Dear Representative Raja Krisnhamoorthi,
As there is an increase in the rate of baby boomers retiring, the need for adequate care for the elderly and disabled is also increasing. In recent years, there has been a shortage in RNs and LNPs not only in the state of Illinois, but nationwide. As older nurses are retiring there are just not enough younger nurses to take their place. In the state of Illinois, regulatory barriers have prevented qualified nurses from practicing, therefore I urge you to create less restrictive rules for the state of Illinois to encourage more affordable and accessible care to all. By increasing the number of nurses coming into the state, we will increase the revenue for the state. Schools are also pushing for BSN degree …show more content…
In the end, it is only restricting the number of new nurses entering the workforce. One way to reduce this workforce shortage in Illinois can be by simply joining the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). This program allows nurses to practice in more than one state with one license. So far, only twenty-five states have signed up for this compact. Under the Nurse Licensure Compact, a nurse in Kentucky can easily cross the border and practice in Virginia and vice versa. However, Illinois is not part of the NLC, preventing a nurse to be able to practice in Illinois without taking additional tests, reducing the incentive to come and work for our state.
All of our neighboring states participate in the NLC, which can provide easier routes for nurses from other states to come and work in Illinois. Those unnecessary extra hurdles make it harder for nurses to practice in our state. As the shortage is drastically increasing, policymakers should consider joining the Nurse Licensure Compact to ensure affordable care and access to all. Sincerely,
Nisha Patel
5476 Ridge Crossing
Hanover Park, IL
As there is an increase in the rate of baby boomers retiring, the need for adequate care for the elderly and disabled is also increasing. In recent years, there has been a shortage in RNs and LNPs not only in the state of Illinois, but nationwide. As older nurses are retiring there are just not enough younger nurses to take their place. In the state of Illinois, regulatory barriers have prevented qualified nurses from practicing, therefore I urge you to create less restrictive rules for the state of Illinois to encourage more affordable and accessible care to all. By increasing the number of nurses coming into the state, we will increase the revenue for the state. Schools are also pushing for BSN degree …show more content…
In the end, it is only restricting the number of new nurses entering the workforce. One way to reduce this workforce shortage in Illinois can be by simply joining the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). This program allows nurses to practice in more than one state with one license. So far, only twenty-five states have signed up for this compact. Under the Nurse Licensure Compact, a nurse in Kentucky can easily cross the border and practice in Virginia and vice versa. However, Illinois is not part of the NLC, preventing a nurse to be able to practice in Illinois without taking additional tests, reducing the incentive to come and work for our state.
All of our neighboring states participate in the NLC, which can provide easier routes for nurses from other states to come and work in Illinois. Those unnecessary extra hurdles make it harder for nurses to practice in our state. As the shortage is drastically increasing, policymakers should consider joining the Nurse Licensure Compact to ensure affordable care and access to all. Sincerely,
Nisha Patel
5476 Ridge Crossing
Hanover Park, IL