2024 Nurses Day at the Capitol - APRNs Working Together for Better Health Care

"Attending Nurses Day at the Capitol 2023 was empowering—I sought knowledge for advocacy, ensuring my voice represents patients, colleagues, and myself. Feeling a little nervous, I was fortunate to have an experienced APRN mentor by my side, guiding me through the process. This helped me to confidently engage with legislators, by doing what I do each day: educate on the APRN role.”

- ISAPN President Elect April Odom, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC

On April 17 nurses from all over the state of Illinois have a chance to come together to make their voices heard by law makers and bring about positive change in healthcare. This event is an opportunity to make job challenges heard to policy makers. The day also takes the time to thank nurses for their unwavering dedication to their patients and the essential work they do every day. ISAPN is the Voice of APRNs in Illinois. No other organization in Illinois is dedicated to representing ALL APRN specialties. Join us this year for Nurses Day at the Capitol, and help be a part of the change!

3 Reasons You Should Join ISAPN for Nurses Day at the Capitol 

1. Advocacy for Nursing Profession and Policy Influence:
   
   Nurses Day at the Capitol provides an opportunity to influence healthcare policy. Make issues like prescribing policies and practice barriers known to lawmakers. By joining this event, nurses have the chance to share their expertise and help make the right changes to healthcare. Join ISAPN at the Capitol and help shape legislation that impacts healthcare delivery and nursing practice.

   
   “In 2023 the ultimate highlight was witnessing the passage of SB199—an incredible moment where I felt a genuine sense of contribution. Being part of breaking down barriers and propelling the future of APRN practice filled me with empowerment as a leader in action.”

   - ISAPN President Elect April Odom, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC
   
   

2. Patient Advocacy:
   

   
   This event allows nurses to advocate for policies that enhance patient safety, improve access to healthcare services, and address the unique healthcare needs of different populations.
   

   

   
   "Nurses Day at the Capitol is an important opportunity for us to be able to demonstrate to our legislators that we are educated, informed advocates for our patients, their constituents. We can provide valuable guidance for them regarding laws, pertaining to healthcare issues. If we are not active in advocating for laws that affect our practice and the patients we serve, somebody else will be."

   - ISAPN President Stephanie Crawford, DNP APRN
   
   

3. Networking and Collaboration and Community Engagement:
   
   

   The event fosters networking and collaboration among nurses. It provides a platform for nurses to connect with colleagues, share best practices, and build a supportive community. Networking is essential for creating a unified voice and a stronger impact when advocating for healthcare-related issues.

   
   

   Nurses Day at the Capitol also serves to engage the broader community. By raising awareness about healthcare issues and involving the public in advocacy efforts, nurses can build support for policies that positively impact healthcare delivery and patient outcomes.

Shape the Future of Healthcare by Joining the Day

 

The 2024 Nurses Day at the Capitol in Illinois is not just an event; it is a call to action for nurses to be active participants in shaping the future of healthcare. As we come together to make our job challenges heard by policymakers, let us also take a moment to celebrate the unwavering dedication of nurses to their patients and the essential work they do every day. 

“Returning to Nurses Day this year is my commitment to continue the journey. Our work is ongoing, and I embrace the responsibility to stand up, inspired by those who paved the way for me and those who will follow. It's not just a personal choice; it's my professional duty to elevate our profession and advocate for its progress." 

- ISAPN President Elect April Odom, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC

Join ISAPN in making a meaningful impact at the Capitol on Nurses Day and be a vital part of the positive change we aim to bring to healthcare. Together, let's make a difference and shape a better future for nursing and healthcare in our state. Register for Nurses Day at the Capitol with ISAPN today!