Nurses play a crucial role in advocating for themselves, their patients, and the healthcare system as a whole. Here are two examples of successful nurse advocacy efforts that resulted in legislation within the last 5 years (as of May 2024):

1. Stop Nurse Shortages Act (H.R. 9200)

• Year: Introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives in 2019.
• Advocacy Groups: Supported by the American Nurses Association (ANA) and other nursing organizations.
• Legislation: This act aimed to address the growing nurse shortage in the United States. It proposed several key measures, including:
  • Increased funding for nursing education programs, particularly Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) programs.
  • Loan forgiveness and scholarship programs to help nurses manage student debt.
  • Grants for nurse residency programs to improve retention of new nurses.
• Accomplishments: While the Stop Nurse Shortages Act itself wasn’t passed in its entirety, some of its provisions were incorporated into other healthcare legislation. Additionally, the act brought national attention to the nursing shortage and its impact on patient care.
• Next Steps: Continued advocacy is needed to secure dedicated funding for nursing education and establish loan repayment programs specifically for nurses. Nurses can advocate by contacting their representatives in Congress, supporting lobbying efforts by nursing organizations, and raising awareness of the nursing shortage in their communities.

2. Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC)

• Year: Several states have passed legislation related to the NLC in recent years.
• Advocacy Groups: Supported by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) and many nursing organizations.
• Legislation: The NLC allows a registered nurse with a license in one compact state to practice in another compact state without obtaining an additional license. This can improve nurses’ job mobility and access to healthcare services in underserved areas.
• Accomplishments: As of May 2024, over 40 states have adopted the NLC. This significantly reduces licensure hurdles for nurses who want to practice in multiple states.
• Next Steps: Continued efforts are needed to get all states to join the NLC. Nurses can advocate by contacting their state legislators and nursing boards to express their support for the compact.

These are just two examples of how nurse advocacy can lead to positive changes in healthcare legislation. Nurses can make a significant difference by staying informed, getting involved in their professional organizations, and raising their voices on important issues.