University of Central Arkansas nursing professor Mary Garnica has been selected to attend the inaugural Faculty Policy Intensive (FPI) program of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) March 18-21.
During the four-day event in Washington D.C., faculty members have the opportunity to enhance existing knowledge of policy and advocacy through sessions that will strengthen understanding of the legislative process and the dynamic relationships between federal departments and agencies, national nursing organizations and the individual advocate.
“Policy makers can make a difference if they understand what it is that nurses bring to the table. But policy makers can’t know everything about every issue — that is why a program such as the AACN Faculty Policy Intensive is so important,” Garnica said in a news release. “The eight of us who complete this program will be able to serve as liaisons to better inform policymaking in our states, and at the federal level.”
AACN is a nonpartisan organization that serves to educate and advocate for nursing education, research, and practice. Garnica was one of only eight nurse educators across the country chosen for the FPI.
Garnica’s policy interests and “dedication to the program” made her stand out among other applicants, said Suzanne Miyamoto, director of Government Affairs at AACN, in her email announcement to Garnica.
Garnica serves as Health Policy Chair for Arkansas Nurses Association, and she leads the “practice pillar” group in the Arkansas Action Coalition, an advocacy group for nursing in the state.
“I want to use the information to broaden my current focus on practice issues and engage with nursing education policy development at the state level,” Garnica said in the release. “I also want to provide nursing graduate students with a perspective on health policy that is both relevant and current.”