| Sumario: | Background: Nursing students often lack real-world exposure to health policy and advocacy, despite its emphasis on professional competencies. Experiential learning opportunities, such as Nurse Day at the Capitol in Austin, TX, can bridge this gap and foster leadership. Method: This qualitative study used collaborative autoethnography to explore the experiences of two nursing students, one undergraduate and one graduate, who participated in the 2025 Nurse Day at the Capitol. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and reflections, then analyzed using inductive thematic analysis. Results: Six themes emerged: bridging practice and policy, empowerment through advocacy, emotional journey of advocacy, redefining leadership, personal-professional intersection of policy, and transformation of identity. Students reported increased confidence, civic engagement, and deeper understanding of their roles as advocates. Conclusion: Experiential advocacy events enhance nursing students' leadership identity and political competence. Integrating such opportunities into curricula strengthens professional development and prepares future nurse leaders for policy engagement.
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