Cheryl Perry and Don Walker, University of Arkansas graduate students in the Eleanor Mann School of Nursing, were selected through an application process to attend the American Association of Colleges of Nursing's 2016 Student Policy Summit in Washington last month.

The students accompanied Julie Hoff, director of the nursing school.

The group had intensive sessions with national leaders of nursing and policy, including Rear Admiral Sylvia Trent-Adams, the U.S. deputy surgeon general; Patricia Grady, director of the National Institute of Nursing Research; Marian Grant, director of policy and professional engagement for the Coalition to Transform Advanced Care; and Jonas "Martin" Frost III, former Texas state representative and author. Perry said the U of A group also attended sessions dedicated to education about effective advocacy techniques and health policy issues of importance to nursing and to patients.

While in Washington, the U of A group went to Capitol Hill to meet Arkansas Rep. Steve Womack to discuss current policy issues that have an impact on nursing education, research and practice.

"Attending the 2016 AACN Student Policy Summit provided opportunities to interact with leaders at the federal and state levels of education, research, policy development and advocacy," Perry said. "Having the opportunity to learn first-hand about issues impacting patients and the nursing profession is something that will definitely influence my own policy and advocacy efforts. My worldview and vision for the future of health care has definitely been expanded because of this experience. It was both an honor and a pleasure to represent University of Arkansas and the Eleanor Mann School of Nursing as a member of our Arkansas delegation."

Walker also noted the excellent opportunity to communicate with legislators and other attendees.

"The culture was one of open dialogue to discuss the common ground of health care and the importance to fund opportunities for nursing including allowing every nurse to practice to the full extent of their licensure," Walker said. "Visiting with Senator (John) Boozman, Congressman Womack and their staff provided a positive opportunity to discuss the needs of the nursing work force in Arkansas."

The Eleanor Mann School of Nursing offers a Doctor of Nursing Practice online, a Master of Science in Nursing online and an R.N. to B.S.N. degree-completion program online, through the Global Campus, as well as an on-campus Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. The nursing school is located in the Epley Center for Health Professions, a facility that opened in 2012 with five high-fidelity simulation labs in which mannequins simulate patient conditions and offer scenarios for nursing students to address.