STUDENTS CONNECTING WITH POLICY MAKERS UNDERGRADUATE NURSING STUDENT INTERNS WITH LEGISLATOR This year undergraduate nursing students Katherine Taibl and Kirstyn Smith had the opportunity to intern with Representative Daphne Campbell. Kirstyn took some time to reflect on her experience with Representative Campbell and agreed to share her story with us: In the 2012 Gallup poll on Honesty/Ethics in Professions, Nursing received higher marks than any other profession, while members of Congress ranked near the bottom of the list. Considering this information, it would seem that nursing and politics are an unlikely pair, but with a sharp mind and a good heart they can effect great change. A little over a year ago, I met Representative Daphne Campbell during the 2012 Florida Nurses’ Association Lobby Days. I had always been interested in our government system and was extremely curious to see how it impacted health care. Nursing care and actions go beyond the hospital, and while I did not wear my usual garnet scrubs, administer medications, change linens or perform tube feedings, I was an advocate for patients, and current and future nurses. Volunteering for Representative Campbell provided me with valuable insight into another aspect of nursing. The first day I walked into her office, she made it clear that she was an advocate for the public and its safety. We focused on issues such as the removal of red light cameras throughout Florida and lobbying for nurse practitioners to write prescriptions for scheduled drugs and issue Baker Act certificates (I was shocked to learn of these limitations). As part of my internship, I had an opportunity to stand in front of the Florida Senate and speak during a committee meeting (an experience I will never forget). I wish I could have had more time with Representative Campbell. I look forward to applying what I learned in my career as a nurse. My career goal is to attain a nursing position where I can raise awareness and support for the constant improvement of health care, become more involved in health care politics, and be a part of the inner workings of change. This was truly an experience I will cherish for many years to come!
DNP STUDENTS EDUCATE LEGISLATORS ABOUT NURSING PRACTICE ISSUES DURING FNA LOBBY DAYS Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) students gained health policy experience at the Florida Capitol during the Florida Nurses Association Lobby Days Conference in March. The Health Care Policy course lays the cognitive foundation for this experience in the fall semester. Then, in the spring Nursing Leadership course, students researched their local legislators and developed talking points on nursing and healthcare issues to discuss with their legislators at the Capitol. Through these experiences, students gained an appreciation and level of competence in educator and advocacy roles. In their own words, students reflected on these experiences: Pictured: Nursing Instructors Barbara Little, DNP, MPH, RN, APHN-BC, NCSN, CNE and Mai Kung, DNP, MPH, FNP-BC .
“As APN's we have a responsibility to educate our legislators of the issues not only important to the nursing practice, but for health care as well. I fully intend to participate in lobbying activities throughout the extent of my career.” - Sarah Luce, BSN, RN, DNP Student
“FNA Lobby Days were an eye-opening experience! As a relatively new nurse and a graduate nursing student, Lobby Days showed me the importance of sharing my experiences and voicing my concerns/ opinions to my local government officials. It was inspiring to see nurses from all different levels of experience and specialty areas come together and rally for values that are important to our profession and the optimal health of our community. This experience inspired me to stay up-to-date on relevant health policies and to discuss concerns/ideas with my representatives and senators. I hope to return to Lobby Days in the future and encourage nurses and especially students to take advantage of this great opportunity.” – Chelsea Coburn, BSN, RN, DNP Student “I find myself wanting to get more involved, more than just making phone calls and writing letters, and more than just encouraging my peers to do the same. I've decided to join FNA and get in touch with my local chapter. I am sure that there are some local activities I can get involved in, and I realize that a great impact can be made, and that it needs to start in the local areas, where nurses are working.” – James Sellers, , BSN, RN, DNP Student
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