Health Policy and Politics: A Nurse's Guide » (3rd Edition)

Milstead, Jeri A., PhD, RN, CNAA (Medical Coll of Ohio)

Nine contributions define the role of advanced practical nurses in shaping public policy and describe the process of agenda setting, government response, policy implementation, and program evaluation. Originally published in 1999 by Aspen, the second edition discusses the impact of the nursing shortage on regulations, updates Internet addresses, and applies the Milstead model to needle exchange programs. Annotation ©2004 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

Kathleen Becker

This book focuses on the process of making public policy and how the policy process relates to the advance practice nurse in today's healthcare environment. It is a sophisticated policy primer that addresses the key components of the policy process. The purpose is to provide an overview of the policy process at the federal and state level. Components of the process are addressed in the broad categories of agenda setting, government response, and program design, implementation, and evaluation. Contributors make the compelling argument that APNs must clearly understand and become engaged in the policy process to promote their profession as well as the welfare of their clients. The text clearly meets the editor's objectives. This book is intended for a sophisticated audience of nurses and healthcare providers. The editor clearly targets the advance practice nurse. This includes APNs in clinical practice, education, administration, research, and consultation. Additionally, the text would be an excellent resource for graduate and doctoral students. The public policy process is thoroughly covered in this book. Healthcare examples throughout the text are timely and relevant. The use of "key terms" enhances the reader's understanding of this complex subject matter. Additionally, the discussion points at the end of each chapter provide a focused review of the content. The chapter on the Internet and healthcare policy information is a wonderful and extensive resource. This is a very well written, thought-provoking health policy text that is uniquely research based. The authors are nationally recognized nurse experts in the field of health policy. The health policy examples throughoutthe book are current and relevant to advance practice. I highly recommend it as required reading for advanced practice nurses.