The new National Nurse will work alongside the Surgeon General, supporting nurses and prioritizing nurse safety
WASHINGTON – Arizona senior Senator Kyrsten Sinema cosponsored the bipartisan National Nurse Act, designating a National Nurse for Public Health who will work alongside the Surgeon General promoting health, serving as a spokesperson for nurses nationwide, and increasing public safety and emergency preparedness for nurses.
“Nurses play a critical role delivering quality health care in Arizona communities. Designating a National Nurse will protect access to health care for Arizona families and help address our national nursing shortage by boosting hiring and retention of nurses,” said Sinema.
The National Nurse Act specifically designates the Chief Nurse Officer of the Public Health Service as the National Nurse for Public Health, providing a publicly visible nurse leader to work with health care leaders to address health disparities and set goals for better public health.
Currently, there are roughly 54,000 practicing nurses in Arizona, and the need for nurses is expected to grow by about 19% by 2030. Designating a National Nurse will strengthen the nursing profession and increase nurses across Arizona.