CDU Nursing Students Champion Advocacy at the 2024 AACN Student Policy Summit
Jewel Powe and Lucille Guignon, two proactive students from Charles Drew University’s Entry Level Master’s program, recently attended the 2024 AACN Student Policy Summit in Washington, D.C., an enriching experience that expanded their views on nursing’s role in policy and advocacy. Held in March, the summit convened nursing students from across the nation, providing a platform to dive deep into the federal policy process.
The conference kicked off with an inspiring quote projected in the Georgetown Washington Marriott conference room: “We in America do not have a government by the majority. We have a government by the majority who participate.” – Thomas Jefferson. This set the tone for the event, reminding attendees of the significant impact they can have through active participation.
The summit focused on three pivotal areas: nursing workforce development, educational pathways, research, and advocating for federal student loan repayments. Throughout the two-day event, Powe and Guignon engaged in sessions that delved into the Title VIII Nursing Workforce Development Program and the Future Advancement of Academic Nursing (FAAN) Act, among other topics.
Highlights included an engaging dialogue with Rear Admiral Jennifer Moon, Chief Nurse Officer for the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, who discussed the diverse career paths within the nursing field. Another standout moment was a panel featuring seasoned professionals like Colleen Leners, Lindsey Harris, and Justin Bala-Hampton, who shared insights on merging nursing with policy to drive change.
On the second day, the CDU students met with congressional staff members from the offices of Senator Laphonza Butler, Senator Alex Padilla, Congressman Brad Sherman, Congressman Scott Peters, and Congresswoman Maxine Waters. These meetings were crucial; Jewel and Lucille presented AACN’s requests, shared personal experiences as nursing students, and discussed the necessity for additional funding.
The congress members’ staff listened intently and pledged their support, reinforcing the students’ belief in the impact of their advocacy. This experience transformed Powe and Guignon from observers to active participants in shaping healthcare policy.
Reflecting on their experience, both students expressed a renewed sense of purpose. The 2024 AACN Student Policy Summit was more than just a conference; it was a catalyst for empowerment, inspiring them to use their voices collectively to influence the future of nursing.