By Kelley Saindon DNP, RN, CHPN

—NOVA nurses, Massachusetts and Kelley Saindon DNP, RN, CHPN (Massachusetts)  Cynthia Solomon MS, RN, ACNP-BC (Virginia) attended the Nurse in Washington Internship (NIWI) held by the Nursing Organizations Alliance (NOA) in Washington, DC, March 21 – 23, 2022.

Saindon and Solomon joined other conference attendees, including nurses and nursing students from across the country. NIWI provides nurses and nursing students the opportunity to learn how to influence health care through the legislative and regulatory processes. Participants  had the opportunity to attend informative and educational sessions, learn from expert nursing advocates and government officials, and network with other nurses.  These activities culminated with visits to the attendee's members of Congress.

“Attending the 2022 Nurse in Washington Internship was a valuable experience. The dynamic setting was ideal for educational activities and networking with nurses from across the nation,” says Saindon. “I look forward to sharing  newly gained knowledge to enhance my influence on health care legislation.” “It was an incredible opportunity to learn skills in advocacy that will be put to good use serving as a board member of NOVA” said Solomon.

Saindon and Solomon are nurses who serve our nation's heroes in Massachusetts and Virginia respectively. They are members of NOVA (Nurse Organization of Veteran Affairs) and plan to share these skills with their colleagues to increase advocacy to support progressive nursing policy and practice changes for our profession.

NOVA exists to connect elected and staff leaders of professional nursing organizations to inspire, collaborate, and provide a forum for information exchange and the sharing of resources and best practices. NOVA does not have delegated authority to speak for nursing or any member organization. The members of NOVA are represented by the chief elected officers and chief staff officers from over 50 national and international nursing organizations.