What People Think
 |
 |
70% For, 30% Against
Take Action
| Vote on this Bill | |
  |
For |
  |
Against |
| Speak Out | |
  |
Comment on this Bill |
  |
Alert Your Friends and Colleagues |
  |
Write Your Representative in Congress |
| Save & Share | |
 |
del.icio.us |
 |
Digg |
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
Yahoo! |
H.R. 2536, The Emergency Nursing Supply Relief Act
You must be logged in to your WashingtonWatch.com account in order to edit this wiki page.
(Learn how to edit the WashingtonWatch.com wiki.)
Don't have an account? Register for your free account now!
Learn More
RSS Feeds for This Bill
Keep yourself updated on user contributions and debates about this bill! (Learn more about RSS.)
Visitor Comments
O
May 22, 2009, 2:08pm (report abuse)Finally! After such a long wait for nurses! I hope that this bill doesn't become one of the forgotten, just like what happened to HR 5924.
US Nurse
May 23, 2009, 6:13pm (report abuse)This bill will be defeated there in no need for Foreign Trained nurses, the US Economy can barely pay for the US nurses who are employed.
Countries like Canada, New Zealand have found many foreign educated nurses not prepare to practice at the RN Level despite having a college degree.
Hospitals that employ foreign nurses need to spend over $30K to employ them, that money could fund nursing education in the USA.
To sum up, there is no nursing shortage in 2009. There maybe a shortage in years to come, the US needs to spend funds to educate Americans to practice in their own country.
Please contact your reps and let them know if hospitals are going to fund for more nurses the funds should be in the form of scholarships and programs to educate Americans.
foreigner in US nursing school
May 23, 2009, 8:26pm (report abuse)i do not think it merely is the lack of nursing faculty or programs in the U.S. i think it also has something to do with basic eduction. a lot of people go to school in America only to come out with weak foundations in areas such as math, science and even english! not a lot of people who are already in pre-nursing make the grade quota imposed by US nursing schools. even more sad is the fact that many graduates of US nursing schools cannot seem to pass the NCLEX! how ironic that people abroad can pass the NCLEX in one take.
it is understandable that US nurses fear that foreign trained nurses will take away there jobs. however, such is the ways of the world and labor is global now. competition is stiff, and that's a reality.
Foreigner graduated from US
May 23, 2009, 10:48pm (report abuse)Most important it should have a way out for the excellent student in the US nursing school who have no US passport or Green card. They speak English, get RN licence, do great job in hospital in their 1-year practical training. SHould they go back home country to learn again to work in the home country?
At least, this bill will help those poor students. So US people should support this bill.
US-educated Foreign Nurse
May 24, 2009, 10:11am (report abuse)I agree with the fact that there are some foreign nurses that their nursing level cannot be compared to the one of the US. However, there are US-educated foreign nurses that are quite competent to perform the job, and can't because of documentation. These nurses are incredibly smart, due the fact that they got into a Nursing Program, graduated as a RN, passed the NCLEX, got a job offer which no American wants, and yet they cannot work after their year permit because of immigration issues. I think that the US by not allowing these nurses to work are loosing money since these nurses are already used to the system, and cannot contribute with their knowledge and taxes. Nursing graduates are having a hard time finding a job not because foreigners are taking their jobs, but because greedy and ignorant people made wrong decisions. To stay in the US nurses have to pay big bucks in application fees. ALLOW US-EDUCATED FOREIGN NURSES TO WORK IN THE US! YES TO THIS BILL!
US Nurse
May 24, 2009, 4:53pm (report abuse)My only issue with Foreign Trained non US students is that they are cutting ahead of the all the foreign nurses who have waited years to practice in the USA.
If there was a true need for nurses the best answer would be the US Trained nurses with a foreign background.
But the truth is that there is currently there is no nursing shortage and system should not reward people who cut ahead of the immigration process.
There is no need for this bill and I have contacted my reps.
RNstudent
May 24, 2009, 10:45pm (report abuse)I am furious that such a bill was EVEN introduced. All over the country graduating students from good programs are finding it difficult to find jobs in their field. In my city, there are practically no openings for new RNs! The passing rate from my BSN program is over 97% by the way.
Part of the problem is this so called nursing shortage that does not really exist. All of the PRN and part time nurses took jobs full time when the economy soured and now there are no new positions. The only people who support this bill are those who have a vested interest in suppressing nursing wages and working conditions.
