Biden-Harris Administration Invests $100 Million in Awards to Grow the Nursing Workforce

October 16, 2023 by Elisa Becze BA, ELS, Editor

Well before the trauma, stress, and burnout from COVID-19, the nursing profession was facing a national workforce shortage. Decision-makers and the advocacy community—including ONS—have had serious policy discussions on how to blunt the impact on the patient population, including promoting federal investments at the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) for more than a year. In August 2023, the Biden-Harris Administration responded, announcing (https://www.hhs.gov/about/news/2023/08/10/biden-harris-administration-announces-100-million-grow-nursing-workforce.html) a $100 million awards program to stem the tide.

“Nurses are the front line in delivering lifesaving care and in keeping all of us healthy and well,” HRSA Administrator Carole Johnson said (https://www.hhs.gov/about/news/2023/08/10/biden-harris-administration-announces-100-million-grow-nursing-workforce.html). “Today’s HRSA investments demonstrate our ongoing commitment to supporting the nursing workforce, training and growing the next generation of nurses, creating career ladders for nurses, and recognizing the critical role nurses play.”

The funding focuses on three key priorities:

In total, 262 institutions, colleges, and universities received awards (https://bhw.hrsa.gov/funding/apply-grant/fy-23-nursing-workforce-awards) from the 2023 funding.

“Nurses are an essential part of our nation’s healthcare system,” Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra said (https://www.hhs.gov/about/news/2023/08/10/biden-harris-administration-announces-100-million-grow-nursing-workforce.html). “Now more than ever, we need to double down on our investments in nurses who care for communities across the country.”


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