WASHINGTON D.C. – Recently, U.S. Representatives Dave Joyce (OH-14) and Haley Stevens (MI-11) introduced the Stop Nurse Shortages Act. The bill would create a grant program to help nursing schools create, expand or support accelerated nursing degree programs, which are geared towards training those with an undergraduate degree in another field as nurses at an accelerated pace. 

“At a time when our country faces a nursing workforce shortage, legislators on both sides of the aisle must come together. If we don’t, America’s patient population will pay the price,” said Congressman Joyce, Co-Chair of the Congressional Nursing Caucus. “That’s why I am proud to introduce this bipartisan legislation to ensure those who are interested in pursuing a career in nursing have access to the high-quality education and training opportunities they need.”

“Nurses are the backbone of our healthcare system providing the frontline care families and patients rely on,” said Congresswoman Stevens. “Unfortunately, there is a significant number of nurse openings across the country and that is what this bill is designed to address. By offering grants to schools to stand up or support accelerated nursing programs, these schools will be able to graduate more nurses. I’m proud to join my colleague from Ohio, Representative Dave Joyce, in authoring and introducing this important legislation.”

“As an educator for tomorrow’s nurses and active clinicians,  I applaud the reintroduction of the Stop Nurse Shortage Act. This legislation comes at a time when we need to expand our ability to educate future nurses of all kinds,” said Dru Riddle, PhD, DNP, CRNA, FAAN,  President of the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (AANA). “This bill will especially have a positive impact on the availability of nurses in the rural and underserved communities where Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists and other APRNs predominate.” 

“Sustaining a robust nursing workforce is essential to ensuring access to care for all Americans in need,” said Dr. Jean Giddens, Board Chair for the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN).“Academic nursing leaders applaud Rep. Haley Stevens and Rep. David Joyce for introducing the Stop Nurse Shortages Act, which will open doors to careers in nursing for a new wave of well-educated healthcare providers.”

“By expanding enrollment in accelerated programs at both the baccalaureate and master’s level, this federal support will help schools nationwide to prepare more practice-ready nurses,” said Dr. Deborah Trautman, AACN President and Chief Executive Officer. “In addition to student aid, we are pleased to see funding for hiring nurse faculty and expanding clinical training opportunities included in this bill.”

Background: 

This legislation authorizes a $10 million/year grant program allowing nursing schools to create, expand or support an accelerated nursing degree program. To increase the number of graduating nurses through these programs, nursing schools will be able to use grants to:

• Hire and retain faculty and preceptors;
• Increase the number of clinical trainings sites; or
• Offer financial assistance to students. 

This bill is supported by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, the American Nurses Association, the National League for Nursing, the American Association for Nurse Anesthesiology, the American Organization for Nursing Leadership, and the National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners.