Apply now for scholarship to attend
2008 Nurse in Washington program

The program, which gives participants the opportunity to learn from health policy experts, members of Congress and other government officials and to network with nurses from around the country, is sponsored by the Nursing Organizations Alliance, an umbrella group of national nursing organizations, including AORN.

Each year, AORN's National Legislative Committee offers scholarships to help members learn more about the legislative process and become more informed advocates who can support nursing legislation. "NIWI provides such an expansive view of how politics extends beyond the local arena to the state and national level," said Sharon Robinson, RN, MS, CNOR, chair of the AORN committee. "The education gained at NIWI empowers members-giving them the knowledge and confidence to be active in legislative activities."

Last year's NLC Scholarship recipients, Susan McNaboe, RN, CRNFA, and Pamela Appleton, RN, BS, CNOR, not only learned about advocacy and the legislative process, they also had an opportunity to meet with legislators and talk about why current nursing legislation, such as bills to support an RN circulator need to be passed. The AORN members also answered legislators' questions about their perioperative practice.

"One very interesting question that was asked while talking to legislative assistants was 'What is the difference between a patient's health and a patient's safety?'" McNaboe recalled. "I took this opportunity to explain that patient safety is a major responsibility to a perioperative nurse and shared just a few of the things we do to keep our patients safe."

After NIWI activities wound up, Appleton extended her stay in Washington to attend a weekly constituent coffee hosted by Illinois' two Democratic senators. She had been invited to the event by Sen. Dick Durbin after corresponding with him about a healthcare issue in previous months.

"I took this opportunity to introduce myself to the group and explained that I am a perioperative nurse who won a scholarship from AORN to attend NIWI. I also shared my concerns about the nursing shortage," Appleton said. "NIWI was such an energizing experience. You could just feel the enthusiasm of everyone involved, and being able to speak with legislators about nursing was so empowering."

Since attending NIWI, Appleton and McNaboe have shared their Washington experiences with their AORN chapter members, other nursing groups and nursing students. They also have remained active in local AORN grassroots legislative efforts. To register and join them in supporting AORN's grassroots efforts, send an email to grassroots@aorn.org.

*Note: Further event information will be reported when NIWI organizers finalize event dates.