2026 Nurses Day at the Capitol Draws Hundreds to Madison, WI

Hundreds of nurses and nursing students gathered in Madison, WI, on Tuesday for the 2026 Nurses Day at the Capitol, an annual event organized by the Wisconsin Nurses Association to educate participants on key health policy issues and connect them directly with state lawmakers.

Building on the momentum of 2025 — when more than 1,100 people attended — this year’s event once again brought together student nurses, experienced RNs, and APRNs for a day focused on advocacy, engagement, and professional responsibility.

From the Classroom to the Capitol

The day began with morning sessions designed to inform attendees about national and state health policy issues impacting nursing practice, education, and health care delivery. Participants came prepared not just to listen, but to act.

As part of the registration process, each attendee identified their state senator and assembly representative, along with their district numbers. Those names were printed on name tags as a reminder, ensuring participants were ready for their scheduled meetings later in the day.

Following the morning presentations, nurses made their way to meetings held at the Wisconsin State Capitol and at Monona Terrace, depending on the size of each legislator’s constituent group.

Structured Legislative Engagement

WNA coordinated meeting times in advance and maintained a Google document updated in real time with appointment details. The document listed each state senator and corresponding assembly representative, including district numbers, locations, and meeting times.

Participants were responsible for checking the document to confirm their meeting details and were expected to attend. Legislators received lists of registrants scheduled to attend each visit, reinforcing the importance of showing up and representing the nursing profession.

Attendees were required to participate in their scheduled legislator meetings and submit a completed report at the designated debriefing room at either the Capitol or Monona Terrace in order to receive a Certificate of Attendance. No certificates were issued to those who attended only the morning sessions, and no continuing education contact hours were offered for the activity.

Business casual attire was required, reflecting the professional nature of the meetings with lawmakers.

Strong Representation from Across Wisconsin

Among those in attendance were nearly 40 nursing students from the 20th Senate District, many of whom are studying at MPTC.

“This week, hundreds of nurses and nursing students gathered in Madison for their annual ‘Nurses Day at the Capitol,’” said Senator Dan Feyen. “Among those were almost 40 nursing students from the 20th Senate District, many of whom are studying at MPTC. Thank you all for making the journey, and best of luck in the rest of your studies ahead!”

The strong student presence underscored one of the event’s key goals: preparing the next generation of nurses to understand and engage in the policymaking process that shapes their profession.

Support from Sponsors

Gold, Silver, and Bronze sponsors provided financial support to help keep participant costs low, making it possible for nurses and nursing students from across the state to take part in the event.

With structured preparation, coordinated legislative meetings, and broad statewide participation, the 2026 Nurses Day at the Capitol once again demonstrated the role nurses play not only in patient care, but also in shaping the public policies that impact health care delivery across Wisconsin.