WEST LIBERTY, W.Va. — West Liberty University nursing students and faculty member Jessica Davis recently attended the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) Deans and Student Summit in Washington, D.C.
During the conference and related Capitol Hill advocacy efforts, WLU representatives engaged with national leaders to support nursing education and workforce initiatives. Their involvement reflects WLU’s continued commitment to preparing practice-ready nurses and advancing health care at both the state and national levels.
“Participating in the American Association of Colleges of Nursing Deans Annual Meeting with our students was a powerful reminder of why we do this work,” said Davis. “Watching them engage in advocacy and witness national nursing leadership in action reinforces our mission at West Liberty University to prepare confident, practice-ready nurses who will lead change in healthcare.”
More than 240 baccalaureate and graduate nursing students from 117 schools across 44 states and Washington, D.C., attended the Student Policy Summit (SPS). During the two-day event, students attended in-person sessions focused on the federal policy process and nursing’s role in professional advocacy. Presenters included representatives from the Health Resources and Services Administration, the National Institute of Nursing Research, congressional staff, and a former member of Congress.
“Attending the AACN Student Policy Summit gave me the incredible opportunity to step beyond the classroom and see firsthand how nursing voices can influence healthcare policy at the national level,” said nursing student Jarynn Hartman. “Engaging with policymakers and fellow students from across the country taught me the importance of advocacy and showed me that as a future nurse, my role extends farther beyond patient care. I am so grateful to have represented West Liberty’s Nursing Program.”
Nursing student Tiana Tauber echoed this experience.
“Attending the AACN Student Policy Summit was a truly transformative experience. It empowered me to find my voice in political advocacy and recognize the vital role nurses play in shaping healthcare policy,” said Tauber. “I left feeling inspired, informed, and motivated to advocate not only for my patients, but for the nursing profession as a whole. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to attend and represent West Liberty University’s Nursing Department. This was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience that will continue to influence my future as a nurse leader.”
The AACN conference brought together academic nursing leaders to discuss the future of nursing education and the health care workforce. Discussions focused on implementing competency-based education aligned with the AACN Essentials, preparing students for the Next Generation NCLEX, and integrating emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence into nursing curricula. The conference also highlighted strategies to address workforce shortages, strengthen academic-practice partnerships, and advocate for federal support of nursing education.
While there, the WLU group also participated in Day on the Hill, advocating for the future of nursing and health care. Students met with members of the United States House of Representatives and United States Senate, sharing their voices on issues that matter most to nurses and patients alike.
“This experience provided our students with firsthand insight into healthcare policy, leadership, and the power of advocacy in nursing,” said Davis. “We are so proud of their professionalism, passion, and commitment to shaping the future of healthcare.”
The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) is the voice for academic nursing, representing more than 890 member schools of nursing at public and private institutions nationwide. AACN works to establish quality standards for nursing education; assists schools in implementing those standards; influences the nursing profession to improve health care; and promotes public support for professional nursing education, research, and practice.
West Liberty University blends a small-town environment with a comprehensive college experience, fostering students’ aspirations through hands-on learning, personalized support, and unique academic programs at both undergraduate and graduate levels. To apply or learn more about West Liberty University, visit westliberty.edu.
Media Contact:
Rhone Thrash
West Liberty University
rhone.thrash@westliberty.edu