CRT
May 24, 2009, 11:28pm (report abuse)We DO NOT need to import nurses. We need to train and hire American nurses. The rest can stay home.
American Nurse
May 25, 2009, 3:33am (report abuse)http://blogs.ilw.com/gregsiskind/2009/05/nurse-bill-introduced-in-house.htm... />
Educate yourself and see how Immigration Lawyers are painting a less then flattering picture of US nurses.
We are stupid, afraid to compete, and need immigration lawyers to define our nursing practice.
And don't forget to write to congress, as Americans our voices can be heard.
Stop alexk49 !!
May 25, 2009, 7:33am (report abuse)Stop your ignorance American Nurse aka US Nurse here and alexk49 in allnurses.com
I've read the whole blog comments there from the start until the end.
Very obvious that it was you that started the whole thing by calling foreign educated nurses "inferior" and when people step in to debate you and defend them you started to cry.
Go ahead everyone, read it. Just make sure you read all the comments from the very start until the end and not the other way around and you will be educated all right.
There is no place for ignorance and kool-aid drinkers. Read all the comments from the very first comment until the end and make up your mind.
And you will see her ignorance and xenophobia.
Repeatedly changing usernames within a site and other sites is also cowardly and deceiving.
Alexk49, your ignorance and xenophobia is already well known the the world wide web.
US Nurse
May 25, 2009, 12:42pm (report abuse)I have read the whole blog and I find it humorous that foreign nurses who wish to work on US soil are trashing US nursing. If conditions are so bad don't come practice in your own country.
Foreign trained therapist
May 25, 2009, 2:21pm (report abuse)I don't agree with some that say that there isn't a nursing shortage. In most areas around the US there IS a shortage. There are many job openings. In a few years those areas in the US will have a serious problem if they don't let more foreign trained nurses and therapists in to do needy work. The USA is a nation of immigrants. Don't be a xenophobe.
You are probably family of an immigrant, one way or the other.
Don't forget, immigrant do spend a lot of money too! And that could certainly help the economy.
I do agree on the fact that more medical students need to graduate and become trained nurses. More teachers are needed too. But I really don't think that the US can solve this shortage in the coming year by just that.
Stop alexk49 !!
May 25, 2009, 10:02pm (report abuse)"I have read the whole blog and I find it humorous that foreign nurses who wish to work on US soil are trashing US nursing. If conditions are so bad don't come practice in your own country."
You read the whole blog? The people there are economists, lawyers. You are stupid.
And they are trashing the one troll there not US nursing. Read again. Guess you can't read either.
CRT
May 26, 2009, 12:02am (report abuse)Foreign nurses - Don't you understand that you are not wanted here? Stay home.
Foreign Nurse
May 26, 2009, 3:36am (report abuse)CRT- You don't have a clue- do you.
You don't understand IT. You should stay home. But then- you probably already do.
CRT
May 26, 2009, 3:17pm (report abuse)Oh I have a clue. We don't want you here. Get out now.
healthcare manager
May 26, 2009, 10:16pm (report abuse)An estimated 116,000 nursing positions in US hospitals and 100,000 nursing positions in nursing homes are vacant. Training of more US nurses is a great plan, but we need RN's and PT's now. Allowing poorly trained RN's in is our own fault, not theirs.
CRT
May 27, 2009, 8:44am (report abuse)"Allowing poorly trained RN's in is our own fault, not theirs."
And do you think we should continue to do this? You sound more like one of the folks who want to hold down salaries for nurses by importing cheap, unqualified labor. Just because the hospitals want to make more money does not mean we should put up with sub-standard care from these imported workers.
RPT
May 28, 2009, 3:44am (report abuse)I was trained in Europe and my education/ training is at least if not higher compared to yours in the US. Also, I have over 10 years of experience in Europe and the US and my co- workers and patients are extremely satisfied with my work.
I strongly agree with "healthcare manager".
CRT
May 28, 2009, 10:30am (report abuse)RPT,
It really doesn't matter whether you agree or disagree, you really don't have a say in the whole thing unless you are a US citizen. After all europeans don't allow US citizens to make their rules, now do they.
RPT
May 28, 2009, 2:49pm (report abuse)Sorry for you, but I do have a say.
I became a citizen over a year ago. Everyone who came here as a legal immigrant and does legal work with a legal license on a legal visa has a say. You should educate yourself.
Maybe it's time to stop your discriminating remarks.
CRT
May 28, 2009, 11:50pm (report abuse)"Umless you are a US citizen." As far as I am concerned the rest can stay home. As to education - I will put credentials to credentials any time you wish. There is nothing wrong with discriminating - that is what you do every time you select one option from several. In this case the option is to import cheap, unqualified labor, or not. My discriminating choice is not to do so.
RVI
May 29, 2009, 2:31am (report abuse)CRT,
its obvious that you don't know what you're talking about. even before a foreign nurse sets foot in the US, the embassy already screens the terms of employment before issuing a visa. thus, a nurse will not be allowed to work in the US if his or her salary falls under the prevailing wage for entry level nurses mandated by the department of labor. do i need to say more?
TRC
May 29, 2009, 3:21am (report abuse)To CRT,
It's obvious that you dont want foreign nurses, but whether you like it or not, the patients comes first...not your salary. Nursing is a vocation, it's not just about the money....Are you even a registered nurse? If you CANT GET A JOB IT'S NOT BECAUSE OF FOREIGN NURSES IT'S BECAUSE YOU'RE NOT GOOD ENOUGH TO BE HIRED.
RPT
May 29, 2009, 3:31am (report abuse)CRT- Why would you think foreign healthcare workers are unqualified?
Are you saying they don't have the same level of education and qualification as US healthcare worker do?? This is so not true! You should educate yourself. Again. And also, like RVI says, they are not cheap either. So none of what you say make any sense.
I think you have a problem with foreigners in general and that makes you a xenophobe. You are afraid! And fear is your advisor. Get real...
TRC
May 29, 2009, 3:45am (report abuse)To CRT,
Majority of nurses in the country are foreign trained nurses, they have been taking care of the elderly, the chronically ill, the children, the mentally impaired and they have been exposed to TB, HIV, AIDS MRSA, VRE splashed with urine, feces, blood, vomit, sputum. My question to you now... is where were you and the likes of you ten. fifteen years ago when your country needed you? Foreign nurses filled the gap and now that the country is in recession everybody suddenly just wants to be a nurse? Foreign nurses contributed a lot, don't marginalized them and what they did to help americans.
FG
May 29, 2009, 5:03am (report abuse)Patients should always come first. Everything else should be a distant 2nd.
If you are not nurses, don't be afraid to give your opinions either because as far as I'm concerned the general public has a say on healthcare if not a bigger say. After all, even if we maybe be on different lines of professions, in the end we are all patients.
It's also very arrogant of someone to say that the general public has no say or do not know the issues just because one is not a practicing nurse.
It doesn't take a rocket scientist to know that healthcare in America is not the best that it should be and is very, very expensive. It also doesn't take a rocket scientist to know that there are nurse and physician shortages.
SVD
May 29, 2009, 7:45am (report abuse)"where were you and the likes of you ten. fifteen years ago when your country needed you?"
Not to mention that when and if US goes into a severe pandemic now or in the near future (just a matter of time) most of them won't even report for work.
Read: http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2009/05/05/still-unprepared-for-a-lethal-pandemi... />
Also read nurses discussing it on their own forum: http://allnurses.com/pandemic-flu-forum/
Majority won't even report for work on a severe pandemic scenario.
We need to bring in nurses that still thinks that nursing is a vocation and giving a service.
SVD
May 29, 2009, 9:29am (report abuse)working link:
http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2009/05/05/still-unprepared-for-a-lethal-pan...
O
May 29, 2009, 5:36pm (report abuse)I am really furious about CRT's comments. I am currently working in the US as a nurse, and I can tell you that we seriously need of nurses in many hospitals. I don't understand the reasoning of CRT to discriminate against foreign nurses; anyway, that's his opinion and not the one of every American. Please allow this bill to be part of the July's health care reform proposal! Yes to this bill!
us nurse
May 29, 2009, 10:15pm (report abuse)hey guys ignore CRT comment. This kind of people should not even entertain he does not know what his talking about.Eventually if this bill will not make it im very optimistic in the near future their health care system will suffer.
Just be honest
May 30, 2009, 12:30pm (report abuse)Let's just be honest here and stop the spin. Stop insulting the intelligence of people.
There is a nationwide shortage, some areas may not have it but majority do. Just because some areas do not have it or a few States hardest hit by the recession are freeze-hiring doesn't mean there isn't a shortage. Once the recession ends and it is projected to end by as early as the 2nd half of this year, hiring will commence again.
