Health Policy Nurse Career Overview
Health Policy Nurse Career in Brief
Health policy nurses help shape healthcare policy by advising policymakers and advocacy organizations on public health and nursing issues. They must understand how healthcare delivery systems and healthcare policy interact.
Health policy nurse job responsibilities include:
Primary Responsibilities
- Reviewing proposed local, state, or federal public health and healthcare policy changes.
- Analyzing changes to determine the likely impact on healthcare or public health.
- Advocating for specific approaches or policies.
- Organizing collaborations among stakeholders.
- Communicating with stakeholders and policymakers.
Key Skills
- Collaborative and communicative
- Policy analysis and systems thinking
- Diplomatic skills
- Foresight
Where Do Health Policy Nurses Work?
Health policy nurse jobs usually involve more office and desk work than direct patient care nurse jobs. See below for common workplace settings.
Government AgenciesHealth policy nurses analyze potential changes in healthcare and public health policy, identify likely impacts, and write reports and white papers.
- Public Health Non-governmental Organizations
Health policy nurses conduct advocacy efforts, examine updates and modifications in policy, educate the public, and partner with collaborators to promote specific policies or approaches.
- Healthcare Providers or Trade Associations
Health policy nurses help research and explore possible policy changes and its impacts on stakeholders, communicate with stakeholders, and work with lobbyists and public relations/communications teams.
Why Become a Health Policy Nurse?
Health policy nurses can help shape healthcare and public health at a systems level, an important work that can be immensely satisfying. However, the role rarely involves direct patient care, which is why many nurses may not enter the profession. Health policy nurses must also often deal with bureaucracy and political partisanship.
Advantages to Becoming a Health Policy Nurse
Can improve healthcare and public health policy on a large scale- Involves a less physically demanding role compared to general nursing
- Collaborates with a variety of partners
Disadvantages to Becoming a Health Policy Nurse
Can be frustrating as policy changes may be slow and laborious- Manages a lot of red tape and bureaucracy
- Must be willing to deal with politics and partisanship issues
How to Become a Health Policy Nurse
- 1
Earn a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN)
During your BSN program, take electives in healthcare policy, public health, and healthcare systems. Consider participating in student leadership opportunities.
- 2
Pass the NCLEX-RN to receive registered nurse (RN) licensure
he National Council Licensure Examination for RNs (NCLEX-RN) takes up to six hours and covers such topics as pharmacology, health promotion, and basic care and comfort.
- 3
Gain clinical nursing experience
While some health policy master of science in nursing (MSN) and doctoral programs do not require clinical experience, many do. Some employers may also prefer candidates with hands-on nursing experience.
- 4
Earn an MSN or a doctor of nursing practice (DNP) in health policy
Most health policy nurse leadership jobs require at least an MSN, and upper management jobs often prefer or require a DNP.
- 5
Earn certification in health policy
While there is no specific credential for health policy nursing, relevant jobs often require or prefer certification in public health, public health administration, or health policy.
Certification Options for Health Policy Nurses
How Much Do Health Policy Nurses Make?
Health policy nurse salaries vary widely based on education, job responsibilities, and workplace. While the average annual salary for a health policy analyst is $69,520, those with an MSN in health policy can expect to earn an average yearly salary of $112,000. In contrast, RNs earn a median annual salary of $93,600.
Nursing jobs are projected to grow by 5% between 2024-2034, faster than the national average for all occupations combined. U.S. health policy involves many stakeholders, including governments, healthcare providers, public health organizations, philanthropies, and healthcare trade associations, all requiring health policy nurses to help accommodate growth and change.
Resources for Health Policy Nurses
American Public Health Association
APHA publishes books, white papers, a journal and newsletters; conducts policy review and advocacy; offers an annual conference and other professional development activities; and provides networking opportunities. Membership is open to any individual with an interest in public health, public health organizations, and solutions providers.Organization of Nurse Leaders
ONL is a professional association for current and aspiring nurse leaders in Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont. Members can enjoy professional development resources, including classes on leadership, attend quarterly and annual meetings along with networking events, and explore new job postings on an exclusive job board.American Organization for Nursing Leadership
AONL highlights certification programs and other resources for nurses in leadership or executive positions and provides professional development and continuing education opportunities. The organization also conducts advocacy efforts and publishes newsletters and a journal.
Frequently Asked Questions About Health Policy Nurses
It takes at least six years of education to earn an MSN degree, plus the required nursing experience for admission into an MSN program. While it takes four years to earn a BSN, most health policy nurse jobs require or strongly prefer candidates with an MSN or a DNP.
Reviewed by:
Nicole Galan is a registered nurse who earned a master’s degree in nursing education from Capella University and currently works as a full-time freelance writer. Throughout her nursing career, Galan worked in a general medical/surgical care unit and then in infertility care. She has also worked for over 13 years as a freelance writer specializing in consumer health sites and educational materials for nursing students.
Galan is a paid member of our Healthcare Review Partner Network. Learn more about our review partners.
