Hey there, my fellow advocates! I hope you all had a great holiday—whatever that looked like for you—and are kicking off the new year strong with your resolutions. I know we all talk about self-care, and I’m right there with you, but I’m here to tell you that nursing advocacy needs to be at the top of that list this year. Why? Because without it, we can’t create the changes we need for ourselves, our profession, and our patients.
I get asked all the time, "How can we advocate and make real change?" Well, the answer starts with understanding how change works and why our voices matter. We’re a million strong, and we’ve got the power to make a real difference. It’s time to stop waiting for change to happen to us and start making it happen for us.
Why This Matters
As nurses, we’re experts in patient care, but we also need to become experts in advocating for the policies that affect our work. The laws that govern nursing—everything from staffing ratios to licensure—are made by people who often don’t know what it’s like to work a 12-hour shift in a busy hospital or clinic. That’s why it’s crucial we get involved and make sure our voices are heard.
Real-World Advocacy
I recently spoke to Citizen Nurse: Gilanie De Castro, RN, who has been a trailblazer in bringing nurses into civic discussions. Her work proves that one voice can make a difference. Whether it’s running for office, lobbying for better workplace policies, or organizing community health initiatives, nurses like Gilanie are paving the way for the rest of us.
Contact/Follow The Citizen Nurse:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/citizennurse/
Email: gilanie.decastro@gmail.com