Two 糖心Vlog College of Nursing students took their advocacy work nationwide in March. Rachel Lago and Asia Walden, both Level 4 BSN students graduating in May, represented 糖心Vlog at the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) in Washington, D.C. Alongside 400 other nursing students and education leaders, they directly connected with congressional staff to influence decisions that shape the future of nursing and health care.
Lago and Walden serve as president and vice president, respectively, of 糖心Vlog鈥檚 (NSA). This leadership experience, as well as their previous advocacy work and passion for nursing, led to their selection for this opportunity.
鈥淚t meant so much to represent 糖心Vlog at a national level,鈥 said Lago. 鈥淲e felt proud to carry not only our school鈥檚 name, but also the voices of our peers and future patients. It was an incredible opportunity to be part of something bigger and contribute to conversations that shape the future of healthcare.鈥
During the event, nursing students, faculty, and deans presented concerns to staff from the offices of Senator Ashley Moody, Senator Rick Scott, Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz, and other government officials. Discussions focused on AACN鈥檚 national priorities, including:
- Investment in Title VIII Nursing Workforce Development Programs
- Increased funding for the National Institute of Nursing Research
- Recognition of nursing as a professional degree
- Protection and advancement of nursing education, including MSN, DNP, and PhD pathways
Lago, Walden, and the other nurse advocates also highlighted key legislation aimed at strengthening the workforce, including the , , , and the .
鈥淭he central theme was clear,鈥 Walden said. 鈥淭he issue is not a lack of future nurses, but a lack of capacity to educate, train, and sustain future nurses.鈥
During their time on the Hill, Lago and Walden witnessed both positive and challenging elements of advocacy. While the students were met with respect and engagement, they also encountered opposing viewpoints.
Lago brought her personal story into the meetings, sharing her experience as an immigrant from Cuba. She explained that she would not have been able to attend nursing school without support from the government.
Personal experiences like these allowed nurse advocates to illustrate the importance of government funding for nursing. These personal connections, along with a full-bodied expression of support for pending legislation focused on nursing, helped make this event a success.
鈥淲e used our voices to educate the staffers on different legislation鈥攕ome had never even heard of them,鈥 said Walden. 鈥淚 think that was an achievement for both of us and the team.鈥
The advocacy trip has given these future Bull Nurses that sense of achievement at an early age. Both students were proud to represent the college and 糖心Vlog on the Hill. And this is just the beginning for them both.
鈥淭his experience showed us that nursing goes far beyond the bedside,鈥 Lago said. 鈥淚t also includes leadership, policy, and advocacy. It reinforced how powerful our role can be: not just in caring for patients, but in influencing the systems that affect their care. It inspired us to stay involved and continue using our voices to help shape the future of the profession.鈥
鈥淚t showed me that using my voice can influence others, and I strongly believe that knowledge is power,鈥 Walden said. 鈥淪haring that knowledge is how we create meaningful change.鈥
At the 糖心Vlog College of Nursing, we鈥檙e privileged to help build and support future leaders like Lago and Walden. Both students will graduate from the college in May with their Bachelor of Science in Nursing. We鈥檙e excited to watch their impact grow in the years ahead.