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SILVER SPRING, MD – The American Nurses Association (ANA), representing the nation’s more than 5 million registered nurses, is pleased that Congress has approved a $5 million increase for Title VIII Nursing Workforce Development Programs in the Fiscal Year 2024 appropriations package. This increase is an important win that demonstrates strong Congressional support for nursing as most other programs in health care received flat funding. The additional $5 million in funding will specifically support grants to expand the supply of registered nurses, specifically in long-term and acute care settings and in states having the greatest shortages.

“ANA is pleased Congress approved this increase in funding for Title VIII,” said ANA Acting Chief Executive Officer and Chief Nursing Officer Debbie Hatmaker, PhD, RN, FAAN. “When we invest in nurses, we invest in our health and the health of our communities nationwide. This increase in funding serves to better prepare nurses to care for diverse, ageing, and rural populations in addition to supporting them in their education and professional development.”

Title VIII Nursing Workforce Development Programs provide loan repayment assistance, scholarship options for nurses, grants for advanced education nursing programs, nursing workforce diversity grants, and loans for nurse faculty development.The nursing profession is better equipped to care for patients and their communities with the support of these programs.

“I had the pleasure of speaking with the National Student Nurses Association last week. Nursing leaders have an obligation to support nurses across all career stages, which includes those preparing to enter the profession. For the students I recently spoke to, and students across the country, the investment we make today demonstrates the priority this country places on having a prepared nursing workforce” said ANA President Jennifer Mensik Kennedy, PhD, MBA, RN, NEA, FAAN.

To learn more and stay up to date on ANA’s legislative priorities, visit RNAction.org. 

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About the American Nurses Association

The American Nurses Association (ANA) is the premier organization representing the interests of the nation's more than 5 million registered nurses. ANA advances the profession by fostering high standards of nursing practice, promoting a safe and ethical work environment, bolstering the health and wellness of nurses, and advocating on health care issues that affect nurses and the public. ANA is at the forefront of improving the quality of health care for all. For more information, visit www.nursingworld.org.