Writing Assignment Instructions
Complete the Political Astuteness Survey below.
Submit a 1-2 page reflection paper (double space, 12 Times New Roman font). Indicate your score and reflect upon your results. Then reflect on this topic as it relates to nursing and the role of the professional nurse. Discuss any areas you wish to change/develop based on your score, as well as an action plan to become more savvy in the areas you identified.
POLITICAL ASTUTENESS INVENTORY
Place a check mark next to the items for which your answer is yes. Give yourself one point for each check mark. After completing the inventory, compare your total score with the scoring criteria at the end of the inventory.
- __ I am registered to vote.
- __ I know here my voting precinct is located.
- __ I voted in the last general election.
- __ I voted in the last two elections.
- __ I recognized the names of the majority of candidates on the ballot at the last election.
- __ I was acquainted with the majority of issues on the ballot at the last election.
- __ I stay abreast of current health issues.
- __ I belong to the state professional or student nurses organization.
- __ I participate (committee member, officer, etc) in that organization.
- __ I attended the most recent meeting of my district nurses association.
- __ I attended the last state or national convention held by my organization.
- __ I am aware of at least two issues discussed and the stands taken at that convention.
- __ I read literature published by my state nurses association, professional magazines, or ther literature on a regular basis to stay abreast of current health issues.
- __ I know the names of my states senators in Washington, DC.
- __ I know the names of my congressional districts representatives in Washington, DC.
- __ I know the name of the state senator from my district.
- __ I know the name of the state representative from my district.
- __ I am acquainted with the voting record of at least one of the above in relation to a specific health issue.
- __ I am aware of the stand taken by at least one of the above on one current health issue.
- __ I know whom to contact for information about health-related policy issues at the state or federal level.
- __ I know whether my professional organization employs lobbyists at the state or federal level.
- __ I know how to contact that lobbyist.
- __ I support my state professional organizations political arm.
- __ I actively supported a candidate for the Senate or House with a campaign contribution, service, wore a button or other activity during the last election.
- __ I have written regarding a health issue to one of my state or national representatives in the last year.
- __ I am personally acquainted with a senator or representative or a member of his or her staff.
- __ I serve as a resource person for one of my representatives or his or her staff.
- __ I know the process by which a bill is introduced in my state legislature.
- __ I know which senators or representatives are supportive of nursing.
- __ I know which House and Senate committees usually deal with health-related issues.
- __ I know the committees on which my representatives hold membership.
- __ I know of at least two issues related to my profession that are currently under discussion at the state or national level.
- __ I know of at least two health-related issues that are currently under discussion at the state or national level.
- __ I am aware of the composition of the state board that regulates the practice of my profession.
- __ I know the process whereby one becomes a member of the state board that regulates my profession.
- __ I attend public hearing related to health issues.
- __ I find myself more interested in public issues now than in the past.
- __ I have provided testimony at a public hearing on and issue related to health.
- __ I know where the local headquarters of my political party are located.
- __ I have written a letter to the editor or other piece for the lay process speaking out on a health-related issue.
SCORING
0-9 points Totally politically unaware
10-19 points Slightly politically aware
20-29 points Shows a beginning political awareness
30-40 points Politically astute and an asset to the profession
