Reflections on Nurses in Washington Internship What a privilege it was to attend the Nurses in Washington Internship (NIWI) in our nation’s capital this year. In reflecting on the conference, and my time on the Hill my biggest emotion is one of awe and gratitude.

Awe at what a legacy our forefathers have given us in freedom and liberty that allows me, a regular old nurse from Charleston, South Carolina, to go to Capitol Hill to meet with my South Carolina Representatives to make my voice heard about Federal issues. Gratitude for the opportunity to participate this year and gratitude for our great nation.

Sitting at the conference with nurses from across the country who have varying levels of education and a wide breadth of experience I came away with a clearer sense of what advocacy for the RNS needs to look like, and I look forward to helping us all get more involved.

Advocacy feels big and I feel small but it is ‘DO-able’. It really is! Follow our Action Center, attend our Spring Summit where we will have a session titled “Living Nightingale’s Legacy: Advocating for Our Patients” and come to our Annual Conference in August where we will have more education and information on this subject.

Meanwhile, follow the representatives of your state and federal government on social media, make appointments to speak with them, take opportunities to attend their events, and make your voice heard. Also, stay tuned for more RNS Advocacy activities.

RNS Board Member and Advocacy Chair Karen McKerihan with Senator Lindsey Graham’s Office as part of the 2022 Nurses in Washington Internship (NIWI).

RNS Board Member and Advocacy Chair Karen McKerihan with the Office of Tim Scott as part of the 2022 Nurses in Washington Internship (NIWI).