UNC School of Nursing students advocate for nursing profession at AACN conference

Avery Berg, Candace Beddard, and Joshua Barrett

The University of North Carolina School of Nursing is proud to announce the participation of its students in the recent American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) Student Policy Summit (SPS) held in Washington, DC. The two-day conference, open to baccalaureate and graduate nursing students, offered an immersive experience in the federal policy process and nursing’s crucial role in professional advocacy.

Candace Beddard, a DNP student, described the Summit as a highlight of her academic journey, stating, “Attending the AACN Student Policy Summit was a highlight of my DNP journey. The opportunity to advocate on Capitol Hill was amazing and has ignited a passion for continued advocacy work!”

The AACN SPS provided attendees with didactic program sessions aimed at enhancing their understanding of policy advocacy and its impact on the nursing profession. Participants had the opportunity to engage directly with policymakers on Capitol Hill, advocating for issues vital to nursing education and practice.

Joshua Barrett, a PhD student, highlighted the significance of engaging with policymakers, saying, “At the AACN Student Nursing Policy Summit, I had a great experience learning about policy advocacy and exploring the robust nursing advocacy platform. Meeting with staffers on Capitol Hill to discuss nursing issues was particularly insightful.”

Avery Berg, a BSN student, emphasized the importance of representing the UNC School of Nursing and the nursing profession as a whole, stating, “This weekend, I learned so much about policy and how to be an advocate for not only myself and my story but also for the nursing profession as a whole. I was also very proud to represent the Carolina Community and to share our experiences with the members of Capitol Hill.”

For more information about the AACN Student Policy Summit, please visit aacnnursing.org/sps.