NASN is proud to introduce Beyond Bandaids, a new podcast dedicated to celebrating the essential role of school nurses in shaping healthier school communities. Hosted by NASN CEO Terri Hinkley, EdD, MBA, BScN, RN, CAE, the monthly series will spotlight the voices of school nursing advocates, explore key policy issues, and share strategies that strengthen the profession. You can watch the podcast on NASN's YouTube channel or listen on Spotify.
In the inaugural episode, Hinkley welcomes NASN’s Director of Government Affairs, Piper Largent, and Senior Policy Advisor at Venable LLP, Jim Twaddell, for an insightful discussion on NASN’s 2025 advocacy priorities and how school nurses can navigate policy changes to drive impactful change.
The Four Pillars of NASN Advocacy
NASN has restructured its advocacy approach to focus on four overarching priorities:
- Student Wellbeing – Ensuring all students have access to the care they need to thrive in school, including initiatives to ban tobacco and vaping products and expand access to lifesaving medications.
- School Nursing Workforce – Strengthening the pipeline of school nurses through legislative support, training programs, and workforce expansion.
- Securing Sustainable Funding – Advocating for Medicaid expansion in schools and the continuation of essential funding programs to support school health services.
- Demonstrating the Value of School Nursing – Using research and data to showcase the positive impact of school nurses on student academic success and wellbeing.
“These priorities aren’t just about advocacy; they are embedded into everything NASN does—from research to grants to legislative efforts,” Largent explains.
Advocacy in a Shifting Political Landscape
With a new administration in place, navigating policy changes is crucial for school nursing advocacy. Twaddell highlights that successful advocacy requires staying focused on policy rather than politics. “Organizations like NASN must be strategic in engaging with policymakers, emphasizing the nonpartisan nature of their work, and building relationships early,” he says.
One of the key strategies NASN employs is working in coalition with like-minded organizations. By collaborating with partners with similar goals, NASN strengthens its ability to influence legislative decisions impacting school health policies.
The Power of Storytelling in Policy Change
A recurring theme in this episode is the power of storytelling in advocacy. Largent emphasizes that personal narratives combined with data create a compelling case for policymakers. “When school nurses share real-life stories of how their work impacts students, paired with data-driven insights, it resonates with decision-makers,” she explains.
As NASN prepares for its upcoming Hill Day, where school nurses will advocate directly to Congress, this storytelling approach will be a cornerstone of their strategy. By highlighting the role of school nurses in addressing issues like chronic absenteeism and student health disparities, NASN aims to drive meaningful legislative action.
Looking Ahead
The Beyond Bandaids podcast is just one of NASN’s initiatives to amplify the voice of school nurses and advocate for policies that support student health. Hinkley encourages school nurses and stakeholders to engage with the podcast, subscribe, and join NASN in its advocacy efforts.
“Together, we are stronger. Whether it’s through policy, funding, or public awareness, our goal remains the same: to ensure that every student has access to the care they need to succeed,” she concludes.
Don’t miss an episode of Beyond Bandaids! Subscribe now on Spotify or YouTube.