UMass Nursing Students Attend 2025 AACN Student Policy Summit
A Q&A with undergraduates Chloe Hogan and Alexis Blaine.
Content
Two UMass Nursing undergraduate students, Chloe Hogan '26 and Alexis Blaine '26, attended the 2025 American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) Student Policy Summit in Washington, D.C. on March 30 – 31 alongside Dean Allison Vorderstrasse. According to the AACN website, the event is "a two-day conference held in Washington, D.C. and is open to baccalaureate and graduate nursing students enrolled at an AACN member institution. Students who attend the summit are immersed in didactic program sessions focused on the federal policy process and nursing’s role in professional advocacy."
Q&A
Learn more about Chloe and Alexis' experience at the summit in conversation with EMCON Director of Communications Chelsie Field.
Chelsie Field: Why did you decide to attend this summit?
Chloe Hogan: I attended because I’m passionate about nursing leadership beyond the bedside. I wanted to better understand the intersection of healthcare policy and nursing practice— and how I, as a future registered nurse, can use my voice to advocate for meaningful change. This summit was a unique opportunity to learn from policy experts, network with like-minded nursing students, and gain insight into how legislative decisions impact our profession.
CF: What did you do in D.C.?
Alexis Blaine: On the first day of the summit, we had the privilege of hearing from a wide range of speakers who offered their unique perspectives on health policy. We also engaged with fellow nursing students from across the country... The second day brought even more insight, as we heard from individuals who work directly with Congress, including those serving alongside house representatives and senators. This gave us a valuable look into the political side of policy-making, complementing the clinical and academic perspectives we’re more familiar with in nursing. It highlighted just how crucial it is for nurses and policymakers to collaborate—sharing knowledge, advocating for evidence-based change, and ensuring that healthcare policies reflect the needs of both patients and health-care workers.
"This summit reminded me that while it’s easy to feel small in the grand scheme of things, when we come together, we can absolutely make a difference."
—Alexis Blaine, undergraduate nursing student
On Monday, we visited Capitol Hill, where Chloe and I, along with other students from Massachusetts, met with our two senators and two house representatives. Although each meeting was brief, about twenty minutes, we made the most of our time by sharing our personal experiences and the challenges we foresee as future nurses, especially regarding policy changes that affect research funding and financial aid.
CH: I participated in sessions led by national nursing leaders and policymakers, learning about current legislative priorities that directly affect nurses and nursing education. We focused on key policies such as Title VIII Nursing Workforce Development programs, the PRECEPT Nurses Act, the preservation of federal student loan programs, and several others— all of which are vital to addressing the nursing shortage and supporting future nurses through education and clinical training.
"[This experience has] helped shape the kind of nurse I aspire to be: one who not only cares for patients, but also champions change for the nursing profession."
—Chloe Hogan '26
CF: Tell me more about your visit to Capitol Hill.
AB: Many of the students we were grouped with were already registered nurses pursuing their Ph.D. or DNP, which brought a wealth of experience to our discussions. Chloe and I are still in our undergraduate program, so our participation added a vital voice: that of the next generation of nurses. We had the chance to represent future nursing professionals and voice our concerns about critical issues that will shape our careers and the healthcare system as a whole. Beyond policy, we also learned so much more about the depth of the nursing profession through conversations with peers and leaders from around the country.
CF: What were some of the most powerful moments of your experience?
CH: One of the most powerful moments was visiting Capitol Hill, where we met with congressional staffers to advocate for these crucial initiatives. It was an incredibly empowering and inspiring experience.
AB: One of the most powerful topics discussed at the summit was the impact of cuts to research and government funding, which has left many students at other institutions facing significant challenges. It was eye-opening to realize how different circumstances can be outside of our own university bubble. Hearing their stories put many things into perspective.
CF: How has this experience impacted your UMass Nursing journey?
CH: This experience expanded my perspective on what it means to be a nurse. It reminded me that our impact goes far beyond clinical settings—we are also advocates, educators, and leaders. The summit reinforced my commitment to staying informed and engaged with healthcare policy and inspired me to seek out future opportunities in leadership and advocacy during my time at UMass and beyond. It’s helped shape the kind of nurse I aspire to be: one who not only cares for patients, but also champions change for the nursing profession.
AB: This was an unforgettable experience that I would love to do again if given the chance. This summit reminded me that while it’s easy to feel small in the grand scheme of things, when we come together, we can absolutely make a difference.