Addressing Nevada’s Nursing Shortage with Federal Legislation

Nevada is facing a critical nursing shortage, making it increasingly difficult for patients to receive timely and high-quality care. Recognizing this urgent issue, U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV) has introduced the Train More Nurses Act alongside Senator Susan Collins (R-ME), a bipartisan bill aimed at expanding the nursing workforce in Nevada and other states and ensuring better access to care nationwide.

One of the key barriers to increasing the number of qualified nurses is the limited availability of faculty at Nevada’s nursing schools. The Train More Nurses Act directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services and the Secretary of Labor to review existing nursing grant programs and identify ways to boost faculty recruitment, particularly in underserved areas. Additionally, the bill seeks to create more pathways for Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) to transition into Registered Nurse (RN) roles, helping to bridge workforce gaps efficiently.

The Urgent Need for Nurses in Nevada

Nevada is one of the states hardest hit by the nursing shortage. A recent analysis found that Nevada has one of the lowest numbers of nurses per capita, with the University of Nevada, Reno’s Nevada Health Workforce Research Center estimating the state needs more than 3,000 additional RNs just to meet the national average.

“As Nevada continues to face a shortage of nurses and doctors, it’s becoming more difficult for hardworking families to get the medical care they need,” said Senator Rosen. “I’m introducing this bipartisan bill to help increase the number of nurses in our state and improve Nevadans’ access to high-quality health care.”

Health care leaders in Nevada emphasize that investing in nursing education is key to ensuring a strong and sustainable workforce.

“By investing in nursing education and creating clear pathways to employment, we can ensure that registered nurses are well-prepared to meet the demand, and that patients receive the high-quality care they deserve,” said Melodie Osborn, Chief Nursing Executive for Renown Health. “Nurses are the backbone of the healthcare system. We are so grateful to Senator Rosen for moving forward this bill to invest in nursing education, which is crucial to be able to have more qualified and compassionate nursing care for you and your family.”

A Broader Commitment to Strengthening Health Care in Nevada

Senator Rosen has been a strong advocate for expanding health care access in Nevada. In 2022, she co-led the bipartisan Maximizing Health Outcomes through Better Investments in Lifesaving Equipment for (MOBILE) Health Care Act, which was signed into law to increase mobile health care units in Nevada’s underserved communities. She has also pushed for additional medical residency slots to address the physician shortage in the state and co-introduced the bipartisan Medical Student Education Authorization Act to support medical students.

The Train More Nurses Act is a critical step toward addressing Nevada’s nursing shortage and ensuring that communities have access to the care they need. By strengthening nursing education programs and expanding career pathways, this bipartisan effort aims to build a more resilient health care system for Nevada’s future.

As the bill moves forward, continued advocacy and support for health care workforce development will be essential in ensuring that Nevadans receive the quality care they deserve.