Billions of people worldwide use social media, which is about information sharing and a marketing channel. As a political tool, social media allows you to share your thoughts and opinions. It can increase targeted audiences and influence opinions and behavior. Every waking day, people interact with their mobile devices immediately, even before getting out of bed, using them as a gateway to social media, reading the information, viewing ads, posting news, commenting, liking, and sharing (Grewal et al., 2020). 

California Nurses Association is an example of a professional organization that uses Facebook as a social media to promote a health policy agenda. They share information for the public to be aware that nurses deserve more support to ensure dignity in the workplace and the safety of the patients first. The attributes of success noted when the post three days ago showed that nurses gathered in DC to celebrate the introduction of the Nurse Staffing Standards for Hospital Patient Safety and Quality Care Act. This federal bill mirrored California’s SafeStaffing law (California Nurses Association, 2023). 

Lawmakers submitted the same legislation multiple times throughout their careers but failed. Senator Barbara Boxer introduced the National Nursing Shortage Reform and Patient Advocacy Act from 2009-2015. Also, Senator Sherrod Brown introduced Nurse Staffing Standards for Hospital Patient Safety and Quality Care Act from 2017-2021. Finally, it is happening. In a press release on March 30, 2023, Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky reintroduced the Nurse Staffing Standards for Hospital Patient Safety and Quality Care Act legislation (Schakowsky, 2023). Amy Hanauer stated in the Influence of Policy video, “Teeny tiny change will make an enormous difference in public policy and a huge impact on our health, wealth, and well-being.” 

We have the right and responsibility to shape and promote policy change. In this new era, communication is already in our hands. Smartphones, smart TV, smart home, and telehealth are examples of the latest innovation. Public awareness and social media connections will recognize and connect us with families, healthcare providers, health organizations, and government officials. We want these bills to pass the House and be signed into law by the president of the United States. The shift is necessary because this global problem of nursing shortage will continue. Nursing leaders must be able to drive an immediate change process plan by using social media to ensure success in promoting a policy change. 

References

California Nurses Association (2023). Safe Staffing. Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/calnurses

Grewal, D., Hulland, J., Kopalle, P.K. et al. (2020). The future of technology and marketing: a multidisciplinary perspective. J. of the Acad. Mark. Sci. 48, 1. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11747-019-00711-4

Hanauer, A. [TED]. (2015). The Influence of Policy (Video). YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iBRxl3Klhj0

Schakowsky, J. (2023). Bill Would Set Minimum Nurse-to-Patient Staffing Requirements, Study Best Practices for Nurse Staffing. [Press Release]. https://schakowsky.house.gov/media/press-releases/…