Nursing Student Served as Policy Intern for
Idaho Public Health Association
Vanessa Potoski, a senior School of Nursing student, served as the
policy intern for the Idaho Public Health Association (IPHA) during
the spring 2013 term.
Potoski monitored public health issues that have arisen in the 2013 Legislative Session and produced updates for IPHA’s members. She also tracked the progress of appropriate legislation throughout
the session and prepared an end of session report for IPHA members.
Potoski learned of the internship opportunity through her community nursing course faculty, Molly
Prengaman, assistant professor in the School of Nursing. Potoski became interested in health policy
in fall 2012 while enrolled in Nursing 420: Policy, Power and Voice. During the course, the students
learned that nurses have an obligation to participate in policy formation at all levels as a way to advocate for their patients.
While learning about the legislative process through her internship, Potoski enjoyed observing
statehouse committee meetings and hearings. She found following the progress on bills relating to the
Affordable care Act particularly interesting.
After completing her undergraduate nursing degree, Potoski hopes to enroll in the Masters in Nursing of Populations at Boise State. She is interested in developing her master’s project to promote the
health of caregivers, who care for their loved ones at home. Ultimately, Potoski wants to work in health
education, health promotion, and prevention of disease.
Idaho Legislators in session.
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SCHOOL OF NURSING