It is extremely disappointing that in the midst of a serious
nursing shortage and at a time when nurses are serving beside our
men and women in uniform around the world, President Bush has
chosen not to increase Nursing Workforce Development Programs funds
in his budget for Fiscal Year 2006. Our nation’s nurses are
essential to our nation’s health and to the readiness of our Armed
Forces across the globe.
Editor,
It is extremely disappointing that in the midst of a serious nursing shortage and at a time when nurses are serving beside our men and women in uniform around the world, President Bush has chosen not to increase Nursing Workforce Development Programs funds in his budget for Fiscal Year 2006. Our nation’s nurses are essential to our nation’s health and to the readiness of our Armed Forces across the globe. Yet, the president’s proposed budget reduces overall funding for nurse training and workforce development and shifts money from one program to another.
The American people deserve better than fiscal gymnastics with these essential federal programs. They deserve real solutions to a serious healthcare crisis. While difficult financial times require us to conserve and to tighten our belts, this is not the place to do it. An adequate nurse workforce is critical to our nation’s health.
Gail G. Kincaide, Executive Director, Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses
