On Thursday, April 3, for the seventh consecutive year, the Minnesota Nurses Association hosted students from nursing schools throughout the state for a lesson in advocacy that takes them beyond their bedside responsibilities.
350 students and instructors, representing 14 different schools of nursing attended the day-long event that kicked off with a morning meet & greet with MNA members leaders. A comprehensive orientation followed, providing students insights about policy issues facing legislators in which nurses have a keen interest, including Nurse Licensing, Monitoring and Discipline; Minimum Wage; Mandatory Flu Vaccine; Department of Health Study of Staffing and Patient Outcomes; and Health Care for All.
The students were inspired by MNA’s Chairperson for its Commission on Governmental Affairs, Mary Turner, RN who encouraged them to become nurse activists. “I know I have influenced a legislator’s perspective,” said Turner. “I can change a vote. I know I have the power to inspire and champion a law to protect my practice and make my patients safer. All because I talk to my legislator – who represents the neighborhoods and families where I live.”
A panel of former legislators and a Deputy Commissioner also provided valuable hands-on tactical advice for approaching legislators. Especially unique was the fact this panel consisted of nurse role models – former Representative Maria Ruud, RN, CNP, along with Diane O’Conner, RN, formerly MNA’s lobbyist and Director of Nursing Practice and currently Deputy Commissioner of Higher Education. Rounding out the panel was former Representative Jeremy Kalin who served with Ruud in the Minnesota House from 2006 – 2010.
Justin Ettl, a student at Metropolitan State University in St. Paul, believes that attending the program will benefit his patients and help him to become a better nurse. “This experience gives us the opportunity to get involved with the legislature and really get our voices heard,” said Ettl.
For Jessica Spencer who graduates from St. Cloud State University in May, speaking up to elected officials is just as important as speaking up at work. “It’s important to have a nurse on board to help advocate for patient safety,” said Spencer. “What we do here and now reflects on their health care for the future.”
Andrea Nyquist, also from St. Cloud State, was impressed by the power of collective action embodied in the Minnesota Nurses Association. “I love seeing how nurses work together to get things done,” she said.
Schools represented at MNA’s 2014 Student Day on the Hill were:
- Anoka Ramsey Community College Cambridge Campus
- Bemidji State University
- Bethel University – Graduate Program
- Century Community College
- College of St Benedict/St. John University
- Hibbing Community College
- Metropolitan State University
- Minnesota State College
- MSU – Mankato
- Presentation College
- Ridgewater College
- Riverland Community College
- St Catherine’s University
- St Cloud State University
