Abstract: My experiences as a student nurse and as a nursing assistant ignited a passion for making a difference, beginning with the moment I witnessed a death. At that moment, I realized the importance of nursing care and my limited ability to influence the health care system. Nurses must amplify their voices to address the systemic challenges in health care delivery. This article describes my internship with the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) and the phenomena impacting rural health and communities today. Over 100 rural hospitals have closed, thousands of services are being cut, and millions of rural citizens are left stranded without vital health care. During my AACN internship, I learned how federal and state funding and legislation affect health care at every level, and the significance of engagement in policy work. This article serves as a call to action, providing practical resources applicable to all nurses, regardless of their position or level of practice.
Nic Burgdorf (Mon,) studied this question.