Back to News Rounds with Leadership: Leaning into the Essence of Nursing Wednesday, January 28, 2026 | Rounds with Leadership As nurses, our commitment to preserving health, human dignity, and justice extends beyond the clinical setting into the broader fabric of society. Our profession has a long history of advocacy for vulnerable populations, and today that role remains essential. The public recognizes nurses as ethical, trusted professionals, combining expertise with empathy when providing individuals compassionate care. As the nation struggles to find common ground when systems and communities collide, we can find a way forward by leaning into what it means to be a nurse. In this moment, we can: Stand for Human Dignity and Rights Nurses are trusted voices in health and public discourse. When policies or practices risk harm to individuals or communities, our voices can advocate for humane and evidence-based approaches that protect the public’s health and well-being. Advocate for Trauma-Informed Care Across communities and in all places where care is delivered, nurses bring a caring lens that prioritizes physical and mental health, while recognizing the impact of systemic stress and the need to mitigate harm for all people. Engage in Ethical Public Advocacy Nurses are well-positioned to lead conversations with policymakers, community leaders, and partners to promote policies grounded in health, justice, and compassion — especially when community health is at stake. Support Affected Communities Through service, education, and partnership with organizations that serve individuals, families, and marginalized populations, nurses can help build trust, expand access to care, and support community resilience. Educate and Empower Future Nurses In our academic roles, we can prepare students to understand social determinants of health, the impact of policy on health outcomes, and the importance of ethical leadership in civic life. Engage in Ethical Public Advocacy Nurses are well-positioned to lead conversations with policymakers, community leaders, and partners to promote policies grounded in health, justice, and compassion — especially when community health is at stake. See AACN’s Policy & Advocacy webpage. Though no single event defines our profession, our response to challenging situations reflects who we are. We encourage all of our colleagues to uphold the values of caring and respect that have defined our profession. Let us act with compassion and courage, using our collective voice to support policies and practices that uphold human dignity and promote health and safety for all.