As we approach the end of 2026, I find myself reflecting on both the challenges facing nursing and the incredible strength of our profession. This year has reminded me that advocacy is not simply something we do—it is an essential responsibility of nursing leadership.
As nurses, we understand the realities of healthcare because we experience them every day. We care for patients and families, educate our communities, support one another, lead healthcare teams, teach the next generation of nurses, and serve in countless roles across Kansas. When decisions are being made that affect nursing and healthcare, it is important that the voice of nursing is present at the table.
In June 2026, KSNA had the opportunity to bring that voice directly to our elected representatives. KSNA Membership Assembly Delegate Terri Roberts and I met with representatives from the offices of Senator Jerry Moran, Senator Roger Marshall, Representative Ron Estes, and directly with Representative Derek Schmidt. We discussed several issues that are important to the future of nursing, including graduate nursing education and student-loan policies, strengthening the nursing workforce, rural nursing and rural hospital concerns, and current issues affecting nursing in Kansas.
These conversations reinforced for me why advocacy matters. Not every policymaker will immediately share our perspective, but every conversation provides an opportunity to educate, provide information, and explain how policy decisions affect nurses, patients, and communities.
One issue of particular importance is access to graduate nursing education. Nurses pursue advanced education for many reasons. Some become nurse educators who prepare future generations of nurses. Others move into healthcare administration and leadership, while others advance their clinical practice and provide care in communities where healthcare providers are needed. As we continue addressing workforce challenges, we must also consider the barriers that may prevent nurses from advancing their education.
We also continue to recognize the unique challenges facing rural Kansas. Rural communities depend on nurses and healthcare organizations that often operate with limited resources while serving large geographic areas. Supporting rural hospitals, strengthening the nursing workforce, and expanding opportunities for nurses to practice and advance in rural communities must remain part of our ongoing conversations.
At the state level, KSNA continues to monitor and advocate regarding legislation and regulatory issues affecting nursing practice and the Kansas nursing workforce. Our responsibility is to remain informed, engaged, and willing to speak on behalf of the profession.
But advocacy is not limited to meetings at the Statehouse or in congressional offices. Advocacy begins with each of us. It happens when we educate a colleague, mentor a nursing student, participate in our professional organization, contact an elected representative, serve on a committee, or simply speak up when we see an opportunity to improve healthcare.
As we move into the final months of 2026, I encourage every Kansas nurse to consider the influence you have. Your experience matters. Your knowledge matters. Your voice matters.
I am especially grateful for the nurses who continue to step forward to serve KSNA and the nursing profession. Professional organizations are only as strong as the members who participate in them. Whether you are a new graduate, an experienced bedside nurse, an advanced practice nurse, educator, administrator, retired nurse, or serving in another area of healthcare, there is a place for your voice within KSNA.
As we celebrate the holiday season and prepare to welcome a new year, I hope you will take time to recognize the difference you have made in the lives of others. Nursing is demanding work, but it is also meaningful work. Every day, nurses make a difference in ways that may never appear in a chart, a statistic, or a report.
Thank you for your dedication to your patients, your communities, and to one another. Thank you for supporting the nursing profession and for being willing to advocate for its future.
Together, we will continue to strengthen nursing, support one another, and ensure that the voice of Kansas nurses remains strong.
Wishing you and your families a safe, healthy, and meaningful holiday season.
Dr. Linda Moody
President
Kansas State Nurses Association
