Nurse Education
One of the most obvious ways to combat dwindling nurse staffing levels (besides enacting legislation to protect patient ratios) is to make nursing more attractive, education potential nursing students about the career potential nursing holds and remove the barriers to receiving quality nursing education. Rep. Lois Capps, a nurse serving in Congress, has proposed better access to nursing education. This initiative would be realized through partnerships with health care providers and educational institutions in conjunction with support for nurses who choose to pursue advanced education, and better data on the nursing workforce.

According to Capps’ website, “One of my top priorities has been working to combat the growing national nurse shortage. In 2001, I introduced the Nurse Reinvestment Act, which was subsequently passed by Congress in 2002 and signed into law. This law created programs to recruit and retain nurses. Every year I work closely with the major nursing organizations to seek greater funding for Title VIII programs. Every year, I am proud to say that more and more Members of Congress join in supporting this funding request.”