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H.R. 2572, The Nurse Loan Forgiveness Act of 2007
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Visitor Comments
Roger Bell RN MSN
Thank Goodness. There is a huge nursing faculty shortage, only dwarfed by the nursing shortage. The financial rewards for nursing instructors are low like for most educators. Few Masters prepared nurses will give up their lucrative positions to take a huge pay cut and teach. Teaching and growing new nurses has its own rewards for those of us meant to be teachers, but help with repaying the student loans will improve both recruitment and retention. The nursing shortage is growing, and with the threat of chemical and biological warfare, it has become a matter of national security. Nursing is a great profession, but more educators are needed desperately.
Tammy Martinez SN
Students need help in order to complete these hard programs and take care of their families a bill like this would be helpful. It would also be helpful to have a bill to help students while they are enrolled in a nursing program also. Help us to become nurses, so we can fill the need and help take care of the shortage. Thanks, your future nurse.
Karen Baek RN
I am currently working on my master's degree in nursing and it is a large financial committment to obtain a higher degree in nursing. The cost of programs has detered many of my colleagues from obtaining higher education in nursing. There is already a shortage of nurses and faculty. We need to do all that we can to support our nursing profession.
Serah Onyeali, RN
I am currently working on a graduate degree in nursing. It is a huge financial burden. Undergraduate nursing degree carries it's own financial burden too. So we need to collectively advocate for loan forgiveness for nurses to reduce the nursing and faculty shortage which will only get worse if nothing is done to alleviate the financial burden of going to nursing school.
Jeff Kirkwood, Student
I wonder if it would be available to Surgical Techs. I've read it and still have this queston. Sure would be nice if it applied to the Surg. stuff too.
Deborah Clinton Jordan
I have completed the Master's Program and almost quit teaching because of the salary and the increase financial burden of paying the loan back without having to get a second job.
Donna Kuenstler RN MSN
I live in a rural area of Texas where we have a huge shortage of RNs. To address the problem we developed a cooperative agreement between colleges to support a LVN to RN transition program. I spent a huge amount of money on an online program to get a MSN in order to work as a clinical coordinator at this level of a nursing program as required by the Board of Nursing. Unfortunately, my salary is pitifully inadequate and the pay back has put additional financial strain on my family. I feel strongly I did the right thing but it would surely be an incentive to continue doing the right thing if I could get help paying the loan back. I would like to continue to the doctorate level and teach online in a BSN or MSN program but I don't think it would be worth the financial outlay.
Ana Click MSN RN
Students at any level of nursing who are pursuing higher education ADN, BSN, MSN, or Doctoral need financial assistance during and after graduation. I have seen to many students struggle to study and work to provide financial support for their families. A bill to support their financial burden would be a plus to all.
Stephanie Huff RN MSN FNP-BC DNPc
Yeah! This is wonderful! I am a nursing faculty and am experiencing first hand the nursing faculty shortage. I also have a student loan that needs to be paid off. The nursing profession is in great need of a bill like this one. maybe with this bill, people will be able to carry out their dream of becoming a nurse.
Charlotte Acree. MSN, RN
When I earned my MSN about 20 yrs ago, I was not thinking about teaching then, but have been doing so now for at least 18 yrs of that! It seemed like it would take forever to pay off my loans I had even then & the costs weren't as high as now. So I hope this does pass. Faculty shortage with too many students & too heavy a work load is very real, & there doesn't seem to be an end in sight. If I didn't love the students I would quit. But they need us to help them!
Sharon Russell, Student
I left the corporate field to pursue nursing. I would love to see these programs for people who are genuine in their pursuit of higher education at any level. I would love to become an instructor someday provided it can equal the financial benefits for my family and I.
Anne Corbett RN BSN
If this is enacted, alleviating the financial burden of educational expenses would absolutely recruit students, nurses and nurse educators into the profession, and contribute significantly to alleviating the increasing shortages. I heartily applaud and endorse this legislative proposal.
