Nurses Group Creates Advocacy Initiative

Empowering Nurses for Advocacy at the Federal Level

The American Nurses Association has unveiled an innovative initiative aimed at harnessing the legislative connections of its members to advance its objectives on Capitol Hill. Launched on November 13, the Nurses Action Society is a groundbreaking program that seeks to enable state-level nursing experts to actively participate in federal-level lobbying efforts.

The initiative, as announced in a press release, is designed to empower members of the association to engage with federal officials and drive forward the public policy priorities of the nursing profession. Through the NAS Ambassadors program, participants are invited to join ANA lobbying activities and interact with members of the U.S. Congress.

Dr. Ahnyel Burkes, Executive Director of the Louisiana State Nurses Association and a forthcoming ANA board member, emphasized that the initiative aims to boost advocacy engagement among practicing nurses, bridging the gap between grassroots advocacy initiatives like calls and letters and direct lobbying by professional advocates.

Tim Nanof, ANA’s VP for Policy and Government Affairs, highlighted that the program has been in the works for about a year, focusing on engaging nursing professionals who have already shown interest in engaging with legislators. By tapping into existing relationships, the initiative aims to leverage the influence of nurses at the congressional level and align it with ANA’s policy priorities.

Recognizing the time constraints faced by nurses due to staff shortages, the NAS initiative offers flexibility in engagement. Recorded webinars allow participants to access information sessions at their convenience, catering to their demanding schedules. This approach ensures that members can easily participate and contribute meaningfully to advocacy efforts.

The strong initial interest in NAS is evident, with hundreds of sign-ups and live participants in the introductory webinar. This enthusiastic response provides a solid foundation of supporters who can champion ANA’s advocacy issues, leveraging their existing experience with legislative engagement.

Dr. Burkes emphasized that the initiative not only strengthens ANA but also equips nurses with the necessary skills to be effective advocates. By offering members a platform to engage in policy discussions and learn advocacy strategies, the initiative enriches the profession and enhances the association’s overall impact.

The establishment of the Nurses Action Society marks a significant step towards empowering nurses to actively shape healthcare policy at the federal level, reinforcing their role as key stakeholders in driving positive change within the profession.