NLN Gives Thumbs-Up to FY 2014 Title VIII Funding for Nursing Education

Congress Passes Appropriations Bill, with Critical Funding for Nurse Workforce Development Programs to Exceed FY 2013 Levels

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Washington, DC, January 17, 2014 — While Beltway spinmasters parse the fine print in the appropriations bill for fiscal year 2014 ratified by both the House and Senate this week, nurse educators certainly have good reason to cheer the spending package. Six Title VIII - programs that aim to expand enrollment and retention in pre-licensure nursing programs, support advanced practice registered nurses, and/or enlarge the ranks of nurse faculty will see an increase over FY 2013. One program, the Nurse Faculty Loan Program, is even slated to receive more money, not only over its FY 2013 allocation, but also over President Obamas proposed budget for FY 2014.

Reaction from National League for Nursing CEO Dr. Beverly Malone, PhD, RN, FAAN, to this positive news was swift: "It is gratifying to learn that legislators seem to have gotten the message broadcast by the Institute of Medicine in its groundbreaking 2011 report on reform of Americas health care systems: nurses play a key role in the frontline delivery of high quality health care services. The Title VIII dollars included in FY 2014 for nurse workforce development acknowledges the reality that the continuing shortage of nurse educators must be appropriately addressed."

"The Jonas Center grant facilitates the NLNs dedication to faculty development and to the creation of opportunities for leadership and career advancement," noted NLN CEO Beverly Malone, PhD, RN, FAAN. "We are proud of the fact that a number of previously named NLN Jonas Scholars have gone on to serve as faculty mentors, which is one of the expectations of the program."

Added Marsha Howell Adams, PhD, RN, CNE, ANEF, president of the NLN and senior associate dean of academic programs and professor at the University of Alabama Capstone College of Nursing: "The NLN is appreciative of the critical support provided by the Jonas Center to expand the number of doctorates among nurse educators, thus promoting academic progression and life-long learning in nursing education. Thanks to the Jonas Center, these emerging leaders may serve as exemplars and role models to advance the science of nursing education through their scholarship."

Concluded NLN president Marsha Adams, PhD, RN, CNE, ANEF, "As the voice for nursing education and nurse educators, the National League for Nursing will continue to advocate for the increased investment in nurse workforce development that is essential for the prosperity and health of all Americans."

Editors and reporters: For interview opportunities, please contact NLN chief communications officer, Karen R. Klestzick at 202-909-2483 or kklestzick@nln.org.

Dedicated to excellence in nursing, the National League for Nursing is the premier organization for nurse faculty and leaders in nursing education. The NLN offers professional development, networking opportunities, testing services, nursing research grants, and public policy initiatives to its 39,000 individual and 1,200 institutional members. NLN members represent nursing education programs across the spectrum of higher education, and health care organizations and agencies.