Public Health Policy Simulation.

BACKGROUND: Historically, nursing curricula have not offered opportunities for students to develop hands-on political competence. A public health policy simulation can improve students' ability to be change agents for health policy through advocacy. METHOD: The public health policy simulation was a combination of didactic preparation and hands-on application of advocacy training. At the simulation, held at the State Capitol, students visited legislators, gave an oral testimony before a mock hearing committee, and received feedback from legislators. RESULTS: In general, students expressed being more knowledgeable and confident about the legislative process, advocacy for public health issues, communication with legislators, and the role of nursing in the public health policy arena. Students reported increased likelihood of advocacy for public health issues. CONCLUSION: Public health policy simulation should be part of nursing curricula to help to create a culture that dictates that public health policy is an integral component of the nursing profession. [J Nurs Educ. 2019;58(3):178-181.].

What is personal health responsibility?

PURPOSE: This case study examined the meaning of personal health responsibility from the perspective of the individual. METHOD: A single Black female, 20 years of age, was interviewed for the study. Content analysis was used for data evaluation. FINDINGS: The meaning of personal health responsibility grouped into four categories: listing of tasks, obligating to tasks, following through with tasks, and maintaining resources. Tasks are behaviors performed to care for oneself. Obligating to tasks is the attitude towards carrying out behaviors. Following through is the actual completion of a task. Maintaining resources is the support needed to care for oneself. IMPLICATIONS: The individual's definition of personal health responsibility should be considered when making healthcare decisions and designing treatment plans. Future research should examine the meaning of personal health responsibility among diverse populations and explore factors that serve as facilitators and barriers to personal health responsibility.