Master’s Nursing Students Attend AACN Student Policy Summit in Washington D.C. Family nurse practitioner master’s students Erica Soderlind and Melissa Nip represented UH Manoa Nursing at the 2015 AACN Student Policy Summit in Washington D.C. from March 22 – 24, 2015. On the first day of the summit, Soderlind and Nip networked with other master’s nursing students from across the nation and learned about the political climate surrounding nursing policy in other states. They also heard from the AACN CEO and Director that policy and advocacy are integral expectations of professional nursing. On day two, Soderlind and Nip participated in tabletop discussions examining current nursing policy issues. They heard from a former congressman and gained an inside view on political life. After preparing with AACN staff, the students went to Capitol Hill to ask for support of current nursing legislation. Soderlind and Nip met with staff members from the offices of Senator Mazie Hirono, Sentaor Brian Schatz, Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard, and Congressman K. Mark Takai. They advocated for support for the Nursing Workforce Development Programs (Title VIII), nursing research, the Home Health Care Planning Improvement Act of 2015, and the Improving Veterans Access to Quality Healthcare Act of 2015. During their last day at the Summit, Soderlind and Nip attended a talk-story session with Senator Mazie Hirono. During this time, they were able to speak directly with Senator Hirono about current nursing legislation. Both students found the summit and the overall experience to be invaluable and thank the school for supporting their participation. For more information about the AACN Student Policy Summit, contact the Office of Student Services at [email protected] or (808) 956-8522..