UW-Eau Claire nursing student advocates for rural healthcare solutions during Washington, D.C., internship

As a government affairs and policy intern at the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, Burgdorf, a UW-Eau Claire senior from New Berlin, worked on high-impact projects aimed at tackling one of the country’s most pressing healthcare issues: the impending closure of rural hospitals. His role gave him firsthand experience in shaping policy that could have lasting effects on rural healthcare nationwide. 

Addressing rural healthcare challenges: A policy brief with purpose

During his internship, Burgdorf’s primary focus was developing a policy brief titled “Recommendations to Advance Rural Health through Title VIII,” which explored the financial instability plaguing rural hospitals. More than 700 of these essential community facilities in the U.S. are at risk of closing, including more than 360 that could face financial collapse imminently. 

Burgdorf proposed increasing Title VIII funding, expanding telehealth services and advancing workforce development through loan forgiveness programs to attract healthcare providers to underserved areas.

“Rural hospitals are more than just healthcare facilities — they are lifelines for their communities,” Burgdorf says. “The ripple effects of hospital closures are devastating, leading to increased mortality rates and severe economic strain on already vulnerable areas.”

His research revealed a shocking statistic:

“For every rural hospital that closes, the local mortality rate rises by 6.7%.”

Burgdorf’s recommendations offered targeted solutions, particularly the expansion of telehealth services, which could provide patients in remote areas access to specialized care without the need for long-distance travel. 

Landing the internship: Passion and persistence 

Burgdorf’s journey to securing the AACN internship was a mix of perseverance and passion. “I found the internship through AACN’s website and knew immediately that it was a perfect fit,” he says.

Drawing from his personal connection to rural healthcare — especially the closure of Sacred Heart Hospital in Eau Claire — Burgdorf stood out as an applicant. His dual passion for healthcare and policy, along with his academic background in nursing and public health, allowed him to emphasize the importance of healthcare advocacy in rural areas. 

A transformational experience in Washington, D.C. 

Living and working in Washington, D.C., allowed Burgdorf to engage directly with policymakers. Attending legislative briefings and advocating for rural health equity on Capitol Hill provided invaluable insight into the complexities of healthcare policy.

“I saw firsthand how advocacy can truly move the needle on critical healthcare issues,” Burgdorf says. “The experience reinforced my belief that nurses must be part of the policy discussions shaping our healthcare systems.”

Outside of work, Burgdorf made sure to take in the rich history and culture of the nation’s capital, visiting the National Mall, the National Museum of American History and attending a performance at the Kennedy Center. The balance between professional growth and personal exploration made his time in Washington, D.C., unforgettable. 

Connecting clinical care with policy advocacy 

Burgdorf’s work at the AACN, where he learned to integrate clinical knowledge with policymaking, complemented his nursing education at UW-Eau Claire. His experience drafting the Title VIII policy brief sharpened his skills in research, writing and public speaking — skills that he knows will be invaluable as he pursues a future in both nursing and health policy.

“Nurses are natural advocates, whether at the bedside or in Congress,” Burgdorf says. “We have the power to influence health outcomes on a larger scale.” 

Looking forward: Advice for future nursing students 

Having completed his internship, Burgdorf now is more determined than ever to advocate for rural healthcare reform. He encourages his fellow nursing students to take bold steps outside traditional clinical roles and explore health policy.

“We need more nurses advocating for the changes we know will improve patient outcomes,” Burgdorf says. “We know firsthand what patients need, and we can shape the system to provide better care for all.”

Burgdorf’s experience in Washington, D.C., is a testament to the impact that nursing professionals can have on healthcare policy. His work not only contributes to the wellbeing of rural communities but also paves the way for future healthcare leaders at UW-Eau Claire. 

Written by Kaylan Petrie, administrative coordinator, UW-Eau Claire College of Nursing