If you’re a nurse considering a career in politics but haven’t seen any nurses in government yet, then meet Beth Haney, DNP, FNP-C, FAANP, FAAN. Haney is a councilwoman of Yorba Linda, California, and previously served as mayor in 2020. She’s also the Vice-Chair of the Placentia-Linda Hospital Governing Board and director of the Board of Financial Partners Credit Union. She also runs her own business, Luxe Aesthetic Center, in Yorba Linda, founded in 2006 on the principles of integrity and excellence.
Beth Haney, DNP, FNP-C, FAANP, FAAN is a nurse practitioner and a councilwoman of Yorba Linda, California.
Why Beth Haney Decided to Move into Politics?
Beth Haney became involved in her 20s and has always been interested in government and politics. She eventually ran for office in 2016 because she wanted to elevate the voice of the nurse practitioner beyond their profession and get their message to a broader audience in the public realm. She won her seat on the first attempt with no formal political training and unseated an incumbent.
Beth Haney’s Passion for Being a Family Nurse Practitioner
While in her undergraduate program at Loma Linda University, Beth Haney’s favorite professor encouraged her to pursue a career as a nurse practitioner. She followed her advice and is happy she did. Once she graduated and became involved in her professional national and state organizations, she knew she made the right choice. She saw the fantastic work NPs do and wanted to be a part of this.
How Beth Haney’s Experience in Healthcare Influences Her Roles in Advocacy, Policy, and Education
Beth Haney has learned over her career that the education nurse practitioners receive blends well with politics, and she has had several articles published on this topic. Nurse practitioners have critical thinking skills, use evidence and data to make decisions (something many career politicians might not use), practice compassionate care models, and have the best interests of others at heart. These attributes give her the skills to make decisions effectively and build consensus among her peers to accomplish goals while considering the impacts on the public.
Beth Haney’s Achievements in Local Government
Beth Haney was mayor during the pandemic and was held to a very high standard since she was in health care. This was a tremendous responsibility, and she loved the work. She was assigned to a countywide task force to help with communications about the infection. All 34 mayors in Orange County bonded to work on this issue, which had never been done before. The residents looked to her for answers, and she was proud to have research and evidence back her views.
Beth Haney was also a founding member and co-chair of the California Mayor’s Coalition, where she worked with leaders all over the state on C-19 issues, especially funding for their cities and businesses.
On a brighter note, while she was mayor, they opened their gorgeous new public library and cultural arts center, their city’s gem, and she is very proud.
Beth Haney’s Biggest Challenges in Local Government
Beth Haney’s biggest challenge so far in local government has been learning the intricate aspects of city management. There are many things to know about local government! Serving on the board of her state NP association helped her understand politics in their state capitol. She learned interesting things from their lobbyist, such as how to look at bills from perspectives she hadn’t thought of. Serving in this capacity and as president, she learned how governmental systems work and how that translates into city management.
Should More Nurses and Healthcare Workers Be Involved in Politics?
Beth Haney believes that nurses and nurse practitioners have a unique blend of advanced thinking skills and compassion for others. This is a rare combination in politics. Therefore, she strongly recommends more nurses and healthcare workers to be involved in politics.