What was a political factor that influenced the development of professional nursing practice?

The GI Bill is a significant political factor that influenced the development of professional nursing practice because it provided educational benefits to veterans returning from World War II. This legislation allowed many veterans to pursue higher education, including nursing programs, leading to an increase in the number of trained nurses entering the profession.

The influx of new nurses contributed to the professionalization of nursing by emphasizing the need for formal education and training, which helped elevate the standards and recognition of nursing as a profession. Enhanced educational access through the GI Bill played a critical role in addressing the nursing shortages in the post-war era and set a precedent for future education initiatives and nursing workforce development.

In contrast, while the Affordable Care Act, the Veterans Health Administration, and the Family Medical Leave Act are all influential pieces of legislation related to healthcare, they did not impact nursing education and workforce development in the same way as the GI Bill.