Policy Pathways for School Nurses
Embark on a transformative journey in school nurse leadership and policy.
January 2026 – April 2026
Your journey to policy confidence starts here!
The Illinois Association of School Nurses (IASN) proudly presents Policy Pathways for School Nurses — a one-of-a-kind learning experience designed to empower school nurses to lead in advocacy and policy at every level.
This innovative program blends engaging instruction with real-world application to remove the mystery (and fear!) often associated with public policy, legislation, and advocacy. Whether you are new to policy work or ready to expand your leadership capacity, this program will elevate your voice, skills, confidence, and impact.
What Participants Will Gain
- A clear understanding of the legislative and policymaking process in Illinois
- Enhanced advocacy skills to confidently engage with policymakers
- The ability to influence change at both the local and state levels
- Hands-on experience in real policy environments
- Up to TBD contact hours, earned through:
- Four interactive virtual learning sessions
- One in-person Capitol experience, including meetings with legislators
Take the next step on your Policy Pathway — and join IASN in shaping the future of school health policy in Illinois!
Applicant Requirements
Applicants must be:
- A current IASN member or prospective member
- Currently working as a school nurse
Program Overview
Policy Pathways for School Nurses
Presented by the Illinois Association of School Nurses (IASN)
Empowering school nurses to lead with confidence in advocacy and policy.
Virtual Learning Series
Hosted via Zoom | Tuesdays | 6:30 PM – 7:45 PM
Attendance is required for all sessions.
Session One | January 13
Foundations of Policy and the Legislative Process from a Nurse Perspective
Speaker: Jameszetta James-Thompson, EdD, MJ, MSN, RN, ASC-BC, ACM-RN
Session Two | February 10
Inside the Process: How Legislation Takes Shape
Speaker: Dagmara Avelar, State Representative, Illinois 85th District
Session Three | March 10
Power, Perception, and Policy: Navigating the Influences
Speaker: Lovey Reynolds, APRN, FNP-BC, CPN, CNE
Session Four | April 07
The School Nurse Voice: Becoming an Effective Policy Influencer
Speaker: TBD
Session Five: Capitol Experience, Report-Out & Program Completion
IASN School Nurse Hill Day
Illinois State Capitol – Springfield, IL
April 14 | 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Participants will meet with legislators, engage in advocacy activities, and gain an immersive understanding of how policy is shaped in Illinois.
Speakers:
- Lisell Zuñiga, BSN, RN, PEL-CSN
- Debbie Broadfield, Capital Edge Consulting
Legislative Dinner
April 14 | 6:00 PM (optional)
Location: TBD
Participants will pay for their own dinner.
Criteria for Successful Completion
To successfully complete the 2026 Policy Pathways for School Nurses Program and earn TBD contact hours, participants must:
- Attend all four virtual learning sessions
- Attend the in-person Capitol session in Springfield
- Participate in the final evaluation and report-out session
