Changes in political astuteness after a health systems and policy course.

Political advocacy, an integral part of the nursing role, requires knowledge of the policy process and skills. Few studies describe the influence of nursing education on political competence. This study examined political astuteness in graduate students before and after a required course in health policy. Students reported significantly higher political astuteness scores after the course. Academic preparation in health policy can increase the knowledge and skills that nurses need to effectively advocate for healthcare change.