The use of media to influence policy and politics in today’s society is a well-known phenomenon. With the advent of social media, the impact of these platforms on political campaigns and the promotion of policies and agendas has been significant. In the field of healthcare, media plays a crucial role in promoting health and advocating for the development of effective policies and politics.
When it comes to promoting health and advocating for policy development, nurses are experts at vetting media sources to deliver their messages. Just as they assess the quality of patient education materials, they must also assess the credibility and reliability of media sources before taking a stand on a policy issue. This ensures that the information being communicated is unbiased and based on evidence.
In terms of communication, there are various methods that can be used to respond to media-generated information. Opinion editorials, talk radio, and blogs are just a few examples of platforms where nurses can communicate their responses and influence the public agenda. Resources and guidelines are available to help individuals effectively approach and communicate with media outlets.
In order to effectively communicate and influence policy initiatives, nursing professionals need to possess strong communication skills. Verbal and nonverbal communication are both important aspects of effective communication. Nonverbal cues such as body language, eye contact, and body position play a significant role in conveying messages. Understanding the phases of conversation, as outlined in Mason et al. (2016), is critical for successful communication and impact on health policy and politics.
During times of conflict, communication skills become even more important. Nurses must be able to use appropriate communication strategies to achieve peaceful resolutions. Preparation is key, and daily practice of communication skills can enhance one’s ability to strategically communicate as a leader in nursing. The principles outlined in Chapter 9 of the chosen resource can be applied to improve communication effectiveness at a graduate nursing level.
In conclusion, media plays a crucial role in promoting health and advocating for policy development and effective politics in healthcare. Nurses have the expertise to vet media sources and deliver their messages in a credible and unbiased manner. Effective communication skills, both verbal and nonverbal, are essential for influencing policy initiatives and impacting health policy and politics. Daily preparation and practice can enhance communication effectiveness, allowing nurses to strategically communicate as leaders in the field.