What a week it’s been. From the picket lines to the policy debates in Washington, nurses are making their voices heard on the issues that matter most. At the same time, we’re seeing incredible achievements being recognized, reminding everyone of the amazing talent and leadership in our profession.
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Senators Probe UnitedHealth’s Nursing Home Program
A couple of U.S. senators are asking some tough questions about a UnitedHealth Group program that gives bonuses to nursing homes for keeping hospital transfers down. Senators Ron Wyden and Elizabeth Warren are concerned this could pressure facilities to prioritize profits over a resident’s health and safety, especially since the bonus metric doesn’t distinguish between necessary and unnecessary hospital visits. The inquiry is a big deal because it puts a spotlight on how corporate policies can impact clinical decisions at the bedside.
Published: August 7, 2025
Senators seek UnitedHealth records on push to curb nursing home hospitalizations | US healthcare | The Guardian -
Nurses in CA, RI, and WI on the Line for Safety and Staffing
Nurses in several states are taking a stand for safer working conditions and better patient care. In Rhode Island, the strike at Butler Hospital has become the longest in the state’s history, while nurses in Wisconsin and California are also holding actions. The common thread in all these disputes is a demand for what should be standard: safe staffing levels, fair pay that retains experienced nurses, and workplace conditions that allow them to give patients the quality care they deserve.
Published: August 7, 2025
2025 Nurse Strikes: Complete List of Active and Planned Strikes | Nurse.Org -
NLN Honors Leaders in Nursing Education
Let’s celebrate some of our own! The National League for Nursing (NLN) just gave its prestigious President’s Award to two incredible leaders, Dr. Andrea Lindell and Dr. Bernadette Mazurek Melnyk. They were recognized for their huge contributions to the field, including pioneering work in evidence-based practice, fostering international collaborations, and shaping the education of countless nurses. It’s a powerful reminder of the deep expertise and leadership within our ranks.
Published: August 6, 2025
NLN Honors Two Outstanding Leaders in Nursing Education with President’s Award -
UNM Shines a Light on Its Newest Grads
Speaking of the future, the University of New Mexico College of Nursing just celebrated its summer graduates, and the award winners are seriously inspiring. Students were recognized for everything from top-notch academic achievement and leadership to a deep commitment to health equity in Native American communities. A huge congratulations to these new nurses who are ready to go out and make a difference!
Published: August 11, 2025
UNM College of Nursing Celebrates Summer 2025 Award Winners | UNM HSC Newsroom -
August Recess is Go-Time for Nurse Advocacy
Want to make your voice heard on the issues affecting our profession? Now is the perfect time. With members of Congress back in their home districts for the August recess, nursing organizations like the AACN are rolling out toolkits to help you connect with them. It’s a key opportunity to talk about priorities like funding for nursing education and workforce development before they head back to D.C. to make big decisions in September.
Published: August 6, 2025
Policy Watch: August Advocacy Toolkit and Congressional Recess
Tools & Tips
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NurseMagic App
Feeling buried in paperwork? This app uses AI to help you write nursing notes, professional summaries, and even resumes in a fraction of the time. It could be a serious time-saver for those tedious administrative tasks.
‎NurseMagic App - App Store -
AACN Advocacy Toolkit
If you’re passionate about policy, this is for you. The AACN’s new toolkit gives you everything you need—talking points, state-specific data, and guides—to effectively advocate for nursing with your local legislators.
AACN's Advocacy Guide: August 2023 Edition
Fun Fact
Did you know? A UK study found that nurses walk an average of 26.25 miles per week on the job—that’s basically a full marathon every single week. No wonder our feet are tired!
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.