Listen to ANA
May 30, 2009, 4:56pm (report abuse)American Nurses Association (ANA) recognizes the nursing shortage:
http://www.nursingworld.org/FunctionalMenuCategories/MediaResources/Nat... />
So, I do not even know where a few vocal US nurses even get the courage to say that there is no nursing shortage.
Even California is still reporting shortages even with their week economy:
http://www.healthcarefinancenews.com/news/california-nursing-shortage-s... />
Wait until the recession ends by the 2nd half of 2009 and the nursing shortage will be in full force again.
Registered Voter
May 31, 2009, 12:46pm (report abuse)The ANA link took me to a 2004 link.
The California Link took me to this quote ""About half of all nurses work in hospitals, so a slowdown in admissions is just one factor in the job market for registered nurses," said Deloras Jones, RN, executive director of the CINHC. "There is still a 7 percent hospital vacancy rate, but positions are being filled by experienced nurses back in the market due to hard economic times."
My take is the ANA has not addressed this bill and California is filling in the gaps with US nurses.
Both sites state the way to reverse this trend is to relieve by US nursing education.
US Voter
May 31, 2009, 12:54pm (report abuse)There is a continuing shortage of professional Registered Nurses who are the
single largest group of healthcare professionals in the country and are critical to
the delivery of high quality, life-saving, preventive, and palliative health care
across all care settings, geographic areas, socio-economic factors, and cultures.
Recommendation: Over a seven year period, strategically invest $2 billion in the Title VIII
Nursing Workforce Development Programs to support 400,000 of the one million new and
replacement nurses needed by 2016.
http://tiny.cc/QbQua
This is the position of the ANA, Education not importing nurses.
O
May 31, 2009, 5:33pm (report abuse)US Voter,
You're right about ANA's position on foreign educated nurses. Nevertheless, they also recognize the incredible shortage of nurses that the country currently has, and that will worsen over the years. The only problem is that there are not enough US educated nurses to fulfill all nursing vacancies. Where are we going to get these nurses from? This bill provides some relief to the nursing shortage, and also provides money to Americans to pursue a nursing career. It is a win-win situation for America. Why say no to it?
US Nurse
May 31, 2009, 6:32pm (report abuse)The Nurse Education, Expansion, and Development Act of 2009
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/31/opinion/l31tanzania.html?emc=tnt&tnte... />
All nursing associations are supporting this bill and it is not tied to immigration.
Listen to ANA
June 1, 2009, 2:37am (report abuse)"Both sites state the way to reverse this trend is to relieve by US nursing education"
I do not know why the links here are cut-off but you can just do a search on ANA's site. They recognize that there is a shortage.
It is true that the best and sustainable/long-term solution is still to encourage more Americans to becomes nurses but studies projects that it will take about 10 years or more for that to happen and the shortage is NOW.
The reason why I posted the California article is to show that it takes a long, long time to attract nurses. Also, 1 out 5 new nurses quits nursing (just google it) within their 1st year so no guarantees they will stay either after educating them.
Bringing-in foreign nurses now and and self-limited to just 3 years and capped at 20,000 a year for the WHOLE U.S. will fill-in the gaps until we are able to educate more Americans to become nurses. Each nurse also generates $1,500 that goes to funding educating more Americans. Win-win !!
Listen to ANA
June 1, 2009, 2:44am (report abuse)"This is the position of the ANA, Education not importing nurses."
Actually, no. They do not say what so ever they do not support importing nurses. All they say is they support educating more Americans to take up nursing.
Go to ANA's website again. They categorically say that they are NEUTRAL to importing nurses.
Everyone can just google it since links posted here are cut-off.
Listen to ANA
June 1, 2009, 3:05am (report abuse)"My take is the ANA has not addressed this bill and California is filling in the gaps with US nurses."
With utmost due respect, your take is wrong. ANA already said that they are neutral when it comes to importing foreign nurses. This bill is almost the same if not identical from last years' HR 5924 and ANA already addressed that bill and testified and categorically said they are NEUTRAL and just re-iterated that education is the best long-term solution. Everyone agrees with that. Even immigration lawyers and foreign nurses agrees with that. Meanwhile, we have to address the shortage NOW while we wait for these American nurses to come in.
