U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Announces $13.4 Million to Aid Nurses
August 14, 2009
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Announces $13.4 Million to Aid Nurses

The release of $13.4 million for loan repayments to nurses and for schools of nursing was announced on August 12, 2009 by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.   The awards come from two programs administered by the HHS’ Health Resources and Services Administration.  The Nurse Education Loan Program totals $8.1 million and will help 100 registered nurses pay their nursing education debts.  The program repays 60 percent of the loan balance of registered nurses in exchange for two years of service at facilities with a critical shortage of nurses.   The Nurse Faculty Loan Program totals $5.3 million and will go to schools of nursing to support the training of 500 masters and doctoral nursing students who plan to become nurse faculty after completing their education. Following graduation, loan recipients may cancel up to 85 percent of the loan principal and interest in exchange for four years of service as a full-time nursing faculty at a school of nursing. Approximately 50,000 individuals interested in going to nursing school are declined due to insufficient capacity at schools of nursing.  The two main barriers to training more nurses are a faculty shortage and insufficient clinical training sites.  


See also:

HHS Announces $13.4 Million in Financial Assistance to Support Nurses

CHHCS: E-Journal - Thoughts on a Nursing Shortage