This past week brought some big discussions to the forefront for nurses across the country. From critical policy debates impacting patient care to new initiatives supporting our workforce, thereâs been a lot happening. The week also saw important updates to professional resources that guide nursing practice every day.
This Weekâs Top Nursing Headlines
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Nurses Rally Against Medicaid Cuts
Nurses across the U.S. protested the âOne Big Beautiful Bill Actâ this week, which proposes significant Medicaid cuts. Demonstrations, like those by nurses in Metairie, Louisiana, highlighted concerns about the billâs impact on patient access and healthcare infrastructure. The legislation could cut $863 billion from Medicaid over a decade, potentially leaving millions uninsured and straining the nursing workforce. Major nursing organizations like the American Nurses Association (ANA) and the American Academy of Nursing (AANN) have strongly urged lawmakers to oppose these changes, emphasizing nursesâ role in advocating for equitable healthcare.
Published: July 1, 2025
Nurses protest Medicaid cuts outside Sen. Bill Cassidyâs office in Metairie | WWNO -
ANA Voices Strong Opposition to HR1 Senate Passage
The American Nurses Association (ANA) strongly opposed the Senateâs passage of H.R.1, warning of devastating consequences for patients and nurses if enacted. ANA President Jennifer Mensik Kennedy highlighted the threat of hospital closures, especially in rural areas, and increased nurse burnout due to heavier workloads. The ANA emphasized that Medicaid, which accounts for 19% of hospital revenues, is crucial for millions and its cuts would compromise care quality. Nurses are already experiencing strain and moral injury from resource limitations, underscoring the urgent need for lawmakers to reconsider.
Published: July 1, 2025
Statement from the American Nurses Association on Passing of H.R.1 in the Senate -
Hospitals Join New Workforce Initiative
Twenty-five U.S. hospitals have joined a new initiative called Nursing Workforce Solutions, aiming to boost nurse retention and job satisfaction. Part of the American Association of Critical-Care Nursesâ (AACN) Clinical Scene Investigator Academy, the program offers nurses tools and leadership training to improve work environments. Sponsored by Johnson & Johnson, this effort reflects a growing focus on retaining nurses by enhancing their daily professional experiences. This proactive investment in nurse well-being is crucial for patient safety, quality of care, and the financial health of healthcare institutions.
Published: July 1, 2025
https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/workforce/25-hospitals-join-nursing-workforce-initiative/ -
ANA Expresses Deep Concern as H.R. 1 Passes House
The controversial H.R. 1 bill, proposing significant Medicaid cuts, passed the House of Representatives this week after clearing the Senate. The American Nurses Association (ANA) immediately reiterated its deep concern, warning of devastating consequences for patients and healthcare systems if the bill becomes law. The ANAâs continued advocacy highlights the nursing communityâs commitment to protecting vulnerable populations and ensuring access to essential services. Their consistent opposition underscores the belief that these cuts will severely compromise care delivery, especially for Medicaid recipients.
Published: July 3, 2025
American Nurses Association 2025 News Releases | ANA -
American Academy of Nursing Disappointed by HR1 Enactment
The American Academy of Nursing (AANN) expressed strong disappointment this week following the enactment of the âOne Big Beautiful Bill Actâ (H.R. 1). The Academy had previously voiced deep concern over the billâs proposed cuts to Medicaid, CHIP, and SNAP programs. They, along with many other organizations, had urged Congress to reject these cuts, warning of potential coverage loss and limited care for millions, particularly those with disabilities and older adults. The billâs enactment, which includes nearly $1 trillion in cuts to Medicaid and SNAP over ten years, marks a significant moment for healthcare policy.
Published: July 4, 2025
https://aannet.org/page/policy-actions
Tools & Tips
1. Updated Professional Standards: The 2025 Code of Ethics for Nurses
The newly updated 2025 Code of Ethics for Nurses from the American Nurses Association (ANA) is an essential resource for ethical nursing practice. It guides decision-making in complex healthcare, helping nurses maintain professional integrity and advance social justice. This definitive standard offers practical insights for all nurses, from new graduates to experienced practitioners.
Essentials of Nursing Practice Package 2025
2. Enhancing Dementia Care: The CAIT Project
The CAIT (Communication and Interaction Training) project, an evidence-based training program, offers valuable resources for caregivers of individuals with dementia. Published on July 5, 2025, this program helps address challenging behaviors by providing a common language for dementia care and enhancing communication skills. It includes both information-based and skills-based modules, utilizing videos and case studies to improve âdementia care literacyâ among clinical staff and family members.
https://ebn.bmj.com/
Fun Fact
Did you know that the first nurse in recorded history wasnât Florence Nightingale? That honor actually belongs to Agnodice, a woman from ancient Greece around 250 B.C.! In a time when women were forbidden from practicing medicine, Agnodice bravely disguised herself as a man to pursue her passion for healing. Her dedication and influence eventually led to a change in Athenian law, allowing women to practice medicine and midwifery, paving the way for countless nurses who followed. Talk about a trailblazer!
Weâd love to hear from you! Have you participated in any Nursing events or utilized new Nursing tools recently? Share your experiences or insights with usâweâre featuring selected community voices in next weekâs edition.