Rallying support for nursing education

Editor's Note

Federal efforts to rein in student loan debt and tuition costs, including a new law and related Department of Education rules risk post-baccalaureate nursing students’ eligibility for federal loans as graduate medical students. In response, many professional practice organizations, including the American Nurses Association (ANA), are rallying support for nursing professional education. For example, ANA President Jennifer Mensik Kennedy, PhD, MBA, RN, NEA-BC, FAAN recently shared a statement on this issue. She noted …

“On behalf of America’s nurses, I want to express my gratitude to the 140 members of Congress who signed today’s bipartisan, bicameral letter urging the Department of Education to include post-baccalaureate nursing degrees in its definition of ‘professional degree.’ Their action reflects a growing recognition within Congress that nurses are vital to the strength and sustainability of our nation’s healthcare system.

I am especially thankful to U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Roger Wicker and U.S. Representatives Suzanne Bonamici and Jen Kiggans for their leadership in championing this issue. Ensuring access to advanced education for nurses is critical to addressing our nation’s healthcare challenges and protecting patients’ access to care.

I encourage everyone who supports this important effort to join us by visiting RNAction.org to contact their representatives and make their voices heard.”

More information on the issue can be found on the ANA website.