Nursing Industry Responds to Federal Healthcare Cuts
National Nurses United doubled down on its opposition to the cuts, calling them an “intentional destruction of critical public health care staffing, resources, and infrastructure.” They argue that NIOSH staff are key to illness and injury prevention, along with investigating hazardous work situations.
“The knowledge, expertise, and resources they provide empower workers like nurses to understand how to protect ourselves, our patients, and our communities,” NNU stated. “The 225,000 nurses in our union and the millions of nurses across the country depend on these federal agencies to keep us safe and to keep our patients safe … The nation’s largest union of registered nurses is already mobilizing to protect our patients and our co-workers. We will fight back against these cruel and short-sighted cuts and against any agenda that puts profits before patients.”
The American Academy of Nursing and American Association of Colleges of Nursing released a joint statement offering support for the nurse scientists and researchers at NINR, emphasizing the relationship between these professionals and overall health of the nation.
“The nexus between nursing education and science is vital as nurse researchers often serve as faculty who prepare the nursing workforce, improve patient outcomes, and increase the overall health of our nation,” AACN President and CEO Deborah Trautman, PhD, RN, FAAN, said in the statement. “Elevating the number of nurse scientists within the National Institute of Nursing Research and NIH is essential as we work to shape a research and healthcare landscape that is innovative, collaborative, and focused on improving population health.”
Several states already have filed a lawsuit in hopes of preserving funding allocated for state departments of health and human services that had already been approved by Congress.
Delaware Health and Human Services Cabinet Secretary Josette D. Manning, Esq. Stated in a news release that the cuts will cause “very real and serious impacts” in the state.
Similarly, the Delaware Nurses Association said the cuts have put the “future of critical research” and public health at risk. Among the association’s concerns are diminishing workforce morale and long-term consequences for public health.
“The Delaware Nurses Association finds this deeply disturbing and a threat to the health of our neighbors,” DNA stated. “Delaware is a ‘state of neighbors,’ and we must look after each other. This vital funding provides multifaceted support to the health of Delawareans and our economy.”
