This course focuses on enhancing healthcare delivery in the United States by emphasizing the crucial role of effective nurse advocacy in politics, policy-making, and professional associations. Students are encouraged to develop a comprehensive understanding of the current healthcare landscape, including its systems, policies, and contextual factors.

The course involves a systems-level analysis that explores how healthcare policy decisions impact issues such as access, equity, affordability, and social justice within healthcare delivery. Through various policy analysis assignments, students learn to navigate legislative, regulatory, and financial processes relevant to their healthcare organizations and community healthcare services. They also evaluate how these processes influence the quality and safety of nursing practices and contribute to healthcare disparities.

One of the key objectives of this course is to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to advocate for vulnerable populations and contribute to positive social change within the healthcare system. Importantly, it is often recommended that Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) students begin their curriculum with this course to establish a solid foundation for their subsequent studies in nursing.