Breaking Barriers: How Nurses Can Elevate Their Voices in Media

In the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, an ICU nurse took to social media to share an unfiltered account of the emotional and physical toll frontline healthcare workers were facing. Her post went viral, capturing the attention of national news outlets. Overnight, she became a voice for countless nurses struggling under the weight of an unprecedented crisis. Her story was not just a reflection of personal resilience but a testament to the broader struggles of the nursing profession.

Her experience exemplifies the power nurses hold when they step into the media spotlight. Yet, despite their vital role in patient care and health outcomes, nurses remain largely absent from mainstream media narratives. The Woodhull Study Revisited (2017) found that nurses are cited as sources in only 2% of health-related news stories, compared to 18% for physicians. Additionally, while women make up 88% of the nursing workforce, they are underrepresented as media sources at just 36%.

When nurses are absent from these conversations, misinformation can spread unchecked, and policymakers may overlook the perspectives of those who provide direct patient care. So, how can nurses and healthcare institutions help change this?

At ANA\California’s Nurses in Media Day 2025, industry experts, journalists, and nurse advocates explored actionable solutions to these challenges. To explore how these solutions come to life, watch the full recording of Nurses in Media Day 2025 below and read the article for a recap of key insights from the event, guidance on how nurses can secure a seat at the media table, and highlights from nurses who attended.

"At ANA\California's Nurses in Media Day, voices unite to ignite change. Every nurse has a story that inspires, educates, and advocates—let your story shape the future and serve as a beacon of hope, a ray of understanding, and a call to action." - Dr. Nimian Bauder, DNP, APRN, AGCNS-BC, NPD-BC, EBP-C

Attending Nurses in Media Day was truly fascinating! I never realized how much of an impact nurses can have through media, whether it’s raising awareness or advocating for better healthcare. It was eye-opening to see how media can be such a powerful tool in our profession. - Erin McMahon, Nursing Student

Overcoming Barriers: How Nurses and Healthcare Institutions Can Improve Media Representation

Nurses often face personal and systemic barriers that prevent them from engaging with the media. These include restrictive media policies, a lack of institutional support, and limited pathways for nurses to share their expertise publicly. This is compounded by a lack of confidence, fear of job loss, license concerns, or retaliation from employers, discouraging them from speaking up. Without a structured approach and support from their institutions, nurses may feel vulnerable and unsure how to navigate media interactions effectively. Here are effective strategies for change:

Updating Institutional Media Policies

Many healthcare organizations have outdated or overly restrictive media policies that discourage nurses from speaking publicly. Revising these policies to clarify when and how nurses can engage with media is essential. Encouraging proactive media engagement rather than reactive crisis management can change the narrative around nurses in the public eye.

Creating Direct Pathways to PR & Communications Teams

Nurses should have clear, structured avenues to connect with communications teams within their institutions, ensuring their voices are proactively included in media opportunities. When institutions recognize the value of nurses as media sources, they can build systems that highlight nursing expertise across a wide range of topics.

Supporting Professional Development

Institutions should invest in media training workshops, public speaking courses, and mentorship programs that empower nurses to confidently engage with journalists. Expanding these opportunities to include social media training and crisis communication strategies ensures nurses are well-prepared for various media interactions.

Fostering a Culture of Media Engagement

Hospitals and healthcare organizations can celebrate nurses who engage in media work by recognizing them through awards, internal newsletters, and professional development incentives. Acknowledging and rewarding media engagement can motivate more nurses to step into these roles.

When these barriers are addressed, nurses can actively contribute to public discourse on healthcare issues, improving both patient outcomes and policy decisions.

"Nurse voices as clinical experts are just waiting to be tapped and shared. Nurses in Media Day was a great reminder that our work expands beyond the bedside. Our voices are necessary, and we are not alone. We are part of growing something great for society. This is the beginning of something so important for our world!" - Dr. Deborah Finn-Romero, DNP, RN, PHN, CNE, PACT

What Makes a Story Compelling to Media Professionals

Media professionals are constantly looking for fresh, insightful stories that resonate with their audiences. Nurses have the unique ability to provide perspectives that are both human and grounded in real-world experience. However, understanding what makes a story compelling to journalists can make the difference between a pitch that gets noticed and one that gets overlooked.

Elements of a Compelling Story:

• Personal Connection: Journalists are drawn to personal narratives that evoke emotion and create a connection with the audience. Nurses are often in the trenches of healthcare crises and can offer a compelling human side to medical stories.

