SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Whether marching through the streets of downtown Springfield or listening to speakers inside the Prairie Capital Convention Center, about 1,000 student nurses weren’t afraid to use their voices.

The 15th annual Student Nurse Political Action Day on April 24 brought together students from around the state to get familiar with the political process, meet state legislators and learn that their voices matter.

"It’s an important day," said Illinois Nurses Association President Karen Kelly, RN, EdD, NEA-BC. "It’s a great opportunity for students to learn that legislators are just people. My state senator used to live across the street from me."

Student Nurses Association of Illinois President Kelsie Guehler of Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, Ill., said students are urged to participate and get more comfortable with legislation on the local, state and national levels.

"It gives them the encouragement to use their voices," she said after marching with fellow students from the convention center to the Capitol building carrying a large banner that read "Nurses Change Lives." "A lot of them don’t realize how much of an impact they have. For them to come down here and learn about what’s going on in the Capitol ... that is really important to their nursing education."

Deb Eagan, the SNAI’s director of legislation, shared her own change of heart regarding political action. A student at Peoria’s Methodist College of Nursing, Eagan "was not a fan of politics. I didn’t want to hear or talk about it," she said.

"I have learned that as nurses, we have the power to help educate our political leaders of today and tomorrow to make the right choices when it comes to passing legislation regarding healthcare," Eagan said. "Please don’t walk away from here thinking, 'I am only one person.’"

Kelly, who said she has been involved in the INA since the 1970s, told students that political action is a benefit of being part of professional organizations.

"[Nursing organizations] have served me well," she said. "The profession needs people to shape it, grow it and protect it because there are a lot of people out there ... who would like to take control of nursing and tell us what to do. So you have to learn how to advocate for the profession and for yourself as a professional."

Additionally, students benefit from interacting with others and educating legislators about nursing issues.

For those who encounter some trepidation in dealing with legislators, Guehler urged her fellow students to lean on each other.

"The first time being down here, it’s definitely scary," she said. "You’re looking at a huge building. You’re talking to really important people. I always encourage students to go in a group. That way, you have the experience of speaking with a senator, but you don’t feel all alone doing it."

Along with sharing the experience with hundreds of students from dozens of schools, Guehler said her personal gains are important as well.

"I get the leadership experience," she said. "The leadership opportunities are endless, and leadership is essential to the nursing practice."

Barry Bottino is a regional editor.