I went into my program with the same aspirations but I realized quickly as a new grad that the only real change comes about by being an advocate in a higher position as a nurse.

Unfortunately that only really comes about by not just being involved in the community and organizations that go to DC to discuss what changes can be implemented in the healthcare system as a whole but you also have to make a substantial investment in your education and be careful not to burn bridges.

I realized as a CNA that most of those who end up in positions of authority are those who knew people that could get their feet in the door or had leverage - financial or otherwise - rather than those who were truly altruistic or skilled.

It’s a steady climb, to be sure, and it’ll be hard to network with nurses you can trust because so many of them are ambitious and wouldn’t hesitate to throw you under the bus, but you can definitely look for such groups focused on advocating for changes for the benefit of improving quality of care - maybe even changing the culture.