Arlene Johnson
I just completed my doctoral degree in nursing and while working on my degree I incurred a good amount of debt from student loans. I work as nursing faculty in a small parochial school in Alabama, I also work in a free clinic. Neither of these jobs pay as much as a nurse working in the hospital. However I am committed to teaching and caring for the poor. This bill would relive finacial burden so that I can continue teaching and working in the free clinic.
Marianne Moore RN, MSN, CNM
One reason why I only have one small loan is because I worked full time while going to school full time, which was very hard on my family and myself. It would have been helpful to have been able to work less and have time to study more. For many students it is the difference between passing and failing, and it certainly affects learning.It is also true that salaries are better for those who don't teach, adding to the faculty shortage.
Brooke Butler, RN, MSN
This bill would be a tremendous help to the nursing profession as a whole. With the current and ever present nursing shortage, along with the aging patient population, more and more nurses are going to be needed. This bill would help with recruiting new nurses and would definitely make it more feasible for nurses to continue their education for the purposes of increasing nursing faculty, thus coming full circle in improvement of the nursing profession. I am in full support of this bill, and believe that it would be an injustice to our nation to not make efforts to improve the nursing shortage which in essence will improve healthcare.
AnnMarie Schaefer RN,BSN
We have no doubt as nurse educators that we have a committment to produce fine quality nurses. There is a nursing shortage as well as an Instructor shortage that we agree on. A problem for me and other nurses is that if you can't work full time teaching and go to school full time working on your MSN then you are not able to qualify for Government funds. It would be wonderful for those of us who have our BSN and wish work on our MSN part time to be able do so and also qualify for funding. You will have more BSN prepared nurses opting to further their education.
The outcome decreasing the shortage of RN's and allow quality nurse patient care to continue.
Katherine Hearn
As a May '08 graduate, I look forward to my nursing career. I came into this profession after teaching for 18 years in public schools where the pay is minimal and the work is tough. I heard there was a shortage of RNs. Now that I am in school with graduation around the corner the I know I will probably have to work long hours at the expense of my family in order to repay my student loans. That thought, at my age (43), is overwhelming. I just can't seem to get ahead. Please give us some help!!
Daunay Willis
Also as A May 2008 graduate, I am looking forward to starting off my nursing career but not looking forward to being drowning in debt. I know that nursing is a great career choice, I have already interviewed and I know where I'll be working starting in the summer, but I have 2 little ones and a husband who need me and who I have the responsibility to provide for. This huge bill I'm going to have when my loans are no longer deferred will be outrageous and it feels like I'm being pulled right back into poverty just when I'm barely making it out.Loan forgiveness will surely help us and may encourage others to chooses this profession if they know they won't be in debt upon completion.
Karen Morales, near future RN, BSN
As a nursing student, I have seen what the current nursing shortage is like and it's only getting worse both in the clinical and education settings. Nurses are in the front lines of care. If there are not enough nurses, what kind of care do you think that your loved ones will receive from a burnt out nurse? I would love to teach futute nurses because this is a job that is fulfilling and is done from the heart--would be my way to give back. But I also have a family to think about and caring for them is difficult when the compensation is minimal. Nursing school is HARD!!! It's hard mentally, physically, and the family unfortunately takes a back seat till graduation. We get our hands "dirty" for love of humanity. Please help us be better at what we love doing. Help us grow within this nursing field and contribute to others lives. This bill should pass ASAP.
Delia Zorrilla
I am currently enrolled full time in a PhD nursing program. I have taken student loans to help pay the expense while pursing this degree and work full time as two of my children are also in college. I hope to continue to work with contagious diseases and the indigent. I fully support this bill and pray it will pass soon.
Michaelle Moise RN, BSN
I am currently enrolled in an MSN program I am forced to take loans to cover my current tuition because I don't make enough to cover my monthly expenses and school. It's very difficult to take loans in order to pay for school only to find out that you don't make enough once you graduate to cover the loan payments. A loan forgiveness program would be very beneficial to students like me. Tuition and fee are increasing yearly which increases loan amounts. I totally support this bill.
