Advocacy

The Voice of Associate Degree Nursing: Advocating Access, Strengthening Communities

What we seek to accomplish

Educate policymakers on the vital role of associate degree nursing programs in expanding access to safe, quality care nationwide.
Collaborate with organizations and leaders to advance opportunities for nurse educators and associate degree graduates.
Promote access to nursing education and careers that help communities thrive.

Latest Advocacy News

Nursing Community Monthly Roundup – August 2026

As OADN members, you have a voice in the federal policy decisions that shape nursing education and the nursing workforce. Through our work with the Nursing Community Coalition, OADN advocates for federal funding, workforce investments, and policies that support ADN programs, faculty, students, and the communities they serve. Advocacy & Engagament NCC Urges Senate Homeland [...]

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Federal Graduate Loan Limits Update: Litigation and Congressional Action

The Organization for Associate Degree Nursing (OADN) continues to monitor federal actions that could significantly affect access to advanced nursing education. OADN is an Organizational Affiliate of the American Nurses Association (ANA) and supports efforts to ensure that nursing is appropriately recognized as a professional degree and that students pursuing advanced nursing education maintain access [...]

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A Place at the Table:
OADN Leads the Effort for
Associate Degree Nursing

OADN’s purpose is to ensure that the voice of associate degree nursing is heard and represented anywhere decisions are made that affect our programs, faculty, and students.

We have made great strides in recent years. Leaders in government, non-profit organizations, and industry now seek out the counsel and input of associate degree nursing. OADN will continue to see that associate degree nursing is respected, equitably resourced, and recognized for our contributions to the health and welfare of the nation.

OADN in Washington DC


OADN CEO Dr. Rick García meets with Reps. Lauren Underwood (D-IL-14), Deborah Ross (D-NC-02), and Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX-18) on February 8, 2023 in Washington DC.

Rep. Jennifer Kiggans MSN, RN, AGNP (R-VA) Delivers Greetings to the 2023 OADN Convention

Congresswoman Jennifer Kiggans, a Navy veteran and Geriatric Nurse Practitioner, expresses her gratitude to nurse educators for the critical work they do to support our nation’s healthcare workforce. Rep. Kiggans shares that she was first inspired to run for office at nursing conference similar to the OADN Convention. She now co-chairs the bipartisan Congressional Nursing Caucus.