From the Bedside to the Ballot: Why Nurses Belong in Politics

Nurses spend their careers advocating for patients. But what happens when they take that advocacy beyond the bedside and into the halls of government? Recorded live at the Texas Association of Nurse Anesthesiology State Meeting, Sharon and Jeremy welcome two nurses who have made politics and public service part of their professional journeys: Texas State Representative Donna Howard and Holly Jeffreys, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, PMHNP-BC, CRHCP, a rural healthcare leader and candidate for the Texas House. Coming from different political parties but sharing a nursing background, Donna and Holly offer a revealing look at how healthcare policy actually gets made, why relationships matter more than political talking points, and what it takes to make meaningful change. Here’s some of what you’ll hear in this episode: 🏛️ Nurses belong in policymaking because bedside experience reveals problems lawmakers may overlook. 🤝 Relationships drive legislation, and bipartisan cooperation is essential for meaningful change. 🩺 Scope-of-practice restrictions and workforce shortages continue to challenge Texas healthcare. 📣 CRNAs can influence policy by building relationships with legislators before issues reach a vote. 🗳️ Political involvement takes persistence, but nurses don't need to hold office to make a difference.   Learn more about Rep. Donna Howard: https://house.texas.gov/members/3310/biography Learn more about Holly Jeffreys: https://www.hollyjeffreysfortexas.com/ Donate to Our Hears Your Hands: https://www.ourheartsyourhands.org/donate Visit us online: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/ The 1099 CRNA Institute: https://aana.com/1099 Want to get CE Credit for listening? Go here: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/special-announcement-ce-credt/ Now you can watch the show on YouTube! Check it out here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCknrmkRxiwtYk7LUjSV6wmw?sub_confirmation=1