The great thing about being an advocate for nurse anesthetists is that anyone can have an impact no matter where they live. Many federal legislators starts locally so there are opportunities to create relationships early and close to home. Sarah Tweedy, CRNA, got a first-hand look at working with legislators as a student and has carried that interest into her young professional career. Find out what she’s learned about advocacy and how best to build relationships with policy-makers.
Check out the timestamps below to help you navigate through the many topics we discussed.
On This Episode:
Becoming an advocate for the CRNA profession can feel like a daunting task but the truth is anyone can pick up the torch and make a difference.
While many of the conversations we have talk about national and federal advocacy, this work begins at home by building relationships within your local community. Sarah Tweedy, CRNA, is new to the profession, having graduated from the University of Iowa Anesthesia Nursing Program in 2017, but she’s already doing this with local legislators.
Today she joins the podcast to discuss her background in advocacy and share the lessons she’s picked up during her time as a student and professional.
As you get started on the episode, keep an ear out for these topics:
- How she got involved early while she was still a student.
- Getting to know legislators is an important part of the job.
- Does she enjoy federal or state advocacy better and why?
- How should you approach the conversation with a legislator?
- Things you shouldn’t do when you meet with a legislator.
- What’s the best way to get started and what can you do if you’re hesitant to get involved.
- Would she ever run for local office?
Check it out the interview at the top of the page and use the timestamps to help you navigate through the many topics we discussed.
[5:58] – Background on Sarah
[10:07] – Importance of getting involved as a student
[11:32] – Why this topic is important
[13:28] – Federal or state advocacy?
[16:20] – How to talk to a legislator
[21:22] – Educating them on CRNAs
[23:43] – What should you not say?
[26:10] – Where to start to get involved
[28:46] – Advice she’d give
[32:07] – Running for office
[33:10] – Final thoughts
To learn more about the Emma Kate fundraiser event: https://halosofthestcroixvalley.com/
“Getting to know our legislators before or during their time in office is an important part of our profession because they are who control what we can do and where we can do it.”
-Sarah Tweedy, CRNA