As for CA. The idea there is that a State w/c is the only State w/ a mandatory nurse-to-patient ratio (they can pirate nurses from other States w/c have no mandatory ratio) and gives above ave. nursing salaries still has a hard time attracting nurses up to now simply means increasing salaries and improving work conditions are not enough.
What shortage?
June 1, 2009, 4:26am (report abuse)New graduate RN's from AMERICAN schools are having trouble finding jobs right now. I am a RN and there is no nursing shortage where I work! A big reason is that local nsg schools HAVE increased the #'s of graduates in recent years. We need to take care of American RN's first - no need for foreign RN's right now.
Jay
June 1, 2009, 4:45am (report abuse)What shortage? I keep reading nursing students saying they can't get a job and yet they always do not tell where they are located. Why is that? : )
There are areas and some States that don't have shortages but nationally there is a shortage. Re-locate. Florida has one, Texas has one, border counties to Mexico has one, etc... If one is not willing to re-locate, let those willing to re-locate do so. Areas and States that do not have shortages will simply not able to petition a foreign nurse, that is part of the law and always has been. The Gov't won't allow a US employer to file a petition for a foreigner, nurse or otherwise unless it has been proven that no US Citizen is wiling t take it.
The notion of foreign RNs "stealing" jobs is false. Only people ignorant of the process say that.
US Nurse
June 1, 2009, 7:13am (report abuse)http://www.washingtonwatch.com/bills/show/111_SN_497.html
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/31/opinion/l31tanzania.html?_r=1&emc=tnt... />
This bill will address the nursing shortage and support US citizens, contact your Senator for their approval, it has the support of all US nursing associations including the ANA.
Stop the lies
June 1, 2009, 7:33am (report abuse)"This bill will address the nursing shortage and support US citizens, contact your Senator for their approval, it has the support of all US nursing associations including the ANA."
So, now all of a sudden there is a nursing shortage !?
Make up your mind !! Just proves you are just discriminating against foreign nurses.
You keep contradicting your self.
You don't possess credibility and integrity who would believe you now and all your previous arguments??
Concerned in Alabama
June 1, 2009, 4:07pm (report abuse)I am a recent graduate in Mobile, AL. I am having a hard time finding a position. I am afraid that I will have to move to find a position. Many of my fellow graduates are also having a hard time. I believe you need to leave the foriegn nurses where they are and allow the nursing schools to replenish the shotage. We have at least six schools in our area that are producing quality nurses. With the economy in the shape that it is in right now, the governments first concern should be for its citizens, not foreign nurses.
US Nurse
June 1, 2009, 5:39pm (report abuse)I don't believe there is a nursing shortage. I am not sure that the projections are relevant.
The US is in economic crisis, I do believe that when we recover there will be some openings. Therefore this bill will help to ensure that US Nurses are available.
US government policy shouldn't be to export help, I can see that is a failure in our countries. I have always and will continue to say, one should go to nursing or medical school in the country you plan on practicing.
The only people who count when it comes to a bill are voters. To all Americans, let your congressmen know about your disapproval of this bill and support of Nursing education bill.
To Listen to the ANA poster, I guess when they don't support you cause they are worthless, but I guess when you don't live in the USA you really don't care and don't have a voice in the process.
US-educated Foreign Nurse
June 1, 2009, 6:11pm (report abuse)US Nurse,
I went to a US Nursing School, and yet I cannot work because of the delay of the process. I was offered a job that no American will take, and I paid my fees to be able to work in the US. Until now nothing of this has happened because of the way the immigration system in the US works. Now tell me, why I can't work if I did all what I was supposed to do while in the US? I studied in the US, should not I practice in this country? Thankfully your comments do not represent those of the majority of Americans Nurses that I have talked to. They are eager for changes because American hospitals truly need of nurses. That notion of inability of nurses to work is misleading and arrogant. There are jobs out there, but some don't want to do them. So why not allow to those who want but can't? Yes to this bill!
US Nurse
June 1, 2009, 9:11pm (report abuse)US Educated Foreign Nurse, I feel for you. You should have been counseled by your school that you would not be able to work.
While many nurses will agree there is a need for nurses they are not empowered or funded to hire any nurse. If you ask any nurse, do you need help, I would guess 100% would say yes. If you asked the same nurses if they would like to employ foreign trained nurses while US nurses are being laid off, I would guess the majority of Americans and American Nurses would say no.
There are estimates that there will be a nursing shortage ( the same people who said we would be in critical shortage, last year and this year) and the sky hasn't fallen down.
