Nursing Weekly Brief: May 20–26, 2025
This week in nursing, we’ve seen significant policy advancements aimed at supporting the workforce and enhancing patient safety. Alongside these legislative efforts, new technological tools are emerging to streamline clinical practice, while critical research sheds light on long-term health impacts and innovative cancer treatments.
Washington State Enacts New Laws Supporting Nurse Safety and Worker Rights
Washington State has passed crucial legislation to bolster nurse safety and worker rights, with Governor Ferguson signing two key bills into law on May 19, 2025. House Bill 1162 enhances workplace violence prevention by mandating more frequent review of incident data and annual updates to safety plans, effective January 1, 2026. Additionally, Senate Bill 5041 allows striking or locked-out individuals to receive up to six weeks of unemployment insurance after a two-week waiting period, also effective January 1, 2026. These laws aim to improve working conditions and provide vital support for healthcare professionals.
Published: May 22, 2025
2025 session recap: New laws supporting nurse safety and worker rights - WSNA
AACN Commends Bipartisan Support for Title VIII Nursing Workforce Reauthorization Act
The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) has applauded the bipartisan and bicameral introduction of the Title VIII Nursing Workforce Reauthorization Act of 2025 (S.1874 and H.R.3593). This vital legislation seeks to reauthorize the Nursing Workforce Development Programs, part of the Public Health Service Act, through Fiscal Year 2030. The AACN emphasizes that these programs are crucial for addressing all aspects of nursing workforce demand, including education, practice, recruitment, and retention, ensuring strong nursing pathways and continued access to high-quality nursing care nationwide.
Published: May 23, 2025
AACN Commends Congressional Leaders for their Bipartisan Commitment to Supporting Nursing Education and Workforce Programs | Newswise
Teclistamab Shows Comparable Safety and Efficacy in Older Adults with Multiple Myeloma
New research published on May 26, 2025, indicates that Teclistamab-cqyv (Tecvayli) demonstrates comparable safety and efficacy in older adults (75 years and older) with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma, similar to younger patients. This crucial finding suggests that advanced age alone should not be a barrier to treatment with this anti-myeloma therapy. Instead, patient selection should prioritize functional status and comorbidities, potentially expanding access to this vital treatment for a vulnerable population.
Published: May 26, 2025
Teclistamab Safe, Effective for Older Adults With Multiple Myeloma
Advanced Chronic Kidney Disease Risk Doubles After COVID-19 Infection
A report released on May 25, 2025, highlights a significant long-term consequence of COVID-19 infection: the risk of developing advanced Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) doubles, even in individuals who did not experience Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) during their initial illness. This finding underscores the need for ongoing monitoring and management of kidney health in post-COVID-19 patients. It also emphasizes the broader impact of the pandemic on long-term public health and the evolving understanding of its systemic effects.
Published: May 26, 2025
Health Equity & Access Weekly Roundup: May 26, 2025
Tools & Tips
- NurseHack4Health Pitch-A-Thon:
For nurse-led teams from health systems, nursing organizations, and nurse-founded startups, the NurseHack4Health Pitch-A-Thon offers grant funding to bring healthcare solutions to life. An info session for this opportunity was held on May 20, 2025, providing details on how to participate and secure funding for innovative projects.
Notes on Nursing—May 2025 Issue - Navigating NursingCAS for Career Advancement:
The NursingCAS Application Cycle for 2025-2026 was revised and updated on May 20, 2025. This centralized application service, which officially opens on August 7, 2025, streamlines the process for applying to numerous nursing programs, offering a vital resource for aspiring nurses and those considering advanced degrees.
New Application Cycle FAQs - NursingCAS
Fun Fact
Did you know that nurses are estimated to walk an average of 59,657 steps per week, which translates to approximately 26.25 miles? That’s the equivalent of walking a full marathon every week! This statistic highlights the incredible physical demands and constant movement inherent in the nursing profession, particularly for those working in hospital settings, as they continuously make rounds and respond to unpredictable patient needs.
https://westcoastuniversity.edu/blog/5-interesting-nursing-facts
We’d love to hear from you!
Have you participated in any nursing events or utilized new nursing tools recently? Share your experiences or insights with us—we’re featuring selected community voices in next week’s edition.