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“The MVNU School of Nursing recognizes that nurses today must be well versed in not only the technology of nursing, but also the many political, financial, social and environmental issues facing us today,” said Instructor of Nursing Debbie Pintz. “It is important for nurses to understand the legislative process and to be informed about current bills related to health care.”

Pintz went on to explain that since there is only one nurse, Sen. Sue Morano, in the Ohio General Assembly currently, nurses need to know how to contact their representatives and senators. Nurses are able to educate politicians on issues that are important to nursing and to a healthy community.

“This experience gives MVNU nursing students a broader concept of nursing and the impact that nurses have. As a result, they are more prepared to assume the role of the professional nurse,” said Pintz. “The bottom line is that this experience allowed the already excellent nursing students to be more effective in advancing the professional practice of nursing.”

Some of the issues discussed included workplace violence, nursing licensure that is recognized by other states and the type of prescriptions that nurse practitioners may write. The students learned about proposed legislation to address the current nursing shortage, and spent the day talking with Licking County State Representative Jay Hottinger, a Republican from the 71st district. Currently, legislators in Columbus are seeking avenues to provide support for nurses who would return to school and receive an advanced degree in order to teach nursing.

Kristina Fox, a senior in MVNU’s nursing program, stated, “MVNU's nursing program values political awareness among nurses and leadership in healthcare reform.”

The students who attended Nursing Day at the Statehouse hope to go back again soon to continue to learn about and show their interest in Ohio’s health care system.

Mount Vernon Nazarene University is a private, four-year, intentionally Christian teaching university for traditional age students, graduate students and working adults. U.S. News & World Report ranks MVNU in the top 50 Best in the Midwest (Baccalaureate) institutions for the sixth year in a row. With a 400-acre main campus in Mount Vernon, Ohio, and eight additional satellite Adult and Graduate Studies sites throughout the state, MVNU emphasizes academic excellence, spiritual growth and service to community and church. MVNU offers an affordable education to more than 2,600 students from 25 states and eight countries/U.S. territories.