Nursing Weekly Brief: June 10–16, 2025
This week in nursing has been marked by significant discussions around workforce development, critical policy advocacy, and ongoing efforts to enhance the professional environment. From initiatives tackling the persistent nursing shortage through innovative education programs to key labor negotiations and crucial policy interventions, the profession continues to navigate complex challenges while embracing advancements. Here’s a concise overview of the top stories and essential updates from June 10-16, 2025, designed to keep professionals informed and engaged with the pulse of nursing.
-
Addressing the Nursing Workforce Shortage through ADN Programs
The U.S. is facing a significant nursing workforce shortage, with projections indicating approximately 194,500 registered nurse positions becoming available annually over the next decade due to growth and turnover. The Organization for Associate Degree Nursing (OADN) highlights the crucial role of associate degree nursing (ADN) programs in addressing this demand. OADN supports over 1,100 ADN programs that prepare entry-level nurses and actively advocates for policies and collects data to enhance ADN education. This focus aims to increase the nurse supply and can also contribute to global health by training international students.
Published: June 12, 2025
OADN Voices: June 2025 - OADN -
AHA Urges CMS to Address Financial Strain on Skilled Nursing Facilities
The American Hospital Association (AHA) has urged CMS to address severe financial pressures on Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNFs) due to inflation, with nurse salaries rising 26.6% in four years. Inadequate Medicare payments and a “misguided productivity adjustment” are forcing providers to divert funds from patient care and technology. The AHA also criticized Medicare Advantage plans’ inappropriate use of prior authorization, which increases administrative burdens and restricts patient access to post-acute care. These issues lead to extended hospital stays and strain the nursing workforce.
Published: June 10, 2025
https://www.aha.org/system/files/media/file/2025/06/aha-comments-on-cms-skilled-nursing-facility-fy-2026-proposed-payment-rule-letter-6-10-2025.pdf -
UTHealth Houston Launches Tuition-Free Nursing Program to Combat Shortage
UTHealth Houston’s Cizik School of Nursing launched the “Future Nurses Fund,” a new tuition-free program starting spring 2026, to combat Texas’s healthcare worker shortage. This initiative aims to remove financial barriers for qualifying students in its accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program. The fund is expected to cover full tuition for at least a third of undergraduate students, supplementing other financial aid. By easing educational costs, UTHealth Houston seeks to attract more individuals to nursing, bolstering the workforce and improving healthcare access statewide.
Published: June 10, 2025
UTHealth Houston launches tuition-free program for nursing students | Community Impact
Tools & Tips
AI-Powered Solutions for Nursing Workflow and Patient Safety
The American Nurses Foundation recently announced grants for its “Reimagining Nursing Initiative,” funding bold, nurse-led solutions to transform healthcare and support nurse well-being. Among these are AI systems like NurseAssist – AI, which helps home healthcare nurses by reducing documentation and aiding informed decisions using patient data. Another is the CONCERN Early Warning System (EWS), an AI tool that identifies patient deterioration risks from nursing notes, proven to reduce mortality and length of stay. These innovations aim to streamline operations and enhance patient outcomes.
American Nurses Foundation Announces New Reimagining Nursing Initiative Grant Recipients
Fun Fact
Did You Know? Nurses Remain the Most Trusted Profession! For an impressive 23 consecutive years, nurses have consistently been rated as the most ethical and honest profession by the public in Gallup polls. The latest survey reveals that 76% of American adults described healthcare workers as having “high” or “very high” honesty and ethical standards. This enduring public trust underscores the deep respect and reliance placed on nurses, affirming their pivotal role in healthcare and the strong ethical foundation that defines the profession.
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.