The Power of Advocacy: How Nurses Can Influence Legislation (with Christina Presenti)

In this episode, hosts Karen and Kalen welcome a very special guest, Christina Presenti, our Membership Director here at IAFN. We explore the vital role forensic nurses play in advocacy and legislative efforts and discuss how forensic nurses can impact policy at local, state, and federal levels. We also share personal experiences with policy and bills work and provide actionable steps for getting involved in legislative work. If you've ever wondered how your voice can shape laws that impact healthcare and survivors of violence, this episode is for you!

Key Episode Learnings

• Harness Your Personal Experiences for Advocacy: Learn how sharing real-world patient interactions—without revealing personal details—can powerfully influence lawmakers and improve forensic nursing policies.
• Unlock the Power of TeleSAFE Toolkit: Discover how the groundbreaking TeleSAFE Toolkit is transforming forensic nursing by enabling remote, trauma-informed care through virtual exams, enhancing accessibility, and expanding the reach of forensic services.
• Make Your Voice Heard in Legislation: Discover practical steps forensic nurses can take to influence policy at every level, from submitting public comments to testifying on bills that impact patient care.
• Strengthen Your Impact Through Key Connections: Find out why building relationships with government affairs teams can help you stay ahead of policy changes and ensure forensic nurses have a say in critical legislation.
• Understand the True Ripple Effect of Your Work: Explore how forensic nursing goes beyond patient care, shaping outcomes for families, workplaces, and entire communities through trauma-informed support.
• Get Involved and Stay Informed: Take action today and sign up for Forensic Nursing News. Participate in the new government affairs Special Interest Group by joining IAFN Membership that provides access to more discussions, networking, and legislative action opportunities.

Tune in next time for more insights into forensic nursing and advocacy and share your thoughts on social media to be part of the conversation!

Resources

• IAFN Online Learning Center (OLC): forensicnurses.org/page/OLCAccess/
• TeleSAFE Toolkit: Access this Step-by-Step Guide to a Trauma-Informed Program at forensicnurses.org/page/TeleSAFE/
• International Association of Forensic Nurses (IAFN): Learn more at forensicnurses.org
• IAFN Foundation: Support our work to spread forensic nursing at fundforensicnursing.org
• IAFN’s SAFEta Resources: Explore safeta.org
• National Tribal Clearinghouse on Sexual Assault (NTCSA): Supporting tribal communities at supportingourcircle.org

Join the Conversation
Have questions or topics you’d like us to cover? Send us a voice message on our website at forensicnurses.org/podcast/ Let’s make this podcast a resource tailored to YOU!

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