UA Little Rock Nursing Students and Faculty Participate in Nurses Day at the Capitol
Approximately 40 nursing students and faculty members from the UA Little Rock School of Nursing joined hundreds of nurses from across the state at the Arkansas State Capitol for the annual Nurses Day at the Capitol.
Hosted by the Arkansas Nurses Association on Feb. 13, the event drew a record 650 participants this year, making it the largest gathering to date. The day’s agenda included a legislative briefing, advocacy training, meetings with legislators, and networking opportunities.
Joanna Hall, director of the Center for Simulation Innovation and assistant professor of nursing, emphasized the importance of the event for nursing students.
“This is a highlight of our year,” Hall said. “The students get to see the strength that comes with using their voice and the value of collective action. There are numerous bills that impact nursing this legislative session, including bills that address scope of practice issues, maternal mortality, compensation for school nurses, and surgical smoke evacuation in operating rooms.”
Lindsay Summers, a freshman nursing major from Greenbrier and mother of two, found the opportunity to witness the legislative process first-hand particularly impactful.
“After the initial morning meeting, we visited the Capitol and sat in on committee hearings,” Summers said. “This was definitely my favorite part of the day! I had no idea that the public could attend these meetings and see how laws are discussed and put into motion. It was an incredible experience to watch these discussions unfold and understand how decisions at the state level affect nursing and patient care.”
Summers also enjoyed the chance to connect with fellow nursing students from around the state.
“It is important for those of us studying the profession to follow our dreams and be allowed to advocate for why we chose this career—to help others and provide the best care possible,” she said. “This event reinforced how crucial it is for nurses to have a voice in shaping healthcare policies, as our experiences on the front lines provide valuable insights into improving patient outcomes.”
Summers plans to continue her education after earning her Associate of Science in Nursing, with goals of obtaining her bachelor’s degree and master’s degree. She hopes to work in the transplant field, a passion she has had since childhood.
“This was my first time attending Nurses Day at the Capitol, but it won’t be my last,” she said. “I’ll be attending again next year and plan to continue participating after graduation. I am truly grateful for this opportunity to attend Nurses Day at the Capitol and represent the UA Little Rock School of Nursing and to use my voice alongside others to advocate for what matters most and to drive meaningful change within the healthcare system.”