In today’s complex and often polarized environment, the idea of advocacy can sometimes feel like walking a tightrope. When an organization like the Academy of Medical-Surgical Nurses (AMSN) takes a position on an issue affecting our profession, it can be seen as “political.” And unfortunately, in our current climate, “political” can at times be viewed negatively. But for AMSN, our purpose has always been clear: to advocate for nurses and the nursing profession — particularly medical-surgical nurses — so that we can continue to provide safe, high-quality care for the patients and communities who depend on us.
Advocacy is not about politics; it’s about people. It’s about standing up for nurses, ensuring our voices are part of national conversations on healthcare policy, practice, and workforce wellbeing. Yet, I acknowledge how difficult it can be to engage in advocacy without the appearance of partisanship. As AMSN’s president, I’ve wrestled with that tension — wanting to strongly represent our members while maintaining the integrity of being a nonpartisan professional organization.
In the midst of reflecting on this balance, I witnessed two moments that reminded me what true advocacy and professional calling look like in action.
The first came in a group text message — one that started with 25 random numbers I didn’t recognize. A dear colleague, Missy Moreda, the incoming president of the American Association of Neuroscience Nurses, sent an urgent request: a call for help staffing a health clinic for monks during their Walk for Peace as they passed through our shared community. Within minutes, nurses and physical therapists began responding: “I’ll be there.” No hesitation. No questions about logistics or safety. Even though it was expected to be outdoors in freezing temperatures, with wind chills likely in the teens, these healthcare professionals simply offered to show up.
A week later, while on a cross-country flight, I experienced another moment of this same instinctive commitment. When a flight attendant announced a medical emergency and asked for assistance, several heads turned, call bells were pressed, and professionals from around the plane — myself and several other nurses and physicians alike — moved quickly to help. Within seconds, care was coordinated midair. Once again, no hesitation, no need for recognition — just action, compassion, and skill.
These moments reflect what we, as an organization, strive to advocate for every day. When I think of AMSN’s advocacy work — whether it’s responding to policy proposals, supporting workforce initiatives, or raising awareness at the national level — I think of those nurses. The ones who respond without hesitation, who care for others no matter the setting, who embody professionalism and compassion. Our advocacy is about creating an environment where nurses can continue to do that safely, sustainably, and with the support they deserve.
Recently, AMSN released a public statement — not a political position, but a reflection on the tragic scenario involving critical care nurse, Alex Pretti. It generated several thoughtful responses from our members across a range of perspectives. I want to say sincerely: Your voices matter. Every opinion and every expression of thought reflect the diversity and depth of our organization. Listening to one another — just as we listen to our patients — is part of how we grow stronger as a professional community.
Advocacy will always be a part of nursing at the patient, community, and policy levels. And in all forms, it is not a perfect science. With all these events, I am reminded how that the art of nursing is in how we are moved to act, speak, and serve.
As always, reach out at President@AMSN.com
Sincerely,
Kristi
AMSN Organizational Statement Regarding DoE
February 16, 2026
The Academy of Medical-Surgical Nurses (AMSN) is deeply concerned about the continued insistence by the U.S. Department of Education to exclude nursing from the definition of “professional degree” programs tied to federal graduate student loan limits. This decision reflects a misguided understanding of nursing as an independent profession who collaborates with other healthcare clinicians, rather than one that is supervised by medical providers.
AMSN calls for the Department of Education (DoE) to explicitly include post-baccalaureate nursing programs, as outlined under the “Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences” series of Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) codes (Series 51.38), in the proposed regulatory definition of professional degree programs, and all the degrees at the master's and doctoral level they represent. Specifically: "A professional degree may be awarded in the following fields: (i) Pharmacy (PharmD), Dentistry (DDS or DMD), Veterinary Medicine (DVM), Chiropractic (DC or DCM), Law (LLB or JD), Medicine (MD), Optometry (OD), Osteopathic Medicine (DO), Podiatry (DPM, DP, or PodD), Theology (MDiv, or MHL), Clinical Psychology (PsyD or PhD), and Nursing (MSN, DNP, PhD)."
The failure to amend these rules risks adversely impacting access to care that Advanced Practice Nurses provide across the United States, as well as reducing the pipeline for nursing faculty essential to educating the nursing workforce of tomorrow.
The proposed rule is now open for public comments through March 2. To ensure a coordinated response throughout our nursing community, AMSN along with multiple other nursing organizations, partnered with the Nursing Community Coalition (NCC) on suggested language. Please use the following statement and elaborate with any details from your own experiences:
“I urge the inclusion of post-baccalaureate nursing degrees (MSN, DNP, PhD) explicitly in the list of professional degrees.”
Comments may be submitted directly to the DoE through Regulations.gov or through the American Nurses Association Calls to Action page. Add your voice today.