Student Nurse Political Action Day is a day dedicated to inspiring, educating, and empowering the next generation of nurses to become advocates for the nursing profession. This year, Matt Harless joins the day as a Keynote Speaker on the importance of de-escalation.
Harless is a dedicated bedside nurse, mentor, and fierce advocate for nursing issues at the local, state, and federal levels. His career is rooted in serving all different aspects of nursing, from working with at-risk youth to adult protective services and first hand experience in patient care. His expertise in many different areas of healthcare has made him a passionate voice and advocate for frontline nurses beyond hospital walls.
Harless’s advocacy has taken him all over the country, speaking and engaging with nursing students. SNPAD is excited to bring you five reasons student nurses can’t miss hearing Harless speak!
1. The Mission: Preparing Future Nurses for Success
At SNPAD, nursing students will have the opportunity to experience Harless as this year’s keynote speaker. His keynote address is an interactive, eye-opening session designed to help prepare students for the real world of nursing.
His goal isn’t just to prepare students for their first job. He hopes to equip them with the tools needed for lifelong success in the nursing profession. “I want you all to be superheroes,” he tells students. “But even Batman had tools. I want to arm you with a tool belt that will help you succeed in nursing.”
His vision for the future of nursing education includes:
- Integrating leadership training from the start—so students see themselves as advocates, not just employees.
- Teaching students how to navigate workplace challenges—including conflict resolution, de-escalation, and self-advocacy.
- Building a support system for new nurses—mentorship programs that reduce burnout and increase retention.
Harless doesn’t sugarcoat the realities of nursing. He tells it like it is—but he also gives students the strategies and tools to succeed. His keynote at SNPAD is more than just a speech—it’s an experience that will change the way students approach their nursing careers.
2. Empowering the Next Generation: How Matt Harless Builds Confidence in Nursing Students
Empowerment in nursing is more than just a concept. It’s a necessity for not only nurses working in healthcare but also for student nurses. Harless has dedicated his career to instilling confidence and self-image in student nurses, working to ensure they recognize their value from day one.
At SNPAD, Harless’ keynote address will dive into real-world strategies for navigating workplace challenges, setting professional boundaries, and embracing leadership roles. He believes confidence comes from mentorship, critical thinking, and the ability to advocate for oneself in high-pressure environments.
“I never want to hear you say this, ‘I am just a nurse.’”
By fostering confidence, competence, and leadership from the start, Harless believes nurses can transform not only their own careers but also the entire healthcare landscape. His mission is clear: to equip the next generation of nurses with the tools they need to thrive, advocate, and lead with purpose.
3. Understanding Competence and Confidence: The Two Oars of Success
Educators work tirelessly to prepare the next generation of nurses for the realities of nursing. But beyond textbooks and clinical rotations, one of the greatest challenges students face is balancing confidence and competence — knowing not just how to perform a skill, but understanding the when and why.
Harless describes confidence and competence as “the two oars of success.” He has seen highly competent students who struggle to make quick, confident, and informed decisions. “I’ve met nursing students who are incredibly smart, but they are rowing with just one oar, going in circles,” he explained. Students need both skill and judgment to thrive in real-world nursing situations.
At Student Nurse Political Action Day, Harless will challenge nursing students to see themselves as advocates and change-makers beyond their clinical roles. Every nurse can lead by mentoring, advocating for patient care, or improving workplace culture. “We don’t lead by what we say. We lead by what we do.”
4. Teaching Leadership and Advocacy in Nursing
Leadership in nursing starts at the bedside, not just in management roles. Nurses have the power to shape patient care, influence policy, and drive change—if they recognize their leadership potential.
At Student Nurse Political Action Day, Harless challenges nursing students to see themselves as advocates and change-makers beyond their clinical roles. Every nurse can lead by mentoring, advocating for patient care, or improving workplace culture. “We don’t lead by what we say. We lead by what we do.”
By stepping into leadership roles, Harless believes nurses can advocate for:
- Better staffing
- Workplace protections
- Patient-centered care policies
Beyond hospitals, political advocacy is crucial. Harless encourages nurses to stay persistent—change takes time and commitment. “Nurses need to be champions of change.”
5. Essential Tips for De-Escalation in Nursing
Nurses often face high-stress situations where conflicts can escalate quickly. De-escalation is a crucial skill that ensures patient safety and fosters a healthy work environment.
At SNPAD, students will learn Harless’s 20 tips for de-escalation—but here are five essential strategies every nurse should know.
- Stay Calm – The Foundation of De-Escalation
When emotions run high, staying calm is the most important step.- Take deep breaths
- Slow your response
- Maintain a composed presence
The calmer you are, the more likely you are to de-escalate the situation.
- Use Your Body to Project Calmness
Nonverbal cues matter—your body language can either soothe or escalate a situation.Harless teaches nurses to:
- Lower their tone of voice
- Use palm-up gestures to signal openness
- Relax their shoulders and face to avoid looking tense or aggressive
- Maintain a safe physical distance to prevent making patients feel trapped
- Active Listening – Hear the Patient’s Concerns
Patients often give clues about their biggest concerns. Pay attention to:- The first thing they say—it’s usually their biggest worry
- Repeated words or phrases—these highlight what matters most to them
By listening actively, nurses can address concerns with empathy and awareness.
- Validate the Patient’s Words
Validation doesn’t mean agreeing—it means recognizing their feelings.- “I hear what you’re saying, and I understand why this is frustrating for you.”
When patients feel heard, they are less likely to escalate further.
- Ask Open-Ended Questions & Show Empathy
Encourage patients to share their experiences and express their concerns.Try asking:
- “Can you tell me more about what’s been going on?”
- “How can I help make this better for you?”
- “It sounds like you’ve had a rough day. What’s been the hardest part for you?”
By showing genuine interest and putting yourself in their shoes, nurses can defuse tension and redirect the conversation toward solutions.
Join Us at SNPAD: Empower the Next Generation of Nurse Leaders
As educators, you have the power to shape the future of nursing. By bringing your students to Student Nurse Political Action Day SNPAD, you give them an invaluable opportunity to step into their roles as leaders, advocates, and change-makers in healthcare.
Matt Harless’s keynote address, along with other inspiring speakers, will equip students with the confidence, competence, and advocacy skills they need to thrive in their nursing careers. They will learn critical thinking, de-escalation strategies, and leadership insights that go far beyond the classroom—preparing them for the real-world challenges they will face.
Now is the time to invest in your students’ success. Give them the chance to be inspired, to grow, and to see themselves as the future of nursing.
Register now and be part of shaping the next generation of nursing professionals!