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Amplifying nurses' voices in California.

POLICIES & RECOMMENDATIONS REPORT

Amplifying Nurses' Voices in Media Report 2026™

Nurses are consistently ranked as the most trusted profession, yet their voices remain underrepresented in media coverage. This report analyzes institutional media policies to understand how governance structures, communication practices, and risk management approaches influence nurse participation in public dialogue.

 

By identifying common policy patterns and gaps, the report outlines opportunities to better support nurses as credible voices in health communication, policy conversations, and public education.

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2%

of health-related stories identified nurses as sources.
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Woodhall Study Revisited

21%

of quotes in health-related stories were from physicians.

 

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Woodhall Study Revisited

24%

of women are represented in news stories. Nursing remains majority women.

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Women's Media Center

Advocacy Institute Fellows - Media Policy

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“Nurses bring critical clinical expertise and real-world insight to conversations about health and policy. This work reinforced how important it is to create clear pathways for nurses to engage with media and share what they see every day in patient care. When nursing voices are included in public dialogue, communities benefit from perspectives grounded in compassion, evidence, and lived experience.”

Dr. Deborah Finn-Romero DNP, RN, PHN, CNE, PACT
Advocacy Institute Fellow 2025

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"This policy recommendations report is an essential resource for advancing the role of nurses in media. It provides a comprehensive framework that not only highlights areas for policy enhancement but also equips nurses to take a proactive stance in shaping healthcare narratives. By amplifying our voices, we can better inform public discourse and advocate for the profession and our patients in ways that create lasting impact."

Kristy Fillmore BSN, RN, NPD-BC, CPHQ
Advocacy Institute Fellow 2024

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"As a Fellow and a nurse committed to advocacy, I see this report as a pivotal tool for fostering nurse representation in the media. It addresses long-standing barriers with practical, actionable recommendations that empower nurses to engage confidently with media and share their critical insights. This work truly positions us to influence healthcare policy and bring our voices to the forefront of public health discussions."

Alicia Truelove MSN, RN, CV-BC, NPD-BC
Advocacy Institute Fellow 2023

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