Why Nurses' Stories Matter
Attending the AACN Policy Summit was such a meaningful experience for me, especially as I was stepping into a space I didn’t have much experience in.
Going into it, I felt intimidated. I thought I needed to be perfectly prepared, ready to present research on Title VIII initiatives and speak confidently with legislative staff, making sure I had all the “right” information. But that mindset shifted pretty quickly.
After sitting in sessions and talking with legislative assistants — and even a nurse in Congress I realized they weren’t expecting perfection. They genuinely just wanted to hear our stories. They wanted to understand what we see every day as nursing students and future nurses, how we serve our communities, and why our work matters. That was powerful for me. It made advocacy feel less intimidating and a lot more personal.
As a Nurse Health Equity Scholar, I’ve had the privilege of directly benefiting from this program supported by Title VIII funding. Opportunities like my clinical experiences in safety-net hospital settings, working with underserved communities in the Bay Area, have shaped who I am as a future nurse. Honestly, those experiences would not have been possible without this kind of support. They’ve inspired me to continue working with these populations and to focus on promoting healthcare — not just “sick care.”
The summit really reinforced how much impact nurses can have beyond the bedside. Our role isn’t limited to hospital units — we’re part of education, prevention, research, and policy. We have the ability to advocate for patients and communities in such meaningful ways.
Our role isn’t limited to hospital units — we’re part of education, prevention, research, and policy. We have the ability to advocate for patients and communities in such meaningful ways.
One of the most special parts of the experience was being surrounded by other incredible nurses and nursing students who are just as passionate about advocacy and advancing our profession. It reminded me that we’re all working toward something bigger. The biggest takeaway for me is that advocacy doesn’t have to be complicated. Sharing our real stories can make a difference. It can influence policy, support funding, and open doors for future nurses. Even something as simple as a conversation or a letter can create change.
Leaving the summit, I feel more empowered and more committed to continuing this work. I hope to bring this awareness back to my peers and encourage others to use their voices too because our stories truly matter.
