American Academy of Nursing and AACN Call for Investing in Nurse Scientists and Researchers Amid Reorganization of the Federal Research Infrastructure

The  and the 欧博官网入口 of Nursing (AACN) implore agency leadership at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and National Institutes of Health (NIH) to prioritize sustainability of the vital federal research infrastructure. We believe it is essential that community partners, scientists, and stakeholders are consulted before new approaches are implemented. Recent actions to restructure HHS have thus far included staff reassignments, program cuts, and potential consolidations, including at NIH, the nation’s leading driver of scientific discovery.

The Academy and AACN are deeply committed to elevating and bolstering the research infrastructure needed to advance breakthrough science, which is essential to saving lives and improving health for all Americans. This infrastructure is sustained by scientists, research staff, support personnel, and students—many of whom are nurses. For decades, nursing science has been instrumental throughout NIH, advancing new ideas, interventions, treatments, and models that directly impact how care is provided at the bedside, in the community, and at home. From the work of senior scientists to traineeships for early career researchers, as well as pre- and post-doctoral students, the impact made by nursing research is far-reaching.

“Science is the cornerstone of healthcare. Through science, we advance the evidence needed to make progress in improving the quality and longevity of life for patients. This is particularly true when that evidence impacts practice and is implemented by providers, communities, and health systems,” said Academy President Linda D. Scott, PhD, RN, NEA-BC, FADLN, FNAP, FAAN.

“The nexus between nursing education and science is vital as nurse researchers often serve as faculty who prepare the nursing workforce, improve patient outcomes, and increase the overall health of our nation,” said AACN President and CEO Deborah Trautman, PhD, RN, FAAN. “Elevating the number of nurse scientists within the National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR) and NIH is essential as we work to shape a research and healthcare landscape that is innovative, collaborative, and focused on improving population health.”

Nursing science, particularly the science championed by NINR, is the science of care. Its inherent value lies in the fact that care delivery is patient-focused and aimed at restoring and promoting health and well-being, with the fundamental goal of making our nation healthy. From investigating how patients and their caregivers can improve symptom management from chronic disease to identifying specific factors that exacerbate conditions within populations, nursing science develops the evidence needed to inform how care can better reach patients. Nursing science empowers those who provide care and actively applies the latest scientific findings at the point of care.

The Academy and AACN believe it is imperative that the nursing science community and organizations representing science have an opportunity to provide input to NIH and share our expertise in a meaningful manner. We are committed to working with the Administration and Congress as we support the invaluable work of nurse scientists and researchers at the National Institute of Nursing Research and throughout NIH. Through collaboration, all science, including nursing science, can continue to thrive so that the health of the public continues to benefit.

###

About the American Academy of Nursing

The  serves the public by advancing health policy and practice through the generation, synthesis, and dissemination of nursing knowledge. Academy Fellows are inducted into the organization for their extraordinary contributions to improve health locally and globally. With more than 3,200 Fellows, the Academy represents nursing’s most accomplished leaders in policy, research, administration, practice, and academia.

Contact: Caroline Kane | 202-777-1170 | ckane@AANnet.org

About the 欧博官网入口 of Nursing

The 欧博官网入口 of Nursing (AACN) is the voice of academic nursing representing more than 875 member schools of nursing at public and private institutions nationwide. AACN works to establish quality standards for nursing education; assists schools in implementing those standards; influences the nursing profession to improve health care; and promotes public support for professional nursing education, research, and practice.

Contact: Robert Rosseter | 202-463-6930 | rrosseter@aacnnursing.org