The path to becoming an advocate for the home health care and hospice communities is unique for every individual.

The NAHC Advocate Spotlights aims to share their journeys, highlight the reasons behind why they choose to be an advocate;  and, hopefully inspire others to join in.

NAHC Advocate Spotlight
Manjeet Kaur of Amedisys

NAHC: Please share with us a little about yourself and your professional work.

Manjeet: “Nothing is impossible, the work itself says “I’m possible!”- Audrey Hepburn. As an optimist and opportunity seeker, these words guide my nursing practice every day. In 29 years of my career as a nurse, I saw myself inclined towards reflective practice to improve patient safety and quality of care. I have been in home health and hospice for the last 15years, with a focus on performance improvement through standardization, risk-taking, and collaboration.”

NAHC: Why do you choose to advocate?

Manjeet: As a nurse, I feel morally obligated and ethically responsible to contribute toward my profession and practice. Advocacy gives me an opportunity to speak up about and bring my professional colleagues’ and policymaker’s attention to important health policy issues.

NAHC: When did you first have the opportunity to participate in advocacy?

Manjeet: For past several years, I have been off and on following NAHC advocacy efforts for home health and hospice. Under NAHC’s advocacy efforts, I sent letters to Senators and Representatives to support certain bills. But I won’t call it my active participation. In May of 2019, I attended American Nurses’ Association’s Hill Day. What an invigorating experience it was joining 400 of my fellow nurses in advocacy! Before visiting The Hill, ANA prepared us nurses on how to bring forth issues and seek support to important bills. I visited four U.S. representatives/congressmen/women’s offices and met with two of them in person – Lauren Underwood and Mike Quigley. This was the very first time I had ever done anything like that, and while I was nervous it was truly amazing and enlightening.

After my first meeting at the office of Senator Richard J. Durbin and talking to his legislative aide, Gabie Camozzi, I knew in my heart that I was an expert who needs to tell my story to these leaders to encourage them to support important pieces of legislation impacting the home health care and hospice communities.

NAHC: If you could give any advice to a new advocate or someone who was considering participating what would it be?

Manjeet: Don’t Be Afraid to advocate for something you strongly believe in! Go visit your region’s U.S. representative/congressman/woman either at an event, on The Hill, or in their backyard. But, get your facts together before you visit because opportunity favors a prepared mind. You would find that you are an educated advocate & the representatives & their aides do listen to and value input.

The path to becoming an advocate for the home health care and hospice communities is different for every individual who takes part. This week, NAHC is proud to highlight Ms. Manjeet Kaur, BSN, RN, MPH, MSN, CPQH, Area Vice President Regulatory Affairs-Hospice with Amedisys, who recently had the opportunity to stretch her advocacy muscles in our nation’s capital and learn more about how engagement in advocacy and her voice as a nurse can be a powerful means of influence when it comes to legislation.

NAHC extends a special thank you to Manjeet for her efforts in advocacy and working to help protect the home health care and hospice communities. And, we also extend a warm welcome to her as one of the newest members to the ranks of our growing grassroots advocate “army.”

* originally posted in NAHC Report

Past Spotlights