Reference no: EM131667915
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Nurses play vital roles in the healthcare industry as such the profession needs a representative in the government. A representative that will advocate for nurses and influence the healthcare policies that affect nursing practice. One of those outstanding nurses that made changes and still making a difference is Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson.
Ms. Johnson, after obtaining her BSN at Texas Christian University and master's degree in Public Administration from Southern Methodist University, worked in Veterans Administration hospital in Dallas as a psychiatric nurse and psychotherapist for 16 years.
In 1972, Eddie Bernice Johnson was elected into the Texas House of Representatives and became the first African-American woman to hold that office. In 1977 Ms. Johnson was appointed the Regional Director for the Department of Health, Education, and welfare by President Jimmy Carter (nursing-theory.org). Again, she became the first African-American woman to hold this position.
In 1986 she was elected to the Texas Senate; her interest was focused on health care, education, racial equality, and fairness in housing and economic development.
In 1992 Ms. Johnson became a representative of the 30th Congressional district and a member of House Committee. She was an advocate of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education. Because of her background as a nurse, she introduced "National Nurse Act of 2011."
This bill acknowledges all the contributions nurses made in public health and disease prevention and elevated the importance of the Chief Nursing Officer of the United States Public Health Service and made nurses the ideal people to promote social justice and wellness to American people (nursing-theory.org).
Eddie Bernice Johnson's achievements proved that nurses have the knowledge and the capabilities to be active in the political arena.
Works Cited
"Eddie Bernice Johnson, Congresswoman." Eddie Bernice Johnson, Congresswoman - Famous Nurse, Alice Petiprin.