There is another bill that advanced quietly to the Senate, that would give schools funding for the Americans to educate more nurses for the ??????? of the impending shortage ( note I say ????? since I wonder if this "shortage" is real).
Sorry US educated Nurse, there are no short cuts.
US Nurse
June 1, 2009, 9:15pm (report abuse)A reminder to all US Citizens, who are registered voters, please contact your Congressman and Senators, one to defeat this bill and second to pass the NEED (Nursing Education Bill). You have the power not the foreign nurses who don't have a vote in the USA.
If you are not registered go down to city hall or town hall and register it is free. Remember we get the government we voted for.
Listen to ANA
June 2, 2009, 12:26am (report abuse)"To Listen to the ANA poster, I guess when they don't support you cause they are worthless, but I guess when you don't live in the USA you really don't care and don't have a voice in the process."
Where in the world did I say they are worthless? Something is wrong with you. You seem to be a blatant pathologic liar.
And now, there isn't a nursing shortage again!?
How many times can you change your mind?
Your credibility and integrity are gone.
If there is no nursing shortage, what then would be the basis for 'The Nurse Education, Expansion, and Development Act of 2009' ?
There is room for both as it has been estimated already that even if more Americans take up nursing it will still take about 10 years before before the nursing shortage is relieved.
And what arrogance is it to presume that only nurses (US or foreign) has a say on this bill.
You seem to forget about what patients have to say as well.
US-RN
June 2, 2009, 3:50am (report abuse)I'm a registered voter, I'm an american Registered Nurse...and I say Pass the Bill.
US-educated Foreign Nurse
June 2, 2009, 11:16am (report abuse)US Nurse,
I really wonder which hospitals you're talking about where there is no shortage. Nurses were laid off because of terrible investments made by hospitals, and by people who unfortunately don't have insurance. You're talking about a secret bill, where is the money going to come from? Would you like to create a even further deterioration of the US economy by printing more money and hope that enough nurses will graduate? For crying out loud be for real! Another thing is that it is 60000 nurses over 3 years. We need many more nurses than that to truly tackle the nursing shortage. Yes to this bill!
M
June 2, 2009, 12:40pm (report abuse)"Another thing is that it is 60000 nurses over 3 years. We need many more nurses than that to truly tackle the nursing shortage."
It's really just a drop in the bucket.
What's truly funny is the bill she or he is talking about is base on a premise that there is a nursing shortage. Why give more funding for nurse education, increase their salaries, etc... if there is no nursing shortage. : )
I'm not against that bill but they have to admit first there is a nursing shortage other wise there will be no basis for it.
And you are right, it fails to say exactly where the funding will come from. Printing more money, I guess like you said and then who buys US debts? China. Quite ironic.
samson
(logged in user) June 3, 2009, 4:03am (report abuse)I think truely there is a shotage
of nurses.There are million of clients across america in the hospital and long term facility need day to day basic care. this care have been provided mostly by foriegn nurses.Foriegn nurses have
invested all and completed all those formalties required to practise in US hospital what is thier fault? I think the bill 2536
is good which provide smooth solution to every party it must be supported.foriegn nurses has been a very important part of the nursing for years.those who oppose are not nurses or due to recession.
QQD
June 3, 2009, 4:58pm (report abuse)anybody has any idea about american trained nurse?
FED
June 3, 2009, 9:17pm (report abuse)@QQD,
Try going to the website of American Association of Colleges of Nursing:
http://www.aacn.nche.edu/
There are articles there about still too few going to the health care workforce. Also about the nursing shortage.
Also, able to read this excellent op-ed:
http://www.philly.com/philly/opinion/46700412.html
Or try googling Recession is making nursing shortage worse
It seems it will take years and I have also read the study before about it taking about 10 years as someone posted here as well.
US Nurse
June 3, 2009, 11:02pm (report abuse)Thanks for the link-
WASHINGTON, DC, May 7, 2009 - Today, President Obama released his FY 2010 Department of Health and Human Services Budget that provided specific details on the funding levels he has proposed for nursing education and research programs. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) is thrilled that the Administration provided $263 million for the Nursing Workforce Development Programs (Title VIII of the Public Health Service Act) and $144 million for the National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR).
Seems like there are more American Nurses in the Pipeline.
