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Taking political responsibility for nursing's future.
Linda C Hodges1, Barbara G Williams, Deborah D Carman
1College of Nursing, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA.
Medsurg Nursing : Official Journal of the Academy of Medical-Surgical Nurses
|March 21, 2002
Summary
Urgent action is needed to address the nursing shortage. Congress is considering legislation (H.R. 4387 and S. 1864) to fund solutions, but a narrow window exists to influence the outcome for better patient care and nursing education.
Area of Science:
- Health Policy and Nursing Workforce Development
Background:
- Significant nursing and nurse educator shortages pose a critical threat to patient care and future healthcare capacity.
- Federal legislative efforts are underway to address these shortages through new funding and initiatives.
Purpose of the Study:
- To advocate for timely political action on House Bill H.R. 4387 and Senate Bill S. 1864.
- To influence the Congressional conference committee process to ensure favorable outcomes for nursing workforce solutions.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of current legislative status regarding nursing shortage bills.
- Call to action for stakeholders to engage in the political process before Congressional recess.
Main Results:
- House and Senate bills (H.R. 4387 and S. 1864) have passed their respective chambers.
- The bills are proceeding to a Congressional conference committee for compromise and finalization.
Conclusions:
- A critical, short-term opportunity exists to influence legislation aimed at solving the nursing shortage.
- Immediate engagement is necessary to secure funding and initiatives that will bolster the nursing workforce and education.