internships in their offices where you'd be able to learn a lot more about the profession. Here's a list of the nurses in congress - Diane Black (R-TN), Lois Capps (D-CA), Karen Bass (D-CA) Renee Elmers (R-NC), Ann Marie Buerkle (R-NY), Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-TX), Carolyn McCarthy (D-NY)...I just did a presentation on this topic so I have a lot of information. Hope it helps

I have wondered this same thing. I have been politically active since high school and always considered law school but then really looked at that and decided against it. I did complete a B.A. in political science after getting my RN but decided to return to nursing full time. I have since started my MSN focusing on healthcare leadership. I am hoping that I can make a jump into politics eventually. My graduate project will (if approved) focus on educating hospitals and nurses on legislation and political changes that affect them.