The Florida Nurses Association, in partnership with the Florida Nurse Practitioner Network, successfully hosted its 2025 Advocacy Days on February 19–20 in Tallahassee. Over 150 nurses, students, and nursing leaders gathered to speak up for key legislative priorities and make their voices heard at the Florida Capitol.

The two-day event, sponsored by the Florida Center for Nursing, kicked off with educational sessions and advocacy training designed to prepare attendees for impactful conversations with lawmakers. FNA President Marie O. Etienne opened the conference, setting the tone for two days of energized grassroots engagement.

Key legislative priorities this year included:

• Surgical Smoke Legislation: Advocates called for mandatory smoke evacuation systems in operating rooms to protect nurses and surgical staff from harmful exposure.
• Patient-Directed Medical Orders (PDMO): Nurses supported legislation to empower patients with more control over their end-of-life care decisions through standardized medical orders.
• Oversight of Nursing Education Programs: Attendees emphasized the need for improved accountability and quality standards in Florida’s nursing education programs to ensure workforce readiness and patient safety.

A highlight of the first day was the “How to Be an Effective Advocate” session, featuring roleplay demonstrations that helped participants refine their messaging before heading to legislative appointments. Throughout the afternoon, groups met with legislators, dropped off information packets, and attended committee meetings to push for action on the FNA’s top issues.

The evening concluded with a Legislative Reception at the Governor’s Club, where nurses connected informally with policymakers and health policy influencers.

On the second day, attendees reflected on their advocacy experiences and received updates from the Florida Board of Nursing. A powerful session led by the Florida Nurse Practitioner Network spotlighted the continued push to remove practice barriers for APRNs. Florida Senator Dr. Barbara Sharief, a nurse and proud FNA member, addressed attendees, encouraging them to stay engaged, continue their advocacy work, and be active participants in legislative action. 

FNA’s 2025 Advocacy Days showcased the profession’s unity and determination to advance safer and more effective healthcare for all Floridians. The momentum from these efforts is expected to carry through the remainder of the legislative session.

Call to Membership Assembly

This constitutes the official notice of the 2025 Membership Assembly of the Florida Nurses Association, September 24-26, 2025 at the Hilton St. Petersburg Carillon Park, St. Petersburg, FL for the purpose of transacting the official business of the Association.

Election Notice: 

The FNA Nominating Committee  announces that the 2025 Preliminary Ballot with Candidate Biographies has been published to the FNA Website at www.floridanurse.org/Election. Additional nominations for all positions will be accepted until June 30, 2025 in accordance with the FNA Bylaws.