INDIANAPOLIS—Nurses need advocacy skills that go beyond political advocacy. The newest nursing continuing professional development (NCPD) program from Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing (Sigma) aims to develop nurses’ knowledge and skills in advocating for themselves in addition to advocating at the organizational, community, regional, and global levels.

This interactive program demonstrates how advocacy shifts from the micro to macro levels—from patient advocacy to policy change. Using an example of Black maternal-child health, the program’s four modules weave evidence-based frameworks, self-assessment and reflection exercises, leadership development, and interviews with people sharing lived experiences. The program also includes a reflection guide for learners to use as they begin their advocacy journeys.

Learn more and purchase the Advocacy Certificate Program at SigmaMarketplace.org. This program is eligible for 4.7 NCPD contact hours.

About the author Dr. Wanda Montalvo, PhD, RN, FAAN, is an innovative leader who is an ally, advocate, and convener of diverse stakeholders to address pressing health issues informed by applied science and program design.  She has numerous awards and publications, served in several leadership roles, and is a Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing. Dr. Montalvo has extensive experience leading national initiatives to address health disparities, advocating to increase programming and funding for programming serving vulnerable populations. Montalvo served as adjunct faculty for health policy curriculum. Her course content is informed by research and evidence-based frameworks.

About Sigma: The Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing (Sigma) is a nonprofit organization with the mission of developing nurse leaders anywhere to improve healthcare everywhere. Founded in 1922, Sigma has more than 135,000 active members and 550 chapters at institutions of higher education and healthcare partners from Armenia, Australia, and Botswana to Thailand, the United States, and Wales. Sigma members include clinical nurses and administrators, academic nurse educators and researchers, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and others working to fulfill the organization’s vision of connected, empowered nurse leaders transforming global healthcare. 

Learn more at SigmaNursing.org.