Imagine a legislative chamber filled with people making decisions about healthcare policy—but not a single one of them has ever worked a 12-hour shift in an understaffed hospital, held the hand of a patient in their final moments, or navigated the chaos of an emergency room. Now imagine what would change if even one of those seats were filled by a nurse.
Nurses are more than caregivers—they are problem-solvers, advocates, and leaders. Every day, they make critical decisions under pressure, balance competing priorities, and fight for the well-being of their patients. These are the very skills our political system desperately needs. Yet, despite representing one of the most trusted professions in America, nurses remain vastly underrepresented in elected office.
Come explore political opportunities and why nurses should not only have a seat at the table but also lead the conversation. We’ll discuss the unique perspectives they bring to policymaking, the challenges they face in entering the political arena, and the strategies that can help them succeed.
PRESENTERS
 |
Jaclyn Rodriguez, BSN, BS, RN, SANE-A, SANE-P, IVSE-C, is a practicing SANE and CEO of ForMed Insight LLC, providing forensic and emergency medicine consulting services. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Loyola University Chicago. She has been practicing as an Emergency Room Nurse since 2003 and as a SANE since 2005. Jaclyn is a certified SANE-A, SANE-P, and IVSE-C. Jaclyn has provided education to over 25,000 healthcare providers, law enforcement, advocates, and others on topics related to sexual assault and forensic nursing. As Statewide SANE Coordinator, she participated in writing key pieces of legislation that are shaping the care of sexual assault patients throughout Illinois, including legislation for law enforcement, hospitals, and health care professionals. She developed evidence-based, trauma-informed, victim-centered training to improve the response for sexual assault patients by multi-disciplinary professionals. She is an active member of the Academy of Forensic Nursing, Emergency Nurses Association, and End Violence Against Women International. Jaclyn participates in multidisciplinary teams throughout Illinois related to sexual assault and human trafficking. She has provided expert witness testimony on sexual assault, trauma, and non-fatal strangulation. |
 |
Jennifer Banek, MSN, MHA, CRNA, is a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) who graduated from the NorthShore School of Nurse Anesthesia in 2012. She became an advocate for the CRNA profession in 2017 and later served as the state president of the Illinois Association of Nurse Anesthesiology. Jennifer currently serves as Treasurer on the Executive Board of the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology. In 2024, she completed a master’s in healthcare administration from George Washington University.
A Major in the United States Army Reserves, Jennifer has over 17 years of military service. She has also served as the elected Lake County Coroner since 2020, where she is dedicated to advancing public health in her community. Jennifer lives in Libertyville with her partner, a fellow service member and CRNA. Together, they have four grown children. |
Enduring Modules - This module originated on 05/27/2026 and will remain available for CE credit through 05/30/2028
Criteria for Successful Completion:
Live attendees must join the zoom link via the LMS site, be logged in for a minimum of 90% of the session, and successfully complete the attestation and evaluation. Upon completion, a CE certificate for 1.25 contact hours will be awarded.
Recordings of the live session will be made available within one week of the live date.
Asynchronous attendees must utilize the LMS to obtain resource information (if available), view 100% of recording(s), complete all modules, and successfully complete the attestation and evaluation. Upon completion, a CE certificate for 1.25 contact hours will be awarded.
No relevant financial relationships exist for any individuals in a position to control content of this educational activity.
NOTE:
The Academy of Forensic Nursing is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.
Watch this archived webinar on demand. (Usually available within one week of original date.)
$15.00
AFN MEMBER
$25.00
Non-Member