1. United States
2. N.C.
3. Letter

As your constituent and a registered nurse, I am writing to you in response to the proposed new federal rule redefining professional degrees including programs for nursing. I can’t emphasize enough how nursing is already experiencing a shortage, a situation that even before this news, continues to worsen. Cutting funds for programs like a masters in nursing education will negatively impact the number of nurses graduating with this degree because there will be less student loan money available for people to access in order to afford enrollment in the program. Fewer master of nursing educators means less faculty to teach undergrad nurses. Class sizes will decrease with fewer nurses graduating to replace those retiring or leaving the profession altogether. Ultimately it will be patients who pay the price. Hospitals will not be able to staff units adequately to provide safe care to patients. Inpatient falls may rise, potentially increasing hospital events that cause unnecessary harm to patients. With regards to advanced practitioners, the shortage of primary care providers especially in rural areas has been well chronicled. Again, lessening student loan money for NP degrees, isn’t helpful in addressing provider shortages. Please help reverse this decision. If it isn’t, I believe it will be harmful to the very communities you represent. Thank you for your attention.