A Passion for Advocacy: 2022 AACN Policy Summit

In March, ABSN student Dylan Butler attended the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) Student Policy Summit in Washington, D.C. and had the opportunity to engage in program sessions focused on the federal policy process and nursing’s role in professional advocacy.

He shared his thoughts about the experience and plans after graduation this May.

How did you first learn about the AACN Policy Summit and what motivated you to become involved?

I first learned about the AACN Student Policy Summit back in spring ’21. I attended the virtual session that was held as at the time COVID was too rampant to safely attend a conference such as the former. I was then inspired to apply for AACN’s Government Affairs and Policy Internship, to which I was offered and accepted a position back in fall ’21.

What did you enjoy most about the experience? Was a specific session especially helpful?

I enjoyed getting to hear and speak with former Congressman Alan Wheat. While all the guest speakers were phenomenal, hearing his story and getting to speak with him, I noticed similar patterns in both of our stories of life to where he made a personal impact on me. I got to briefly meet with him, where I thanked him for speaking to us and that he almost brought tears to my eyes, to which he responded “Almost? I guess I need to practice more” which showed how personable he was. It was even better to hear from my former mentors, who were the ones to plan the summit, that he told them I made an impression upon him.

What is the value of nursing advocacy work? Do you hope to pursue it in the future?

I think the value of nurse advocacy work is highly needed and appreciated on all levels. It is something that even now in my current studies and as I work at MUSC MUHA as a PCT and transition to an RN role that I hope to continue and build a foundational knowledge and skill set in. It is my hope to one day be an elected official, and this was even more solidified by attending the AACN 2022 SPS. I touched on this goal briefly alongside previous AACN Government Affairs and Policy Interns in our Open Panel Discussion of the internship and what it has done for us.

What are your plans after graduation this May?

After I graduate in May, I will be transitioning into a new graduate role here at MUSC at the Abdominal Organ Failure ICU (AICU). June 2022 will mark a year since I have worked in this unit throughout our many iterations of being a COVID ICU, Surgical Specialty and much more. I want to be able to gain the skill set and experience necessary to take on Capitol Hill and hopefully champion legislation as an advocate for nurses alongside other honorable members, such as Representative Lauren Underwood. 

I’ve had a passion for legislation and advocacy ever since my time at my previous institution where I was involved in Student Government and was one of many key figures within the organization. Here I was involved in key Health and Wellness initiatives for over 35,000 students.

—Dylan Butler