On February 19th, the city of Lincoln witnessed a powerful mobilization of more than 200 registered nurses and student nurses converged for the annual Nebraska Nurses Association (NNA) Nurses Day at the Legislature. This was the first time both registered nurses and student nurses were brought together for this event since the start of the pandemic. The large turnout served as a definitive statement of professional unity, bringing together nursing leaders from every corner of the state to exert their collective influence on the legislative process.
Leading the Charge: Morning Presentations and Preparation
The day’s activities commenced with a series of strategic presentations designed to empower attendees with the tools necessary for high-level advocacy. Before engaging with policymakers, attendees were expertly briefed on the nuances of legislative influence and the current political landscape. Key leadership contributions included:
- Blake Smith (NNA President): Provided the opening welcome and established the day’s strategic objectives, framing the essential role of the nurse-advocate in protecting the profession.
- Blair MacDonald (NNA Lobbyist): Conducted a “deep dive” into the Nebraska legislative process. Her comprehensive training session was instrumental in ensuring that every participant was prepared to navigate the Capitol with confidence and professional authority.
- Jed Hansen (Nebraska Rural Health Executive Director): Provided insight into his introduction into health policy and advocacy work, negotiating with stakeholders to find common ground and activating both professional and community members to promote policy that supports health for Nebraskans in all areas of the state.
- Libby Mollard (Certified Nurse Midwife): Discussed her work with spearheading initiatives for CNM’s in Nebraska and her introduction and journey in health policy advocacy initiatives.
- Alecia Neidig, Wendy Ramaekers and Natalie Sprunk (Nursing Representatives from Columbus Community Hospital and UNMC) discussed Policy Success: The Lifespan of Legislative Bill 227. The presentation highlighted the significance of LB227 in fostering partnerships between hospitals and nursing programs to expand clinical site rotations for nursing students in Nebraska.
Equipped with professional insight, the advocates moved to the heart of the day’s mission: direct engagement with state senators. The NNA prioritized three critical bills during these high-impact discussions:
LB936- Support-Provide for the use of fluoroscopy by medical radiographers in collaboration with nurse practitioners under the
- Uniform Credentialing Act.
- LB1217- Support-Authorize schools to maintain epinephrine for emergency first aid.
- vLB1234- Oppose-Adopt the Freestanding Birth Center Act.
By providing these expert insights, our members ensured that the nursing perspective, grounded in frontline experience and clinical excellence, remained at the forefront of the senators’ policy considerations.
A HISTORIC SIGHT: RECOGNITION IN THE CHAMBER
The afternoon provided one of the most visually commanding moments when a sea of over 200 nurses and student nurses walked unified toward the State Capitol to witness the legislative process in action. The magnitude of nursing’s influence was noted when our delegation filled both sides of the balcony and were formally recognized in the Nebraska Legislative chamber.
The 2026 Nurses Day at the Legislature was more than a day of observation: it was a day of transformative action. The work of advocacy is a year-round commitment. If you were unable to join us in Lincoln this year, I urge you to claim your voice today. Ensure your NNA membership is current and consider giving to the NNA Political Action Committee (PAC) to stay at the forefront of our policy efforts. Together, we will continue to promote the nursing perspective as a foundation of Nebraska’s healthcare policy.
