Senate Receives Bill Focused on Tackling Nursing Shortage

The Nurse Employment and Education Development (NEED) Act-a bipartisan bill aimed at tackling the nation's nursing shortage-was introduced into the Senate in early April by Senator Tim Hutchinson (R-AR) and Senator Barbara Mikulski (D-MD), the bill's cosponsors.

The act builds on programs currently available under the Nurse Education Act and proposes several new approaches-including the establishment of a Nurse Corps to enhance recruitment efforts. The act also makes more money available for nurse loan repayment programs and earmarks scholarship funds for nursing students who agree to practice for two years in a specialty area or health-care facility experiencing critical shortages. The act will also fund state and local multimedia campaigns that encourage individuals to choose nursing as a career.

To retain the nation's currently practicing nurses, the legislation provides grant money for community partnerships that are developing innovative recruitment and retention strategies. Grant funding is also available for workforce diversity, career ladder programs, long-term care training, and nursing internships and residencies in specialty areas. The act also calls for a fast-track faculty development program, loans, and scholarships to encourage master's and doctoral students to complete their education. In exchange for this financial assistance, these individuals must agree to teach at an accredited school of nursing.

From the April 9, 2001 article, "Bill to Tackle Nurse Shortage Introduced in the Senate," published in Greater Philadelphia Advance for Nurses.