House bill would address nursing shortage

Reps. Haley Stevens, D-Mich., and David Joyce, R-Ohio, this week introduced the Stop Nurse Shortages Act (H.R. 8330). The bipartisan, AONL-supported legislation would authorize $10 million per year in grants for nursing schools to create, expand or support an accelerated nursing degree program. Schools will be able to use the funding to hire and retain faculty and preceptors; increase the number of clinical training sites; or offer financial assistance to students. “Accelerated nursing programs provide a streamlined pathway for individuals who already hold a degree in another field to transition into nursing,” said AONL CEO Robyn Begley, DNP, RN. “Second-career nurses often bring diverse experiences to nursing practice and patient care.” Begley also serves as the American Hospital Association’s senior vice president and CNO. (Rep. Stevens news release, 5/9/24)