Abstract

Nurses are uniquely positioned to influence health policy, yet Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) education often lacks structured opportunities to develop advocacy competencies at local, national, and global levels. As healthcare challenges grow increasingly complex, from workforce shortages to health inequities, preparing nurses to translate evidence into policy action is essential. This presentation, Advancing Advocacy Competencies in DNP Education: Bridging the Gap Between Evidence and Policy, explores the current gap in advocacy training within DNP programs and proposes a scalable solution designed to equip nurses with the skills and networks needed to lead policy change.

Through the development of an advocacy toolkit and a peer-to-peer global network, the initiative aims to integrate advocacy into DNP curricula and support nurses in aligning practice innovations with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Core components include translating DNP projects into policy briefs, mapping initiatives to global health priorities, engaging stakeholders and legislators, and building cross-border partnerships.

By reframing policy as something nurses actively shape rather than passively experience, this work highlights how DNP-prepared nurses can extend their impact beyond the bedside to boardrooms, legislatures, and international health arenas. The presentation will share lessons learned, strategies for implementation, and opportunities for collaboration, emphasizing the critical role of advocacy education in preparing the next generation of nurse leaders to influence health systems and advance global health equity.

Notes

This presentation was part of the Sigma Virtual Mini Academy: Global Advocacy, 2025 Second Cohort.

Author Details

Carrie D. Hintz, DPN, PhD, RN, CEN - Professor Post Masters DNP Program Coordinator, Orvis School of Nursing, University of Nevada, Reno, USA

Sigma Membership

Nu Iota

Type

Presentation

Format Type

Video Recording

Study Design/Type

N/A

Research Approach

N/A

Keywords:

Nursing Education, Policy, United Nations Sustainable Development Goals

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Rights Holder

All rights reserved by the author(s) and/or publisher(s) listed in this item record unless relinquished in whole or part by a rights notation or a Creative Commons License present in this item record.

Review Type

None: Event Material, Invited Presentation

Acquisition

Proxy-submission

Date of Issue

2025-10-28

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