Felecia Jackson, SVN
We NEED this bill to pass so that EVERYONE whom wants to seek a higher education within this field will now have the opportunity to do. The cost of this type of program is enormous and plenty of interested candidates (more within the lower poverty levels)shy away due to SEVERE lack of funds and fear of never being able to repay a student loan of such high amounts!!! Please help us in bettering our chances in paving a way for our futures and the future of AMERICA. We honestly need this and would greatly appreciate such a more than nice gesture/suggestion.
Sharon Davis
The faculty shortage is impacting the nursing shortage from a frontline perspective. Many nurses, as myself, are interested in completing graduate school in order to teach but find the burden of college expenses nearly overwhelming. I have one more course to complete before graduation and would be more than grateful for assistance with student loan debt repayment or assistance. Some information that has been published has asked for a promise to work for a specific length of time in education or specified areas or nursing and I know that I would be more than willing and believe many other nurses would as well.
Laura Grifin
With an ongoing nursing and physician shortage, the American health care system is in jeopardy. Encouraging the education of both nurses and nurse practitioners will incrase access to care. Obtaining a master's degree in nursing can leave an accumulation of loans up to $50,000, I strongly support any program to decrease the burden of education.
Jean Asonye, Future RN, BSN
Where do I start? First, the nursing shortage. One way to combat that would be to offer a loan repayment opportunity for students interested in nursing but don't feel they can afford to take out loans. Money tends to be a problem for most when it comes to college. There are many people out there who would make great nurses but they can't even afford to go to school. Yes, they could take out $20,000 in loan money but they would spend years trying to pay it back. Money that they use to pay back loans is the same money they need to feed their children and maintain a roof over their heads. I see this bill as a win-win situation. This country needs nurses. Many are willing to be nurses. Many need money to be nurses. Fund our nursing education and this country will begin to see nurses.
Roger Bell RN, MSN
From TVCC Kaufman,TX. Great comments from all, but to pass the bill, we must press the issue by providing this information to others in the field through e-mail and the media. Everyone please write your representative in congress using the links on this great site, and send the info to nursing journals.
Alicia Franklin, LVN
I am trying to get into an RN program in TX, preferably with online options and would like to continue to get my MSN. A bill like this would be the answer to my prayers!
The need for just such assistance is so great in Texas; the nation would be shocked to find out just how many qualified LVNs there are in TX who simply cannot afford to go back to school.
Anna Grigorian, SN
I am an RN from Russia, trying to earn second RN degree in US. As international student I pay 3 times more ($3000 instead of $1000 like my classmates)The immigration options for foreigner with RN degree is not bright (5 years backlog to immigrate to US as RN), loan forgiveness would be tremendous help as well as possibility to get a green card immediately after passing NCLEX. With shortage of RNs in US Congress should encourage foreign graduates of ADN programs to stay permanently in the US and work as RNs.
Rebekkah Zepeda BSN, RN
This is a very important element in healthcare due to the shortage of RN providers throughout the US.
Prince Paul
This is very important for the survival of the Nursing Profession.We need to do all that we can to support our nursing profession.
Linda Watson RN-C, BSN, WHNP
I would love to go on for my masters, but I have already recently invested $20,000 on a BSN in an RN to BSN program. At 57, I am getting close to retirement, would love to teach for a few years, but just can't afford the huge financial burden. As it is, I will be 67 before I finish paying my current student loan.
Rosary Munoz RN, BSN, CCRN
I believe that this would be very beneficial for those who would like to enter in the nursing field, but also a great opportunity for current nurses to advance in their educational level. There is a great shortage of nurses everywhere and this incentive would be helpful in supporting our nursing profession.
Faith Crain, SN
I am currently working on getting my associates degree in nursing. It is a huge financial burden. I have already accrued so much debt in student loans. This will be such a load off if it passes. We need to collectively advocate for loan forgiveness for nurses to reduce the nursing and faculty shortage which will only get worse if nothing is done to alleviate the financial burden of going to nursing school.
