USF Nurse Practitioner Master’s Coursework Inspires Student to Become Political Activist & State Democratic Delegate

University of South Florida College of Nursing master’s student Andrea Ann Wislotsky, RN, BS, was elected as a State Democratic Delegate representing Congressional District #10 in Pinellas County in April 2012 and attended the State Democratic Delegate Convention in June.

Andrea Ann Wislotsky 

While taking Ethical, Legal, and Policy Issues in Advanced Practice Nursing (NGR6737) taught by Sonya Malbrough, DNP, MS, CRNA, Assistant Professor and Nurse Anesthesia (CRNA) Concentration Assistant Director, Wislotsky learned the importance of demonstrating leadership in the profession and the necessity of becoming involved with political issues that the Advance Practice Nurse faces on a routine basis.

“The expectation was to become more familiar with the government and policy process so that we as Advanced Practice Nurses would be able to function effectively in the role of “political activist” as well as in the nursing profession, said Wislotsky. “Daily while working on course work the question crossed my mind, ‘What more can I do to support the profession?’ and as the class progressed so did my ideas of becoming involved socially in politics.”

Dr. Malbrough is proud of Wislotsky for going the extra mile on her course assignments.

“With this opportunity, you will be in a position to speak on behalf of nursing (and specifically nurse practitioners) in the state of Florida,” said Dr. Malbrough.

Wislotsky has been employed at St. Petersburg General Hospital since 2002 and currently works in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). While enrolled in the Bachelor’s program at St. Petersburg College, Wislotsky began to realize that while caring was at the core of the nursing, there was much more than that.

“I chose to further my education in advance practice nursing as a Family Nurse practitioner because I wanted to be a part of promoting health and wellness to members of my community of all ages, said Wislotsky. “After completing my first semester of courses I am confident that I have made the correct career decision. By having the qualifications, which I have achieved through advanced education, I may have the opportunity be a part of the transformation of healthcare in the United States of America.”

Upon graduating from the Family Nurse Practitioner Concentration, she plans to continue serving her community by promoting health and wellness, and hopes to continue her education at USF with a doctorate degree in nursing.

“Higher learning at the University of South Florida in the graduate nursing program has inspired me to work to my fullest capacity as a healthcare professional,” said Wislotskiy. “The College of Nursing has empowered me to be a voice for the profession as a consumer advocate and a political force on current and future healthcare issues.”