Check out the timestamps below to help you navigate through the many topics we discussed.
On This Episode:
Every year it seems like more and more nurses are taking an active interest in politics, both local and regional, and today’s guest is someone who’s been on the rise as a public official. Sara Rodriguez, a nurse and community leader, won her campaign in Wisconsin to become the state’s next Lieutenant Governor and joins us today to talk about her shift from public health to policymaker.
Before she made the move into politics as an elected member of the State Assembly representing Wakesha County and the western suburbs of Milwaukee, Sara worked in public health nursing for almost her entire career. She served in all types of capacities in healthcare as well as spending time with the Peace Corps.
Once COVID hit, it triggered her interest in serving the community through politics, and she’s had tremendous success in a few short years. In this episode, we talk about what it will take to give more nurses a seat at the table so that we have a louder voice on issues that matter most.
Here are some of the things you’ll learn on this show:
- Her background in public health and the Peace Corps. [3:13]
- How COVID triggered her transition into politics. [6:23]
- Using her background and nurse training to better communicate with the community when campaigning. [9:27]
- From serving in the legislature to Lt. Governor, what that jump has been like. [12:55]
- Does she think COVID and the pandemic would have been different if more nurses in politics. [18:14]
- What would she tell nurses who are considering running for a position? [24:48]
- The final thoughts she wants to leave for nurses. [32:49]
Check out the interview at the top of the page and use the timestamps to help you navigate through the many topics we discussed.
Politics for me is just another way that nurses can give back to the community.
–Sara Rodriguez, Wisconsin Lieutenant Governor