Jacob Dunning
I'm not sure if this is a good bill. It seems that nurses are highly paid in the major city where I live. But I understand there is a shortage in rural areas. It seems that this bill does not do enough for nurses who need the aid and areas which need more nurses, but helps nurses who
are already earning a relatively high salary. If the goal is to attract nurses to areas where there is a shortage, why apply the same criteria for aid to everyone. If you get the same break no matter where you work--why move?
Chas Adams
The one size fits all approach congress is taking is not appropriate. In many places in the US experienced nurses earn well over $75,000.00. It hard to see why providing aid to those nurses who are well paid nurses is a good use of tax payer money.
Elisa Sosa Amodei
Nurses who work in hospitals are fairly well paid, but nursing faculty are not well paid. In addition, graduate school is not cheap. There is a nursing shortage and if we do not offer incentives for nurses to take pay cuts to teach, then there will not be enough nurses to take care of people in the U.S.
Nequa Johnson- Nursing student RN, BSN
I would love for this bill to be passed! Nursing school is NOT CHEAP and we students need all the help we can get! I know it's a struggle NOW and it will all pay off! To everyone who is in school to be a Nurse good luck and stay strong, we're all going to make it!
LA Tatnall, RN
It is about time. Nursing is my second career and I am still paying off student loans from my first career. I work with the indigent, mentally/chronically ill elderly population in the inner city (through a non-profit) and I love it. I do not receive loan forgiveness or tuition reimbursement, so this would be a blessing. It is really time RNs become valued and receive financial help for student loans.
Eleanor Toussaint
This bill should be passed to help encourage more people to become nurses and to motivate active nurses to advance in the nursing profession without carrying a huge load of debt
John David Barrera, SVN
I think this is an awesome idea. I feel this will help out with the nursing shortage and it would not stop people from furthering their education in the nursing field due to financial reasons.
Joan Rich MLS/PH, LSN, PHN
I would like this bill to also address the nurse getting her/his Master's in Community or Public Health. The bill should not limit it to only MSN graduate level, since public health is a HUGE part of our future health plan.
Leshia Wood Sattler, RN
I also am returning to graduate school to obtain my MSN as a nurse educator. I will be applying for student loans again although I haven't paid off my earlier loan to return to school for my RN (as a second career.) Please pass this bill and help us nurses to move ourselves and others forward in our educational efforts as well as our efforts to assist and care for the sick. Thank you. And my husband and 4 children and 2 dependent disabled mother and mother-in-law also thank you.
Carolyn Clay, RN-C, BSN, BS, MBA
It is imperative that the Bill is passed. The nursing and educator shortage should serve as an impetus to promote loan forgiveness.
Linda Magnino, RN to MSN
I am returning to school to obtain my MSN, Nurse Educator in an on-line format. The College Opportunity Fund in Colorado states that you must attend an in-state participating college. We are so short of instructors that this fund should not limit where you get your education--just that you obtain one and are committed to teaching.
RHODA EGBUNWA
yes, CHARLOTTE ACREE, is about one one of my lecturers i will always want to meet . I am one of your student at BAPTIST SCHOOL OF NURSING EKU. DELTA STATE, NIGERIA
omohedekin@yahoo.com
Cheri Newcomb
I am a registered nurse with a BSN and currently pursuing a Masters in Nursing with an emphasis in education. The nursing shortage has had an impact on every aspect of healthcare. I have chose to step down from a management roll and take on the challenges of bedside nursing. Many days in my hospital we cannot find enough nurses to fill regular positions and so we work short handed, not the optimal for the patients. My hopes after I complete my masters program is to teach new nurses and try to do my part in training new nurses to fill vacant nursing jobs. Unfortunately, the shortage is far too big and will need an ongoing influx of nurses into the current infrastructure to make difference. I could personally benefit from H.R.2572, but more important if passed this bill could entice more nurses to continue their education in order to teach. We need many more new nurses but cannot accomodate them if the teachers are not there.
Cheri Newcomb RN,PHN,BSN