At the Kent State University College of Nursing, we learn what it means to advocate for our patients in every setting – from right at the bedside to the boardrooms of hospitals. As nursing students, we are trained to make decisions that are backed by evidence-based practice, empathy and most importantly, our personal and professional ethics. Our recent experience at the Ohio Statehouse reminded us that some of the most important decisions about health care are not made inside of hospitals—they are made in legislative chambers and congressional hearings.
This spring, we had a unique opportunity to shadow U.S. Rep. Rachel B. Baker as part of our work with the student organization, Interdisciplinary Honors Research Organization (IRHO). As IRHO officers, our research focuses on health policy and advocacy. We have organized multiple public-facing events on campus to help bridge the gap between research and policy, our most recent being the Spring 2025 Policy Panel, which drew over 100 students, faculty and community members. Our most notable guest was Rep. Baker, a practicing pediatric nurse and nurse researcher. Following the policy panel event, we were invited to join her for a day at the Statehouse in Columbus.
What followed was one of the most eye-opening, empowering and impactful experiences of our nursing education so far.
Getting to Know the Policy Process
We began our visit by meeting with Brady Oxender, state relations director for Kent State’s Office of Government and Community Relations. He walked us through how the university maintains relationships with the state government and how higher education policy is shaped. He described his role as an advocating lobbyist for Kent State. This perspective helped us see how policy affects students, researchers and institutions from the top down – and how important it is for universities to have a voice in those conversations.
From there, we walked to the Vern Riffe Center for the Arts to meet Rep. Baker and her legislative aide, Abigail Kulewicz. The day was fast-paced – something that reminded us of the fast-paced clinical settings we’re used to. We accompanied them to the Ohio Statehouse, where the heart of legislative work takes place.
Sitting in on a Health Committee Hearing
One of the most powerful parts of the day was attending a Health Committee Hearing, where we observed the discussion of several potential bills that could significantly impact the health and well-being of Ohioans – everything from access to midwifery services to patient rights and mental health access for minors. What struck us the most was how few healthcare professionals were in the room. These conversations were happening with or without nurses at the table.
Following the hearing, we had a small-group discussion with Rep. Baker and our faculty member, where we explored the nuances and real-life impact of the bills. This kind of direct dialogue between policymakers and healthcare professionals is essential, and it was inspiring to be part of it. Rep. Baker was so approachable, and we felt like our voices were heard and valued.
A View into Democracy in Action
Our day didn’t stop there. After our discussion, we received a full tour of the Ohio Statehouse. As we walked through the rotunda and looked up at the ceiling, we experienced a surreal feeling of empowerment, a feeling that we could one day walk through these halls and advocate for our patients from this larger platform.
Following the tour, we had the opportunity to watch live floor debates, votes and real-time decision-making during a House Session. Seeing democracy in action brought the legislative process to life in a way no textbook ever could. There’s something powerful about watching lawmakers discuss, debate and vote on bills that will affect all Ohioans. It felt almost like we were watching history write itself.
Why Nursing Students Must Care About Policy
If you’re a nursing student wondering, “Why should I care about politics?” … here’s your answer:
Health care and politics are completely intertwined. Policy affects staffing ratios, scope of nursing practice, insurance coverage for patients, patient access to medical care and mental health protections. Policy is undoubtedly the foundation on which healthcare is built. The more we understand and engage with it, the more effectively we can advocate for patients, families and communities.
Here’s what we’ve learned:
- Nurses are the experts lawmakers need. Our profession is grounded in evidence-based practice and real-world experience. Policymakers don’t know what they haven’t directly experienced – and nurses are needed to fill that gap.
- Stories drive policy. In today’s political environment, stories often have more influence than statistics. Our experiences at the bedside carry weight and directly shape how legislators vote.
- We can’t advocate for patients if we ignore policy. What happens at the Statehouse affects everything from what medications are covered to how much time we are allotted to spend with patients. We are taught to be fierce advocates and that does not stop when we clock out after our shift.
- Legislators are human beings. Many are approachable, open-minded and eager to learn – but they need us to speak up and use our experience and passion to teach them!
Being a nurse means being a voice for the voiceless. That advocacy can’t stop when we leave our shift. It must extend outside the walls of the hospital.
How You Can Get Involved
Don’t feel intimidated by political arenas. Most representatives are normal people with normal jobs wanting to make a difference.
- Reach out to your local legislator to express support or concerns about healthcare bills and tell them your perspectives as a nursing student.
- Track legislation relevant to your interests using Ohio’s legislative website to track progress or delays. You can even watch the hearings live!
- Offer testimony at a committee hearing – students can absolutely do this, and your perspective matters.
- Shadow a lawmaker to see how policy decisions are made firsthand and be a part of Ohio’s legislative history.
- Share your research at public events, student panels or local organizations. Join our next policy panel and make your voice heard!
- Ask tough questions about how proposed laws might affect patients and the niche effects they could have.
- Build relationships with legislators who share your values.
The truth is that policy doesn’t change without people who have a passion and a desire to change. And we, as nursing students, are training to be among the most trusted professionals in the world. We owe it to our patients and our communities to use that trust wisely.
A Call to Action
Our day at the Ohio Statehouse was a reminder of the responsibility we as nurses carry. Our job is not just to care, but to lead. As officers in IRHO, we are committed to driving and supporting interdisciplinary research that leads to meaningful change. As Kent State nursing students, we are also committed to growing, learning and advocating.
We hope this story encourages other students—especially those in nursing and health-related fields—to engage with policy, ask questions, and to never underestimate the power of your voice. The future of healthcare depends on it. Your future patients will be in better hands knowing that their providers work tirelessly outside of the hospital to improve their quality of life.
So, speak up and be the changemakers you want to see.
