Nursing is a multidimensional, interactive, interdisciplinary and complex profession. The need for health policies is essential because they affect nursing practice and healthcare systems globally. Nurses are expected to identify healthcare issues, collaborate with decision-makers, and influence policy development to improve accessibility, quality, and cost-effectiveness of care. This review explores the importance of health policy in nursing, factors affecting nurses' participation in policy development, barriers and facilitators of policy engagement, and practical ways nurses can influence policy and politics. Findings indicate that nurses play a critical role in healthcare systems and possess valuable knowledge that can contribute significantly to policy formulation and implementation. However, barriers such as lack of involvement, insufficient policy education, inadequate resources, and limited representation continue to affect their participation. Strengthening nursing leadership, policy competence, mentorship, and educational opportunities can improve nurses' influence on healthcare policy and ultimately enhance patient outcomes and public welfare.
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