Federal Update 6
May 21, 2009
CONGRESSIONAL DEVELOPMENTS
Expansion of nursing instructors
Legislation introduced recently by Indiana's Senator Evan Bayh would help assure a robust nursing workforce by assisting in financing the cost of a master's or doctorate in nursing for those students who agree to accept a faculty position at an accredited school of nursing. Senator Bayh's bill would create a loan repayment program that would provide an incentive for graduates to become nursing educators. The offer of financial assistance in exchange for a commitment to teach should appeal to a good number of graduates.
By expanding the number of instructors at accredited nursing schools, such as the IU School of Nursing (IUSON) at Indianapolis, more students can be accepted into nursing programs. Over the last year, the IUSON on the campus of IUPUI was unable to admit 320 students into its program, because there were not enough faculty on staff to accommodate them. Approximately 300 students were admitted. Accredited schools of nursing are facing this same problem all over the country.
The complex system for health care delivery and patient acuity requires intensive education and training of students in the use of sophisticated technologies that have become an integral part of quality care. Thus, it is necessary to maintain a ratio of 10 students to 1 faculty member for all instruction that occurs in a clinical setting. Attracting more individuals into the teaching profession means a greater number of students could be trained without compromising the student-faculty ratio.
As Congress considers how to reform the current health care system, adoption of Senator Bayh's legislation is a logical approach.
