Using advanced practice to shape public policy: agenda setting.

Advanced practice nurses (APNs) of today have incorporated many roles, such as educator, administrator, and consultant, into their practices. However, many APNs have not integrated the role of political activist. Kingdon's model of agenda setting serves as a framework to illustrate how the APN can use nursing practice to shape the agenda-setting component of public policy toward improved patient-client well-being. The author provides rationale for redefinition of specialty practice and offers expert advice on where and how to act prior to seeking legislative activity at the state or national level.