Program Agenda

All sessions are listed in Eastern Time (ET). Agenda is subject to change.

  • Sunday, March 26
  • Monday, March 27

8:00-10:00 a.m.
Registration Check-In

8:00-10:00 a.m.
Sponsorship Hall/Networking Lounge Open 

10:00-10:15 a.m.
Welcome Remarks from AACN's Leadership

10:15-11:15 a.m.
A Year on the Hill: A Nursing Fellow's Journey
The panel discussion will provide an in-depth look at the importance of nursing involvement at all levels of government and how nurses can be a part of the legislative and policy conversations.
Speakers: Emerson Ea, PhD, DNP, MS, 2022 - 2023 Health and Aging Policy Fellow, Health and Aging Policy Fellows; Lindsey Harris, DNP, RN, FNP-BC, Health Policy Fellow, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation; Kumhee Ro, DNP, APRN, FAANP, Health Policy Fellow, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation

11:15-11:30 a.m.
Stretch Break

11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Creating a More Equitable Health Care System at the Federal Level

12:30-1:30 p.m.
Welcome Luncheon

1:30-2:45 p.m.
Keynote Address
Leading from the Frontlines: A Chief Nurse Officer's Journey in Supporting the Public Health and Preparedness Efforts of Our Nation
RDML Aisha K. Mix will provide an overview of her professional journey and her insight on how nurses are working in all communities to support public health.
Speaker: RDML Aisha K. Mix, DNP, MPH, RN, NHDP-BC, FAAN, Chief Nursing Officer, U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps

2:45-3:00 p.m.
Stretch Break

3:00-4:15 p.m.
Your Voice Matters: How Your Advocacy Impacts Policy
Speaker: Rachel Stevenson, MA, Director of Government Affairs, AACN

4:15-4:30 p.m.
Stretch Break

4:30-5:30 p.m.
Hearing from the Experts: A Bipartisan View from Capitol Hill

6:00-7:00 p.m.
Student Policy Summit Evening Reception

6:30-6:50 a.m.
Travel from Washington Marriott Georgetown to Fairmont Hotel

7:00–8:30 a.m.
Tips and Tools for Effective Capitol Hill Visits
Effective messaging is the essence of successful advocacy on Capitol Hill! Join State Grassroots Liaisons and AACN‘s Government Affairs Committee for practical information, insights and guidance in preparation for your Monday afternoon meeting with Members of Congress. Attendees will be seated with their state delegations.
Facilitated by: Rachel Stevenson, MA, Director of Government Affairs, AACN; and Julie Shroyer, MSW, CEO and President, Wheat Shroyer Government Relations

8:30–8:45 a.m.
Travel from Fairmont to Washington Marriott Georgetown

8:45–9:30 a.m.
Breakfast Networking Session

9:30–10:30 a.m.
Addressing Social Determinants of Health and Advancing Health Equity: How NINR is Leading the Way
The session will provide insights on how nursing science inform health policy that directly impacts care delivery and ways nurse scientists can address social determinants of health.
Speaker: Shannon N. Zenk, PhD, MPH, RN, FAAN, Director, National Institute of Nursing Research, National Institutes of Health

10:30–10:45 a.m.
Stretch Break

10:45–11:45 a.m.
A Conversation with the Honorable Alan Wheat:
How Your Voice Can Make a Difference on Capitol Hill
This moderated conversation will provide an in-depth look at the importance of the constituent voice and involvement in health policy through the lens of a former Member of Congress.
Speaker: Alan Wheat, Chairman, Wheat Shroyer Government Relations

1:00–5:00 p.m.
Capitol Hill Visits and Lunch on Your Own
Note: A bus service will circulate between the Fairmont Hotel (2401 M St. NW) and Capitol Hill to take you to your meetings on Monday afternoon.

1:00–4:30 p.m.
Caucus & Connect
Location: 902 Hart Senate Office Building
SPS attendees, AACN Deans, and Directors are invited to “Caucus and Connect” in-between their Capitol Hill visits to sit and reflect, enjoy light refreshments and snacks, and strategize prior to the next Hill Visit.

5:00–6:30 p.m.
Congressional Reception on Capitol Hill
Location: Rayburn Café, Rayburn House Office Building
SPS attendees, AACN Deans, and Directors will be able to celebrate a productive and impactful day on Capitol Hill with members of Congress and their staff. Heavy Hors d’oeuvres will be served.