CSM nursing students’ Nebraska Legislature visit inspires advocacy for healthcare policy

OMAHA, Neb. – Students at College of Saint Mary (CSM) understand the importance of being socially responsible and becoming advocates for the needs of the community. 

CSM nursing students and faculty recently attended Nebraska Student Nurse Day at the Nebraska State Capitol. 

“Taking students to this event is an invaluable opportunity to bridge classroom learning with real-world advocacy. Nursing is not only about providing care at the bedside—it is also about influencing policies that shape patient outcomes and the future of healthcare,” said Megan Ray, director of undergraduate nursing. “Engaging with legislators helps students see firsthand how their voices can make a difference, reinforcing the importance of advocacy in their professional roles.” 

  The event, organized by the Nebraska Nurses Association (NNA), aimed to energize involvement in legislative advocacy by giving nurses and students the opportunity to learn about healthcare policy and connect with nursing professionals and policymakers. 

“This experience aligns closely with the mission of College of Saint Mary, which emphasizes leadership, service and social responsibility. By empowering our students to advocate for their patients and profession, we are preparing them to be change agents in healthcare.” Ray said. 

Over 100 nursing students from across the state attended Nebraska Student Nurse Day. 

“It was an incredible opportunity to represent the future of nursing in Nebraska. We learned how bills are passed and how powerful nurses’ voices are in shaping those decisions,” said Lorena Ramirez, a senior nursing student. “The Nebraska Nurses Association emphasized how essential nurses’ involvement is in advocating for patients, nurses and the improvement of healthcare. I did not realize that we as nurses have such an important and vital voice in driving meaningful and lasting change!” 

Students met with state senators to discuss bills focused on healthcare policy, observed a legislative debate and attended a Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) committee hearing session.  

“Seeing the process firsthand and contributing to help pass laws that will benefit nurses and the recipients they care for will leave a lasting impression for what will be a lifetime of advocacy for these soon-to-be registered nurses,” said Angie Washington, a senior nursing student. 

Students in CSM’s nursing programs become highly respected, skilled and compassionate nurses who are sought after by prominent healthcare facilities in the Midwest. The state-of-the-art health professions skills and simulation center on campus and diverse clinical experiences prepare students for successful careers in healthcare. 

CSM offers multiple pathways to become a nurse – Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), Licensed Practice Nurse (LPN) to BSN and a Practical Nursing Certificate program.