Abstract

The nurse practitioner's (NP's) role exemplifies the expertise needed to be leaders, researchers and policy influencers. Academia is called upon to provide teaching environments conducive to engaging scholarship that addresses leadership, research and change management skills. By providing opportunities that focus on political processes and policy development, NP students learn and engage in activities that provide a foundation in the development of political savvy, including advocacy and systems change. Deliberative, dialogue-based methods can enhance knowledge of the issues surrounding the NP role and develop students' understanding of political processes needed for policy change in furthering the NP role.