Being a nurse on a national committee: shaping healthcare policies and practices

I have been a member of both the Academic and Research Committee and Nursing Committee of ABS for nearly four years. Being a nurse on a national committee is a unique and rewarding experience and I would encourage anyone to apply. Nurses on national committees play a crucial role in shaping healthcare policies and practices. They bring their frontline experience to the table, ensuring that the voices of those directly involved in patient care are heard.

As a qualified nurse for over 30 years, I have been involved with breast cancer for the majority of my career and a member of ABS for around 20 years. Earlier in my career, I did not feel I had the confidence to join a committee, let alone be able to actively contribute to the direction and work of ABS. I felt confident in my job role, experience and skills but mostly at a local and regional level. Often as a nurse, you feel that your views are not as important and question what difference you can make beyond your local scope of practice.  

Taking that initial step to join a national committee may seem daunting and something other people do, but you soon realise that your ideas and skills are welcomed by ABS. Depending on the committee, roles can be varied but include identifying relevant and important topics, developing methods to improve clinical pathways and patient experience and outcomes, and promote engagement with the membership at all levels. There are some challenges but none that can’t be overcome.

One of the primary challenges is balancing committee responsibilities with your regular duties. It requires organisational skills and the ability to prioritise effectively, but this should be supported by your line manager as part of your development. I would encourage you to discuss your application with them so you feel confident in undertaking both roles. Serving on a national committee provides opportunities for professional development. This includes expanding your knowledge, developing new skills and gaining insights into the broader healthcare system. It’s an excellent way to grow professionally and personally.

Sometimes you may feel that you are wading through layers of bureaucracy, but it is an opportunity to help implement changes or advocate for new policies. Nurses have strong advocacy skills and being part of an ABS committee can help you develop your ability to present evidence-based arguments, sometimes utilising your nurse-developed patience! You get to collaborate with other healthcare professionals, policymakers and experts; networking at all levels which can lead to valuable connections and opportunities for future collaborations. 

While serving on a national committee as a nurse comes with its challenges, the experiences and rewards make it very worthwhile. The most rewarding aspect of being an ABS Committee Member is the ability to make a tangible difference in breast care. By contributing to policy development and advocacy, you can help shape the future of breast care, improve patient outcomes and promote the nursing profession, which I believe is both a privilege and a responsibility.