Academics
Advocating for Nursing on Capitol Hill
W
ith more than 3.8 million RNs, nursing is the largest healthcare profession in the U.S. Nurses are vital to providing care and leading change to promote healthier communities. Therefore, it’s important that nurses have a voice in our nation’s healthcare policies to advocate for patients, communities, education and research to ensure a healthier future for all. This spring, two Second Degree BSN students had the opportunity to do just that. Kaley Pinner ’19BSN and Jesyca Ramirez ’19BSN traveled with Dean Sole to Capitol Hill as part of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) Annual Dean’s Meeting and Student Policy Summit. During the three-day summit, Pinner and Ramirez, both 2018 Helene Fuld Scholars who graduated in August 2019, networked with 200 undergraduate and graduate nursing students as well as deans from more than 100 nursing schools across the U.S. The students also attended seminars on the federal policy process, policy issues and
nursing’s role in advocacy. “I learned how nurses can impact policy, which trickles down to patient care,” said Ramirez. “I was also able to advocate for other nurses, our education and research.” The students met directly with their state representatives to advocate on policies related to nursing, including reauthorization of the Title VIII Nursing Workforce Development Programs (H.R. 728), support of Title VIII and National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR) funding in FY 2020, and support of a higher education policy that is sustainable, inclusive and innovative. “It was an incredible privilege to speak with our representatives in the Senate and House of Representatives,” said Pinner, who had never visited the nation’s capital before. “It was truly inspiring to see how powerful an individual’s voice can be, especially when it unites with other voices that are fighting for a common goal.” “As I step into the role of a professional nurse, I am looking forward to finding ways to continue to stay involved in advocating for nursing and healthcare policy issues,” added Pinner,
Dean Sole with Kaley Pinner and Jesyca Ramirez (left to right)
who plans to continue her education to become an advanced practice registered nurse. “I now have an even greater appreciation for the amazing work that we as nurses do, and a better understanding of how far reaching our education and expertise in healthcare can go,” said Ramirez.
2019-20
Helene Fuld Scholars
Congratulations to this year’s recipients of the Helene Fuld Health Trust Scholarship, an exclusive opportunity for Second Degree BSN students who may not otherwise qualify for financial aid.
These future RNs have already earned a bachelor’s degree in another field and led prior successful careers.
Jordana Apolinario
Amanda Spracklen
Small- to mid-level business consultant turned volunteer birth doula
Former professional ballet dancer and instructor turned high school French teacher
Whitney Harvey
Nate Wagner
Specimen processor at Davita Labs
U.S. Army veteran and Blackhawk helicopter pilot
Heather Plachte Secondary math teacher for Duval County Public Schools
(Left to Right) Standing: Jordana Apolinario, Nate Wagner, Amanda Spracklen; Seated: Whitney Harvey, Heather Plachte
8 | FALL 2019 | nursing.ucf.edu