Lobby Day: Exercising the Voice of Nurses

Arizona Nurse,  May 2005  by Larson, LeAnn

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Freshman Lobbyist Shares Experience

As a 'freshman' driving up to Nurses Lobby Day in the wee hours that March morning, I felt 'in the-dark' in more ways than one. Had I brushed up enough on the issues to speak of them intelligently? I had thought them through and identified ways to relate them to my own personal experiences, but did I really know what I was talking about? On arrival to the State Capitol in Phoenix, I was in awe as I walked between the House and Senate Buildings on my way to our 'staging area' - a small room filled with round tables and food. (Someone understood a sure-fire way to motivate nurses). This was where we were orientated and briefed on what to expect for the day. We were updated on the issues pertinent to AzNA and reminded of our position today-lobbyists for AzNA!! Rory Hays, AzNA Lobbyist, gave us pointers on how to talk with our legislators during our appointments and promised that sometime that day we would hear a voice that was new to most of us our own political voice!! My group was scheduled for three appointments, one of which was with my district Senator. As we set out in small groups of three to four to attend our appointments, I felt a rush of excitement and enthusiasm that today would be a gift; I would be able to share my passions with someone who could make a difference if they wanted. One appointment had to be cancelled, but we were able to meet with the other two legislators. One Representative from the House and my district Senator. They both have family members who are nurses and stated sympathy and support for nursing causes. (Rumor has it not all of the politicians are so easy to work with!). Later in the afternoon, we were able to view both the House and Senate in action. I really had no idea what to expect, as I had never witnessed either before. I was amazed at how loud and busy the floor was. The announcements and leadership came from the front, but everyone behind was carrying on with their own business as if nothing else were happening. Amazingly whenever it became time to vote or speak out, whoever was needed abruptly stopped their own business, voted or spoke out, then went right back to taking care of business. When the delegates would vote 'Nay' it was actually a very loud 'NO" that would be yelled throughout. The atmosphere was chaotic at best, in the House more so than the Senate. We turned in our evaluations and debriefings of our meetings and headed home. As the sun was setting and darkness came creeping up on me, I realized how much my mind had been enlightened and I did hear my new voice!

LeAnn Larson, RN, Carondelet

St. Joseph's Hospital, Tucson

Copyright Arizona State Nurses Association May 2005
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