This section highlights inspiring Nursing Advocacy Success Stories to empower nurse advocates in pursuing their advocacy dreams. From advancing legislation to launching successful campaigns, these stories showcase the impactful work of nurses in California who have made a difference in healthcare and beyond.
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Nursing advocacy success stories are powerful examples of how nurses can make a real difference in the lives of their patients and communities.
These stories showcase the critical role that nurses play in advocating for patients' rights and improving the quality of care in healthcare settings.
Whether it is advocating for a patient's right to quality healthcare, pushing for policy changes that benefit the nursing profession, or lobbying for legislation that improves healthcare outcomes for all, nurses are at the forefront of healthcare advocacy.
By sharing these success stories, we can inspire and motivate nurses to continue their advocacy work and demonstrate the critical impact that nurses can have in creating positive change in the healthcare system.
Advocating Policy Literacy in Nursing Education
Guest: Maryanne Hicks MSN, RN
Host: Jared Fesler, ANA\California Communications & Programs Manager
In this episode, we sit down with Maryanne Hicks, a dedicated advocate for policy literacy in nursing education. Join us as Maryanne shares:
What inspired her mission to educate future nurses on policy and advocacy.
Her perspective on the importance of policy literacy in the nursing profession and the challenges nurses face in advocacy.
How her personal advocacy experience has shaped the way she teaches and mentors nursing students.
Memorable moments when she witnessed the impact of policy advocacy on healthcare and nursing, underscoring the importance of this work.
The essential tools, resources, and strategies she believes can empower nursing students to take on advocacy roles.
Discovering Your Path to Policy Leadership
Guest: Dahlia Maldonado BSN, RN
Host: Jared Fesler, ANA\California Communications & Programs Manager
In this episode, you’ll explore how Dahlia’s advocacy dreams have evolved into tangible leadership roles.
How she transformed her initial inspiration for advocacy into roles in policy leadership.
Her significant milestones over the past year, showcasing how she’s been "advocating for change."
How each of her leadership roles, like serving in AONL and ACNL, aligns with her vision of influencing policy.
Founding the Bay Area Indian Nurses Association
Guest: Dr. Fatima Arastu DNP, MBA, RN, NEA-BC, CNEn®, Caritas Coach®, President of the Bay Area Indian Nurses Association (2024-2026)
Host: Jared Fesler, ANA\California Communications & Programs Manager
In this interview, Dr. Fatima Arastu, Founding President of the Bay Area Indian Nurses Association (BAINA), shares her journey and motivations for creating this organization. Dr. Arastu also discusses the challenges of starting BAINA and how her nursing background has shaped her advocacy efforts.
A CEO's Journey to Elevate Nursing News
Guest: Tamara AL-Yassin MBA, BSN, RN, CEN, PHN, CEO of The Nursing Beat
Host: Jared Fesler, ANA\California Communications & Programs Manager
Watch an insightful conversation with Tamara AL-Yassin, CEO and Board Member of The Nursing Beat and a long-time ANA\California member. In this episode, we explore Tamara's inspiring journey from an Emergency Department nurse to leading the only daily newsletter curated for nurses.
Joining an International Leadership Program
Guest: Lourdes Moldre MSN, BSN, RN, ACNP-BC
Host: Jared Fesler, ANA\California Communications & Programs Manager
In this episode, we chat with Lourdes Moldre to discuss her advocacy journey through the Filipino Young Leaders Program (FYLPRO). Learn:
Her role in addressing immigration and workforce issues facing Filipino nurses.
The challenges Filipino nurses encounter in entering and thriving within the U.S. healthcare system.
How her participation in FYLPRO is helping her connect with international leaders to drive change.
The steps she’s taking to create meaningful support systems for immigrant nurses in America.
How Legislation Improved Perinatal and Maternal Outcomes
Guest: Holly Smith, Health Policy Chair at California Nurse-Midwives Association
Host: Rachel Viale, 2023 Fellow
2023 Advocacy Institute Fellow Rachael Viale interviews Holly Smith, Health Policy Chair for the California Nurse-Midwives Association (CNMA), about SB 1237 (Dodd) regarding physician supervision of nurse-midwives. California was the last of three states in the country facing this hurdle - a contentious topic since before the 1950s. Impacts on perinatal outcomes, both geographically (rural communities) and ethnically (black maternal health), were realized, researched, and recorded.
Tobacco Use and Public Health
Guest: Dr. Stella Bialous, Profess of Social Behavioral Services at UCSF, School of Nursing
Host: Melissa Sablik, ANA\California Member & Joanne Powell Award Winner
ANA\California member Melissa Sablik interviews Dr. Stella Bialous, Professor of Social Behavioral Sciences at the School of Nursing, UCSF, and consultant with the World Health Organization’s Tobacco Free Initiative for over 15 years. Dr. Stella Bialous’ research focuses on the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, tobacco industry monitoring and building nurses’ capacity for tobacco control nationally and internationally.
Nursing Regulations: How to Raise the Value of Nurses' Services
Guest: BJ Bartleson, Former VP of Nursing at California Hospital Association
Host: Rachael Viale, 2023 Fellow
2023 Advocacy Institute Fellow Rachael Viale interviews BJ Bartleson, recent VP of Nursing for the California Hospital Association (CHA) where she lobbied for advancements in nursing practice and care delivery. BJ discusses the need of raising the value of nurses' services to the public, how there is a lack of nurses who have an understanding of nursing regulations, statutes, and standards in California, and the struggle to balance advocacy in a difficult role in the California Hospital Association.
Share your advocacy success story!
Nursing advocacy success stories not only inspire and motivate nurses to continue fighting for change but also educate policymakers and the public about the important work that nurses do. By sharing these stories, we amplify the voices of nurses and elevate the nursing profession to its deserved place of recognition and respect.
If you have a nursing advocacy success story of your own, we encourage you to reach out to us at communications@anacalifornia.org. Your story could be the catalyst for positive change in the lives of countless patients and healthcare providers.
In the next section of the Advocacy Institute Guide, we will share templates you can use to help you along your nursing advocacy journey.