Orvis School of Nursing students took their voices beyond the classroom and into the nation’s capital on March 30-31, advocating for the future of nursing and healthcare at the American Association of Colleges of Nursing Student Policy Summit.

Led by Dr. Charlie Yingling, dean of the Orvis School of Nursing, Hannah Ahern, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing student and Tommy Garcia, a Doctor of Nursing Practice student, joined peers from across the country to engage directly with federal policymakers, discuss critical healthcare issues and learn how policy shapes the profession.

The experience highlighted a key message that nurses are not only caregivers, but they are also essential voices in shaping the systems where care happens.

Tommy Garcia, Hannah Ahern and Dean Charlie Yingling at the American Association of Colleges of Nursing Student Policy Summit

“At the Student Policy Summit, students gain firsthand experience in how policy decisions impact healthcare,” Yingling said. “That perspective is essential as we prepare nurses to lead, advocate and improve care at every level.

“Opportunities like the Student Policy Summit are transformative for our students. Thanks to the generosity of our donors, our students are able to learn beyond the classroom and represent Nevada nursing on a national stage.”

For Ahern, who will graduate in May 2026 and currently serves as president of the Orvis Student Nurses Association, the experience was both eye-opening and empowering.

“I wanted to be a voice for Nevada’s new graduate nurses,” Ahern said. “Before this summit, I didn’t realize how impactful it is to share personal stories with Congress. At the end of the day, those are what they remember.”

In meetings with congressional staff, Ahern advocated for funding that supports nursing education and workforce development, including programs that directly affect students entering the profession.

“That was the moment I realized I had to speak up,” she said. “It was a little nerve-racking, but incredibly impactful to share how these policies would affect my peers and me.”

Garcia, who brings more than 20 years of medical experience, including service in the United States Air Force, is pursuing the Adult–Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner track and will also graduate in May 2026. For him, the summit reinforced the connection between policy and patient care.

“Policy is not separate from practice,” Garcia said. “It directly affects our ability to care for patients and support the nursing workforce.”

Initially, stepping into a policy-focused environment felt unfamiliar, but that quickly shifted.

“Being there helped me realize how important it is for nurses to understand the policy process,” he said. “Seeing how legislation relates to the realities we face in healthcare made the experience meaningful and relevant.”

Both students emphasized the power of a unified nursing voice. Representing institutions from 45 states, the summit brought together students across all levels of nursing education, from undergraduate to doctoral programs.

“One of the most important lessons I learned is that nurses are most effective when we work together,” Garcia said. “When we are informed and aligned, our collective voice has the power to drive meaningful change.”

For Ahern, the experience also sparked a new passion.

“My nursing career is just beginning, and I’m inspired to get more involved in healthcare policy,” she said. “I understand now how important it is for Congress to hear our voices.”

The trip also underscored the importance of connection and collaboration, both professionally and personally, as students built relationships with peers and leaders from across the country.

Tommy Garcia, Hannah Ahern with fellow students at the American Association of Colleges of Nursing Student Policy Summit 

Both Ahern and Garcia bring back more than knowledge. They bring a renewed sense of responsibility to advocate for patients, for the profession and for the future of healthcare in Nevada and beyond.

“This experience gave me a strong sense of hope, but also responsibility,” Garcia said. “Others before me advocated for the opportunities I have today. Now it’s my turn to do the same.”

Ahern and Garcia exemplify The Wolf Pack Way, leading with purpose, advocating for others and making a real-world impact.

Through opportunities like the Student Policy Summit, the Orvis School of Nursing continues to prepare students not only to lead in clinical settings but to shape the policies that impact communities and healthcare systems across the country.