Nursing students and faculty from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff’s Department of Nursing attended Nurses Day at the state Capitol.
The visit was a step toward teaching students about advocacy for the profession, according to a news release.
UAPB faculty in attendance included Debra Davis, Vinetta Lindsey, and UAPB Department of Nursing Chair Brenda Jacobs.
The Arkansas Nurses Association sponsored the 2024 Nurses Day at the Capitol to unite nurses and nursing students to advocate for nursing issues with elected officials.
The UAPB group of 36 participants joined in a town hall with a panel of speakers, including legislators. Other schools in attendance included the University of Central Arkansas, University of Arkansas at Monticello, Ouachita Baptist University, and University of Arkansas at Monticello.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
Participants visited many vendors at the Capitol rotunda and participated in a question and answer session with a representative from Congressman Bruce Westerman’s office, where they asked questions about nurse staffing ratios, workplace violence and faculty compensation.
“It was a great day of learning, networking, and advocacy for the profession,” Jacobs said.
The Arkansas Nurses Association is the state nurses’ organization that speaks for professional nursing. ARNA fosters high standards of nursing practice, promotes professional development and advocates for the profession. ARNA collaborates with other health care providers to facilitate access to quality health care for the people of Arkansas. Details: https://arna.nursingnetwork.com/.