Aim
The aims of this study were to (a) examine the levels of nurses' political efficacy and involvement in health policy; and (b) explore the relationships between political efficacy, involvement in health policy and participants’ background variables.
Background
Nurses as citizens and health care providers have the right to express their opinions and beliefs in regard to issues that are concerned with the health care system or the public health domain.
Methods
A descriptive, cross‐sectional design using was utilized. A self‐administered questionnaire (Political Efficacy Scale & Involvement in Health Policy Scale) was completed by a convenience sample of 302 nurses.
Results
The results of this study showed low levels of involvement in health policy and political efficacy, and a positive weak correlation between political efficacy and involvement in health policy. The perceived level of political efficacy was associated positively with nurses’ age and experience.
Conclusions
Nurse administrators and managers may empower, support and encourage nurses to enhance their involvement in health policy.
Implications for nursing management
The findings have implications for nursing leaders and administrators to design appropriate strategies to enhance nurses’ involvement in health policy development.