ANA Commends Introduction of the Stop Nurse Shortages Act

CONTACT: NewsRoom@ana.org

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representatives Haley Stevens (D-MI) and U.S. Representative Dave Joyce (R-OH) introduced the Stop Nurse Shortages Act on May 9, 2024. 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. The following quote is attributable to American Nurses Association (ANA) President Jennifer Mensik Kennedy, PhD, MBA, RN, NEA, FAAN:

“ANA commends Representative Stevens for reintroducing this essential and timely act. Investing in nurses translates to investing in our communities, particularly when policymakers and leaders implement measures to strengthen the education to workforce pipeline. Accelerated programs are a fantastic opportunity for students who already have a degree in a non-nursing field to enter into the nursing profession completing either a bachelors or masters degree in nursing. ANA strongly supports this effort to provide greater funding to faculty, student financial assistance, and overall building a well-prepared nursing workforce to meet health care’s future needs.” 

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The American Nurses Association (ANA) is the premier organization representing the interests of the nation's more than 5 million registered nurses. ANA advances the profession by fostering high standards of nursing practice, promoting a safe and ethical work environment, bolstering the health and wellness of nurses, and advocating on health care issues that affect nurses and the public. ANA is at the forefront of improving the quality of health care for all. For more information, visit www.nursingworld.org.