• Timeliness: Health and medical topics are often in the public eye due to ongoing issues, such as flu seasons, pandemics, or policy debates. Nurses can tap into these trends by offering timely insights that align with current events.

• Impact: Nurses can showcase how their work directly affects patient outcomes, communities, and healthcare policy. This type of insight highlights the significance of the nursing profession in shaping the future of healthcare

• Expertise: Offering data-driven insights, scientific research, and evidence-based practice can further bolster a nurse's credibility as a source.

By crafting stories that include these elements, nurses can better engage with journalists and improve their chances of getting media coverage.

To learn more about how nurses can strategically influence media narratives, read the article "How Nurses Can Influence Media Narratives" by Alan Merritt, Editor-in-Chief.

"I really enjoyed ANA\California's Nurses in Media Day webinar. Speakers were amazing, messages were right on. Nursing is the most respected profession, but we need respect as leaders in healthcare as well as bedside care experts."- Dr. Charles A. Griffis, PhD, CRNA, FAANA

Leveraging Social Media to Drive Earned Media Opportunities

In today’s digital landscape, social media has become a pivotal tool for amplifying nursing voices and driving earned media opportunities. A well-crafted tweet or LinkedIn post can not only raise awareness about important issues but can also catch the attention of journalists who are actively searching for expert sources. Platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube offer additional opportunities to expand your reach and establish a strong digital presence.

By strategically engaging with media and showcasing expertise, nurses can elevate their voices and increase their chances of being featured in news stories. Here are several best practices for leveraging social media to maximize earned media opportunities:

• Engage with Journalists: Actively follow and engage with health reporters on platforms like X (Twitter), LinkedIn, and Instagram. Comment thoughtfully on their articles, offer insights, and build relationships. Personalized interactions can lead to future media opportunities and help establish trust with journalists.

• Monitor News Trends: Stay up to date on current health-related issues by following trending hashtags like #NurseAdvocacy, #HealthcarePolicy, and #NursesInMedia. Joining and contributing to these conversations can enhance your visibility and position you as an engaged and informed expert on critical topics.

• Post Thoughtful Content: Share personal experiences, policy perspectives, and educational threads on various social media platforms. By providing valuable, well-researched content that offers solutions or new perspectives, you increase your likelihood of being recognized as a thought leader in the nursing community.

• Be Consistent: Consistency is key in establishing credibility and increasing visibility. Regularly post updates, share insights, or highlight key moments in your career. The more you contribute to the conversation, the more likely you are to be noticed by both journalists and your peers.

• Utilize Video Content: Short explainer videos, patient stories, or advocacy-driven content can help boost engagement and visibility. Platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube allow you to connect with a wider audience while demonstrating your expertise in dynamic ways. Video content is often shared more widely, amplifying your message.

• Collaborate with Influencers and Advocacy Groups: Partner with fellow nurses, nursing organizations, or healthcare influencers to broaden your audience. Collaborations can help amplify your message and give you access to new networks of journalists and media professionals looking for relevant stories.

"Nurses in Media Day was a great reminder that our work expands beyond the bedside. Our voices are necessary, and we are not alone." - Dr. Deborah Finn-Romero, DNP, RN, PHN, CNE, PACT

I truly enjoyed attending Nurses in Media Day 2025. I was impressed by the additional webinars designed to educate nurses and others on effectively using social media to get their points across. The event featured many members with extensive media knowledge, including professionals from magazines and news outlets. If I ever have a petition related to nurses, I would have definitely brought it to ANA\California for advice and guidance. - Amorette Florez, Nursing Student

Final Thoughts: Shaping the Future of Nursing in Media

Nurses are uniquely positioned to improve public health outcomes, yet their voices remain underrepresented in mainstream media. By actively engaging in storytelling, leveraging social media, and advocating for policy changes within their institutions, nurses can shift the media landscape in ways that benefit both healthcare workers and the communities they serve.

To help you amplify your voice and make a significant impact, ANA\California is offering an exclusive Advocacy Message and Media Training on May 20, 2025, from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM. This virtual training will provide you with the tools, strategies, and confidence to craft powerful advocacy messages and engage effectively with the media. You’ll gain insights into overcoming barriers, maintaining composure on camera, and understanding how your institution’s media policy can impact your opportunities.

Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable skills and join a growing community of media-trained nurses. Equip yourself to step confidently into the world of advocacy and media, and start shaping the future of nursing in media today.