I would guess that many of the posts here are from Foreign Nurses, who don't realize when you call the Congressional office the first thing they look up is to see if you are in their district and if you are registered to vote and do vote, other wise your call is wasted, you are person non Grata. But it makes the non American feel important to tell us how to be nurses.
US Nurse
June 3, 2009, 11:08pm (report abuse)S. 497, The Nurse Education, Expansion, and Development Act of 2009 (2 comments ↓)
S. 497 would amend the Public Health Service Act to authorize capitation grants to increase the number of nursing faculty and students.
Another funding source for US education of Nurses.
Please write you Senator to let them know about supporting this bill.
I guess the message is getting out if we need more nurses - educate them in the USA.
FED
June 4, 2009, 3:32am (report abuse)"Seems like there are more American Nurses in the Pipeline."
Are we reading the same thing?
The way I read is there is not enough in the pipeline. Too few in fact. I think it will take years and years to bring in enough American nurses.
I'm for more funding for nurse education but I think some foreign nurses should also be brought in in the meantime.
Support for both H.R. 2536 and the other bill for nurse education should not be a problem.
Can't get enough funding for education, so get it where possible and frankly H.R. 2536 seems to be the more balanced bill because it provides a two-step solution -> bring in a limited number of foreign nurses in the meantime and at the same time provide funds for nurse education. The other bill is one-sided and I see some flaws like not being clear where the money will come from.
I think there is room for both bills specially the projections I keep reading. Frankly, both bills won't be enough either.
nurse09
June 4, 2009, 8:15pm (report abuse)When is this bill goin to be voted on?
US Nurse
June 4, 2009, 8:30pm (report abuse)Chances are it will not go to the floor, previous bills died. Nurse 09 write your Congressmen, my rep is not for this bill which is good.
ANA maintains that it is inappropriate to look overseas for temporary workforce relief
when the real problem is the fact that support for domestic schools of nursing is failing
to meet demand and the U.S. health care industry has failed to maintain a work
environment that retains experienced U.S. nurses in patient care. Over-reliance on
foreign-educated nurses by the health care industry serves only to postpone efforts to
address the needs of nursing students and the U.S. nursing workforce.
In addition, there are serious ethical questions about recruiting nurses from other
countries when there is a world-wide shortage of nurses.
I predict HR 2536 will die, the President probably would veto it since he has stated importing nurses is not the answer.
CA-Rn
June 5, 2009, 1:43am (report abuse)To US-RN
What state are u working? And who's your Rep?
CA-RN
June 5, 2009, 1:45am (report abuse)To US Nurse,
What state are you working? And who's your Rep?
Julius
June 5, 2009, 4:07am (report abuse)his bill should be passed no matter what. it's the american people that are suffering with the shortage in nursing. pray and hope that this bill be enacted!
US Nurse
June 5, 2009, 10:39am (report abuse)Julius please do the American people a public service and post where the American people are suffering so unemployed American nurses can go their immediately, thanks
CA-RN
June 5, 2009, 10:48am (report abuse)I live in the Northeast, I have very senior senators and a pro labor Congressmen.
Who is your rep?
Ahem
June 5, 2009, 11:19am (report abuse)"Julius please do the American people a public service and post where the American people are suffering so unemployed American nurses can go their immediately, thanks"
There are positions in Texas, Florida; East Los Angeles, CA, Bakersfield, CA; Richmond, Virginia, the border towns to Mexico, etc...
Some areas don't have shortages, but the rest has.
Problem is, very few are willing to relocate.
I say let those willing to relocate do so. Those unwilling should then suck it up.
USRN
June 5, 2009, 2:43pm (report abuse)To US Nurse
The shortage is not only measured in hospitals but in healthcare in general. Are you willing to work in nursing homes, psych convalescent homes or home health? These are the areas needing nurses most! And most US nurses dont want to work in these areas due to extreme workload, high risk to violence and injuries. So who'll take care of these American Patients then? We need this bill as a short term solution, a stop-gap measure, patients has to come first... Pass this Bill! I'm calling my rep and so are most of my colleagues.
US Nurse
June 5, 2009, 6:42pm (report abuse)Are you saying that foreign nurses will tolerate extreme workloads, high risk to violence, and injuries ?? If you are shame on you to subject foreign nurses to an unsafe system. It makes me think of Sentosa Nurses, do we need this situation again.
http://firenyc.blogspot.com/2007/05/filipina-nurses-speak-out-against.h...
