Advocacy Nurse

How do we advocate for ourselves? It starts with being informed—educating ourselves, staying curious, and knowing where to find the answers.

When I began my nursing career, I had no idea how to keep myself educated or how to protect my license. No one taught me what policies were, where to find them, or how to interpret them. Twelve years later, I’ve realized just how little we’re taught about navigating the professional side of nursing—the “how” behind staying safe, current, and empowered.

So today, I want to share a few practical tips that have helped me—and can help you—stay informed, grow as a professional, and advocate for yourself with confidence.

1. Learn Your Hospital’s Policies and Procedures

This sounds basic, but it’s often overlooked. When I started in the OR, no one walked me through where to find policies or how to use them. Most of what I learned came from staff who only knew what they had been taught—often informally, and not always accurately. It took me years to realize there were national specialty organizations producing evidence-based guidelines and position statements that could (and should) be influencing how I practiced.

Joining a specialty organization can be a game-changer. Many offer toolkits, education, and access to the latest research. Even better—see if your hospital will cover the membership fee. These resources are there to keep you informed and ensure you’re practicing safely and effectively.

2. Sign Up for Free Professional Newsletters

Websites like Medscape, the American Nurses Association, Lippincott, and your local nursing associations offer free newsletters packed with current trends, clinical updates, and professional development tips. These bite-sized updates are an easy way to stay in the loop without feeling overwhelmed.

3. Go to Conferences

Seriously—GO. TO. CONFERENCES.

They’re not just for continuing education credits. Conferences are spaces of inspiration and connection. The first conference I attended was AORN 2023 and it truly changed the trajectory of my career. I walked in with no expectations, but left feeling ignited by the energy of nurses who were leading—not just working within their roles, but transforming them.

I met people who were creating new pathways, advancing practice, influencing policy, and elevating the profession. That spark pushed me to pursue goals I had once thought were out of reach.

4. Join Local and National Organizations

Joining professional organizations can open doors you didn’t even know existed. For me, Association of periOperative Registered Nurses (AORN) and the Oklahoma Nurses Association (ONA) have been instrumental.

Through AORN, I’ve gained access to national-level education, learned how to write for journals, and built lasting professional connections. Through ONA, I’ve learned how to engage with lawmakers and advocate for meaningful change.

In fact, it was through ONA that I began my journey to propose legislation requiring surgical smoke evacuation in Oklahoma. While it hasn’t passed yet, the guidance and support I received made the effort possible.

Here’s the truth: advocating for yourself—and for others—can feel daunting. It’s hard. It’s uncomfortable. But it is also so worth it.

So do the hard thing. Go to that conference by yourself. Join the organization that speaks to you. Try to pass the law you believe in. Speak up for yourself—and for those who don’t yet know how to.

Because you can be the change. And it starts with you.