Nurses are uniquely positioned to influence the future of healthcare. The challenges nurses face—whether related to mental health, workplace safety, or expanding education and skills—are deeply influenced by policy decisions made at all levels of government, and by licensing boards. But what if there was a way to not only stay informed about these policies but also influence them?
At Incredible Health, we believe that every healthcare worker deserves a safe, supportive work environment, access to mental health support, and opportunities to grow their skills and education. With more than one million nurses in our community, our mission commits us to helping healthcare professionals live better lives and find and do their best work.
That’s why we launched the Healthcare Policy Navigator for Nurses ahead of our upcoming national election season, a tool designed to empower nurses and healthcare leaders to stay informed and influence the policies that matter most to them. Our Healthcare Policy Navigator for Nurses features clear calls to action, making it simpler for nurses and healthcare leaders to engage in the legislative process and advocate for the changes they want to see in their workplace and beyond.
“Nurses are critical to our healthcare system and patient care, yet they are often left out of the conversations that directly impact their profession. With tools like Incredible Health’s Healthcare Policy Navigator for Nurses, nurses are given the power to understand and actively participate in shaping the policies that impact them,” said J. Corey Feist, JD, MBA, CEO & Co-Founder of the Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes’ Foundation.
“We must always ensure that healthcare legislation is informed by those who are on the frontlines every day and that nurses feel empowered and equipped to advocate for their rights and working conditions.”
J. Corey Feist, JD, MBA, CEO & Co-Founder of the Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes’ Foundation
What you’ll find in the navigator:
- Nurse Mental Health and Wellbeing: Learn about key legislation, such as the Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Act, aimed to improve access to and reduce the stigma of mental health treatment for healthcare workers. With the ongoing nursing shortage, addressing burnout and improving access to mental health resources is more critical than ever. Explore how you can advocate for the reauthorization and funding of this essential bill and find additional resources like our Nurse Wellness Toolkit, where all U.S. nurses can access free tools, expert tips, and resources to support their mental health.
- Educational Support: The future of nursing depends on investment in education. The navigator highlights legislative efforts like the Stop Nurse Shortages Act and the Future Advancement of Academic Nursing (FAAN) Act, which aim to expand nursing programs, increase clinical training opportunities, and provide financial support for students — especially those from underrepresented backgrounds. Policies like these aim to increase the supply of qualified healthcare workers, which is especially critical as the US faces a nursing shortage that 90% of healthcare executives surveyed in Incredible Health’s 2024 Healthcare Executive Report predict will worsen in the coming years.
- Workplace Safety and Violence: Nurses deserve a safe working environment. According to Incredible Health’s 2024 State of US Nursing Report, (50%) of nurses have been verbally and/or physically assaulted by a patient or a member of the patient’s family within the past year. Our navigator outlines initiatives such as the Workplace Violence Prevention for Health Care and Social Service Workers Act, which calls for comprehensive violence prevention plans within healthcare settings. You’ll also find links to resources like the American Nurses Association’s safety resource guide, designed to support nurses and advocate for safer work environments.
“Voting is one of the most powerful tools nurses have to influence the policies that shape their profession and care delivery. However, many nurses may not realize how deeply their work environment and healthcare systems at large are affected by legislative, regulatory, and political decisions,” said nurse economist Shawna Butler, RN MBA.
“Incredible Health’s Healthcare Policy Navigator empowers nurses by giving them easy access to crucial policy information and the tools they need to educate themselves, colleagues, and voters. With this knowledge, they can make informed voting decisions that not only advocate for their interests and concerns but also drive positive change in healthcare.”
Shawna Butler, RN MBA — Nurse economist
By exploring these sections in the Navigator and more, you’ll gain insight into key issues affecting the nursing profession and policies that can help improve working conditions for nurses nationwide. Most importantly, the Healthcare Policy Navigator for Nurses makes it easy to take action—whether advocating for legislation, contacting your state board, or simply staying informed.
Together, we can empower nurses to drive the change they deserve.
