TNA PRESIDENT'S NOTE
TEXAS NURSES ASSOCIATION
The Voice of the Nurse
Amy McCarthy DNP, RNC-MNN, NE-BC, CENP
President, Texas Nurses Association
In a time when misinformation travels faster than facts and trust in institutions is increasingly fragile, one voice remains consistently strong and credible: the voice of the nurse. Today, that voice is not only trusted—it is urgently needed.
This past March, more than 600 nurses from across Texas traveled to the Capitol to meet with lawmakers on issues ranging from safe staffing and workplace safety to the decriminalization of medical errors and the importance of immunizations. The energy in the room was electric - not only was this record-breaking attendance for this event, but more than 80% of the nurses present were first-time attendees.
The message carried by this group was clear: nurses are not only caregivers—they are also policy shapers, patient advocates, and system improvers. Our collective presence in Austin was a reminder of the deep credibility and lived expertise nurses bring to every table.
It’s why I feel strongly about addressing a phrase I hear nurses say way too often when it comes to addressing themselves: “I’m just a nurse.”
It’s a phrase we hear too often. Whether whispered in self-doubt or spoken aloud in resignation, it reflects a cultural belief that advocacy belongs to someone else—someone with a higher title, a more advanced degree, or a seat at the executive table.
It’s time to retire that phrase for good.
Advocacy is not reserved for those with specific roles or credentials. It is woven into the fabric of everyday nursing practice. The new graduate nurse who questions an unsafe medication order. The school nurse who notices attendance patterns and connects families to care. The OR nurse who spots a trend in infections and brings it to leadership. The home health nurse who pushes past red tape to get equipment for a patient. Each of these actions is a form of advocacy—and each one matters.
Advocacy is not reserved for those with specific roles or credentials. It is woven into the fabric of everyday nursing practice.
In a state with nearly 300,000 licensed nurses, small acts of advocacy—multiplied daily—can have a transformative effect. When nurses speak up, systems shift. When nurses lead, outcomes improve. And when nurses organize, policy changes.
The challenges ahead are significant. Workforce shortages continue to threaten access and safety. Burnout and moral distress remain high. Technology is advancing rapidly, reshaping care models and demanding new competencies. At the same time, the rise of public health threats and disinformation make the nurse’s role as a trusted source more critical than ever.
Despite these barriers, there is reason for optimism. Nurses are being tapped to lead community health initiatives, inform digital health strategies, and drive health equity work. New care models are emerging with nurses at the center. Educational pathways are expanding. Nurses are stepping into boardrooms, advisory councils, and policy positions in greater numbers.
The future of healthcare will be defined by those who are willing to shape it. And nurses—armed with clinical insight, ethical clarity, and the trust of the public—are more than capable of doing just that.
So I challenge each of you: Stop waiting for permission to advocate. Stop believing that advocacy belongs to someone else with more experience, different credentials, or a specific title. Your nursing license is your authorization to advocate. Your experiences are your expertise. Your voice matters, regardless of where you practice or what letters follow your name.
Three hundred thousand nurses across our state. One powerful voice. Unlimited potential.
The question isn't whether nurses can transform Texas communities. We're already doing it. The question is: How will you add your voice to this movement?
Thank you for your dedication, your advocacy, and your service. Together, we are the most powerful force for positive change in healthcare today.
Our time is now. Let's make the most of it. TN
