Final answer:
Nurses often engage in advocacy to promote healthcare policy and practice changes based on their firsthand experiences and normative views. They can do so individually, as hobbyists, or as professionals influencing public policy and participating in speaking engagements to share their perspectives.
Step-by-step explanation:
Nurses play a critical role not only in healthcare delivery but also in advocacy. They might advocate on behalf of themselves, their patients, or healthcare policy. Historically, nurses have been called upon to speak about their experiences and advocate for change, as seen in the case of Nursing Sister Sarah Payne during World War I.
Whether they are performing individual research or taking on leadership roles, nurses often engage in advocacy based on their normative views of what should be done in healthcare. Nurses, as policy advocates, use facts, evidence, and analysis to promote their objectives, looking to influence public policy and support initiatives that align with their goals. This is evident in their active participation during world conflicts, where their frontline experiences provided compelling narratives for the need for better healthcare policies and practices.
Furthermore, nurses can also serve as amateur or volunteer lobbyists, representing organizations without compensation. These individuals, sometimes referred to as 'hobbyists', are crucial in driving grassroots efforts and highlighting issues within the healthcare industry to influence change.