As Standards Tighten Nursing Students May Bear The Consequences Of Professional Redefinition

Southern Illinois University nursing student Samaya Royal has long been captivated by hospitals and the individuals within them. Her passion for healthcare began in childhood, often accompanying her grandmother, a pediatric nurse, to work. Now enrolled in an accelerated nursing program, Royal expresses a desire to see greater racial representation in healthcare. “When I encounter an African American nurse, I instantly feel more at ease,” she states, aiming to provide that comfort to others. However, proposed changes from the Trump administration threaten her ability to fund her education by categorizing nursing as a non-professional field, limiting access to federal loans. This revision impacts not only student funding but also exacerbates racial disparities in higher education. Despite nurses comprising the largest sector of healthcare, only 11% identify as Black. Leaders within the industry urge the administration to reconsider these policies, emphasizing the importance of trained professionals in achieving health equity across the nation.