This last Wednesday and Thursday I had the privilege of spending time with fellow activists of Change That Works, advocating for meaningful health care reform. I had worked all night the night before and caught the plane that morning at 0930 am. Arrived in DC around noon having not slept in nearly 30 hours at that point. If it wasn't for the fact that I so passionately believe in the need for health care reform, I am sure I would have not been able to find the energy that I did.

I am a registered nurse of eleven years and have come to believe that the health care system as it currently exist is broken. I have been an activist on this issue for the better part of the last two years and feel that as a nurse it is my duty to fix the system. We must have a system that provides access for all, quality care for all and at a reasonable price for all and free to those that otherwise cannot afford it. It is time that a nation as rich as ours steps up and gives all its citizens the opportunity to achieve the American Dream. Without your health, it is not possible to pursue life, liberty, and happiness.

While in DC, I met with my representative Congressman - Jim Cooper. He stated that he is in full support of President Obama and the plan for real health care reform to include the public option. I will hold him to his word!

I also spoke with the chief of staff to Senator Alexander and to a staffer of Senator Corker and found them to be open to the discussion of health care reform. Their positions are different from that of my Congressman, but there is room for some common ground.

I told the stories of patients and friends who have been crushed by the burden of health care costs. I also tried to show how vulnerable the middle class is to financial devastation when a health care crisis develops in their lives. I shared the stories of a friend of mine who had a traumatic brain injury and is now facing bills that are leading his family to financial ruin and how his health coverage and prescription costs are so expensive that he may lose everything he has worked for his entire life. His family will suffer all because our health care system is broken.

I was also a witness and participant in a very spirited rally that featured members of the Senate and Congress that gave their words we would see real reform on health care this year. We should hold them all to that!

We can't miss this opportunity as citizens to get involved in shaping the health care reform debate. I am optimistic that a plan that includes choice, access, and coverage for all will come out of the House and am hopeful that the Senate can achieve the same.

I hope as a registered nurse to see the future of health care improved so that patients are treated as people and not commodities. We as a nation have the opportunity to say that we value life not only in the womb but throughout the span of one's life. We can do this and should do this now as it is long overdue.