WASHINGTON, DC – On National School Nurse Day, Congresswoman Dina Titus (NV-01) and Congresswoman Jen Kiggans (VA-02) introduced the Nurses for Under-Resourced Schools Everywhere (NURSE) Act. This bipartisan legislation would establish a grant program within the U.S. Department of Education to give high-need schools the ability to hire and retain additional school nurses.

“All too often, when school districts like Clark County are forced to stretch limited funding, school nurse positions are overlooked,” Congresswoman Titus said. “In fact, Clark County needs over a 100 more school nurses to meet the demands of its students. School nurses play a critical role in our children’s learning and success. Students who have the appropriate healthcare resources are better equipped for studies, sports, and everyday activities.”

“As a nurse practitioner, I know firsthand how vital nurses are to the health and wellbeing of our communities,” said Congresswoman Kiggans. “I’m proud to support the NURSE Act, which builds on efforts I championed in the Virginia State Senate to increase access to care in our schools. By investing in school nurses, we’re ensuring that our children have the support they need to stay healthy and succeed in the classroom. Introducing this bill during National Nurses Week underscores our commitment to recognizing the incredible contributions our nurses make in communities across the country.”

“We are thrilled that Representative Titus has re-introduced the Nurses for Under-Resourced Schools Everywhere Act (NURSE Act) on School Nurse Day, a day that celebrates the contributions of school nurses to children and their academic success,” said Kate King, President of the National Association of School Nurses. “It is important that children have their physical and behavioral healthcare needs met at school, particularly in case of an emergency. Every school should have a school nurse on staff every day. Passage of the NURSE Act is the first step to achieving student health equity."

As educator and educator support personnel shortages ravage schools across the nation, the National Education Association is pleased that Rep. Titus is re-introducing the Nurses for Under-Resourced Schools Everywhere (NURSE) Act. It is vital that public schools and the students they serve have a school nurse to support the health and wellness of their students, and the school overall. In particular, this measure focuses on those schools serving communities and the families that face economic challenges, where students might not have access to healthcare supports, and where school nurses are vital. Every student, regardless of zip code, deserves a healthy and caring environment to learn and thrive,” said Marc Egan, Director, Government Relations for the National Education Association.

According to the National Association of School Nurses, only 39.3 percent of schools employ full-time school nurses, even though the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has said that more than 40 percent of school-aged children and adolescents have at least one chronic health condition.

Under the NURSE Act, schools with 20 percent of their student body qualifying for low-cost or free lunches would be eligible for grants to hire more school nurses. The legislation targets schools with the highest healthcare needs.

The National Association of School Nurses, the National Education Association, and the American Federation of Teachers have endorsed the NURSE Act.