by Sheryl Marlar
Nurses are the largest group of healthcare providers. As such, they must use their voices to provide input on health care policies at the local and federal level.
On February 4, 52 students and several faculty members from the Tanner Health System School of Nursing at the University of West Georgia had their chance to provide that input when they attended the Georgia Nurses Association (GNA) Legislative Day at the Capitol.
GNA Legislative Day is an annual event that provides GNA members, nursing students, and RNs from around the state the opportunity to meet with legislators and educate them on important health related issues.
The UWG nursing students who attended had the chance to see the State Senate in session, talk with Senator Mike Dugan, meet Governor Nathan Deal, and attend committee meetings.
“Nurses are natural advocates, but this advocacy does not stop at the patient and family level,” said Dr. Jenny Schuessler, dean of the Tanner Health System School of Nursing. “Every nurse has a voice and can have input on health care policy at the local and federal level.”
According to Russell Crutchfield, government and external relations, special assistant to the president at UWG, “Senator Dugan was very impressed by the strong representation from UWG.”
Dean Schuessler stressed the importance of nursing students learning about the political process.
“Every nurse should use their voice to let politicians know that they are patient and political advocates,” she said.
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