USRN
June 6, 2009, 12:11am (report abuse)To US Nurse,
You're not answering my questions..the extreme conditions exists whether we like it or not...now...who will work in these areas? Are you and most american nurses willing? a simple yes or no will suffice..please dont evade the question...a shortage exists in nursing homes, home health and psych convalescent homes...what is your solution?
US Nurse
June 6, 2009, 8:42am (report abuse)American Nurses, I would report the horrible conditions to the department of public health which if what you claim is true, these institutions will either have to clean up or be closed. No nurse American or Foreign should work in those horrible situations.
Nursing homes will have great help is they pay right and treat their staff with respect.
Importing staff who work like slaves do more harm to the patients.
US Nurse
June 6, 2009, 8:45am (report abuse)To USRN, I hope when you call your reps you mentioned the horrible and life threatening conditions, so the reps can put pressure on the DPH to monitor these areas. The patients depend on nurses like you to do the right thing and report.
Once conditions change people will seek employment. Patients and nurses should not be subject to the conditions you report.
USRN
June 6, 2009, 9:21am (report abuse)To US Nurse,
Workloads are caused by shortages, because nobody wants to work in these areas, everyone wants to work in hospitals. It's not the pay, actually pay is competitive enough,..Risks are actually brought about by shortages too and the "potential risks" involved have safety protocols in place, but the steadily increasing patients in nursing homes and home health require additional nurses. so again I ask you...How do you solve the problem of shortages in these areas which is NOW? If this bill somehow alleviate the sufferings of the sick and elderly, the mentally impaired and the retired with chronic illnesses then let it "pleased" be passed.
US Nurse
June 6, 2009, 11:54am (report abuse)Once again, there are nurses, these chronic shortage areas if there are not advertising their need. I don't see ads in my local paper or nursing journals, or direct mailings. Once all those avenues are exhausted, DPH has cleared these facilities for safety, and there is STILL a need, most nurses would support this bill.
The issue is the supporters of this bill are immigration lawyers and for profit agencies. No nursing organizations are supporting this bill, I see that as a problem. It will create a situation similar to the Sentosa nurses, which left children on vents while nurses left for higher paying positions and breech their contract. If the situation was that emergent won't public health organizations, nursing orgranization, ARRP, AMA be crying for this bill. The only people who publicly support this bill are foreign nurses, agencies and lawyers. I see that as an issue. And the place you see as unsafe, report to DPH, TV, newspapers and the public will support this bill.
CRT
June 6, 2009, 12:54pm (report abuse)We will not address the issue of any "shortage" of quality nurses by importing these substandard foreigners. KEEP THEM OUT!
NYC Nurse
June 6, 2009, 2:45pm (report abuse)Hello everyone,
I found this really interesting article that I wanted to share with all of you.
From: http://healthreform.gov/reports/concernsc.html
* This is their conclusion:
"Overall, discussants across the country remarked that comprehensive reform means more than just increasing the number of insured people and decreasing costs. From guaranteeing eligibility for those with pre-existing conditions, to covering all essential medical services, to ensuring the adequate supply of health professionals and primary care or non-emergency settings, participants agreed that true reform must address the many obstacles to access that Americans face every day."
Have a good day everyone.
foreign nurse
June 7, 2009, 1:05am (report abuse)to US NURSE,
Stop being selfish and don't discriminate foreign nurses. you just suck!!!!
me me
June 7, 2009, 6:40am (report abuse)new grads all over having hard time finding jobs even in houston with a large medical center. hopefully the money would be put into the education programs for nurses.
Gem
June 7, 2009, 10:56am (report abuse)@me me
Don't worry it will. That's the win-win scenario everyone is talking about from the previous comments.
And don't worry, once the recession ends by the second half of the year as almost all economists and Fed Chairman Bernanke are predicting the hiring freeze in the highly urbanized areas will stop and the nursing shortage come back.
Consider going to other parts of Texas first like McAllen and Corpus Christi if you want to stay in your State.
Not everyone can stay cramp on the same areas.
Good luck.
USRN
June 7, 2009, 11:30am (report abuse)To US Nurse,
The Sentosa nurses were cleared by the court and was given support by the New York Nurses Assn. THEY did not leave their posts as alleged by Sentosa Mgmt. They were declared innocent of the charges. I'm not trying to change your mind, you're entitled to your opinion and I respect that, I guess we'll just have to wait and see if this bill passes or not.