Nurses on the front lines of care and health policy

As the largest employer of nurses in Illinois, with nearly 10,000 nurses, Downers Grove, Ill.-based Advocate Health Care not only gives its nurses a strong voice on the front lines of care but also on other issues that impact their profession.

As part of this commitment, Advocate formed a self-governed Nurse Advocacy Council in 2005 that gives the participating nurses a chance to weigh-in on health care policy issues.

For the last eight years, several hundred nurses from its 10 hospitals, Advocate at Home, Advocate Medical Group and Dreyer Medical Group sites have joined together for an annual day-trip to the state capitol to personally voice their concerns with legislators.

Laurie Riek is one of those nurses whose strong passion for advocacy can be found in her career roots, and in her family. This is the 5th time she’s made the trip.

Riek has been a nurse for 20 years, and on staff at Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville, Ill., since 2005. Keeping it in the family, Riek’s husband, two daughters and nephews also work at Advocate Condell.

She says having the chance to talk one-on-one with key political leaders gives a voice for her fellow nurses.

“It’s important for me to be an advocate for nurses and people in the medical field, not only for myself and my family, but for those who don’t have this opportunity like we do,” Riek says.

She says these visits can have an impact on policy decisions and aren’t just small talk.

“These conversations are key to give our legislative officials a first-person account of nursing experiences,” Riek says. “The face-to-face interaction allows them to hear and better understand that our concerns ultimately benefit the patients we serve.”

Riek says the lawmakers are always pleased to take time to chat.

“The legislators are very receptive, appreciative and welcoming of our visit,” she says. “We really can make a difference…we just have to speak up.”

Riek stresses the importance for nurses to be active and visible throughout the year, whether it is writing letters, making calls or even using social media as a point of contact.

“It’s important for our legislators to hear our concerns and questions all year round,” she says. “They won’t know unless we tell them.”

She believes wholeheartedly that even one person can make a difference.

“Your voice can be heard,” she says. “Getting involved in any way could mean changes for the better in the future of nursing.”

Click here to view a photo gallery featuring moments from Riek’s day in Springfield.