Engaging with Politics, Policy, and Policymaking: Opportunities and Challenges for Nurses Worldwide - Online Course

This course is available for FREE to Sigma Members.

The webinar will explore the interests and skills of nurses in political decision-making and discuss opportunities to increase the minimal involvement of nurses in legislative policymaking and how to best foster more nurse engagement as policymakers, political stakeholders, and activists. The panel aims to dialogue with participants, providing education regarding the next steps and implications for practice improvement(s).

This course will retire after 11th October 2025.

Learning Outcomes:
After participating in this course, learners will be able to:

• Apply translation of research to nursing practices
• Synthesize American Association of College of Nursing Essentials: Advocacy
• Evaluate the World Health Organization's State of the World Report (2020) related to nurses' policy participation

Speaker Bios:

Enrique Castro Sanchez, PhD, MPH, BSc, RGN, DipTropNurs, PgDip, PgCert, DLSHTM, FHEA, FEANS
Enrique Castro-Sánchez is Associate Professor in Infection Prevention at University of West London, and associated lecturer in Planetary Health at UOC (Spain). His research focuses on how behaviors, technology, and social determinants influence infection prevention and antimicrobial use. He has worked in infectious and tropical diseases, infection prevention, and advanced nurse practice in HIV/AIDS. Enrique has served as Consultant on Infection Prevention for WHO, and is Editor-in-Chief of Infection Ecology and Epidemiology journal.

Michael Polacek, DNP, RN, PMH-BC
Michael is certified in the Psychiatric-Mental Health and Nursing Professional Development specialties and has presented at state, national, and international conferences on mental health topics. He has served on the boards of directors of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Oregon Chapter, the National and State American Psychiatric Nurses Association, and the Mid-Valley Suicide Prevention Coalition's Steering Committee. His current focus is on community development and policy development in suicide prevention and trauma-informed science.

Brooke Newman, DNP, RN-BC
Brooke Newman is a Doctor in Nursing Practice (Administrative, Organizational, and Global Health Systems - Executive Leadership. She bridged her Masters in the Science of Nursing (MSN) at Capella University. Brooke graduated in May 2022 and received Magna Summa Cum Laude (4.0 GPA) graduate school accolades. Brooke is Global Health Impact Investing's Founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO); a public benefit corporation. She is also A2Z's advisor to funds for healthcare artificial intelligence startups. She serves on multiple boards such as Sigma Theta Tau International, and is chair of Omega Gamma's Leadership & Succession Planning committee.

Roya Haghiti-Vijeh, PhD, MN, BN, RN
Roya Haghiri-Vijeh is a professor of nursing and is an active member of Registered Nurses Association of Ontario's Rainbow Nursing Interest Group. Roya's program of research is focused on the experiences of individuals at the intersection of identities.