Being the voice of pediatric nurses

The Society of Pediatric Nurses (SPN) continually works behind the scenes to be the voice of our membership and every pediatric nurse.

In SPN's Core Values, we pledged our commitment to the dedication of advocating for exceptional pediatric nursing care of all children and families (SPN, n.d.). SPN's Healthcare Policy and Advocacy Committee had identified our top priorities for the upcoming year (available on www.pedsnurses.org). To support these initiatives, SPN has developed partnerships with key stakeholders. Through these partnerships, SPN has been able to support these initiatives and others that have been brought forward and directly impact our members.

Over the last year, with our partnership in the Nursing Community Coalition (NCC), we have supported the following initiatives.

COVID-19 AND vaccinations

Importance of immunization against COVID-19

SPN releases position statement on the importance for every pediatric nurse to be immunized against COVID-19 (SPN, 2021).

Call for timely, efficient and equitable distribution of COVID-19 vaccines for children

SPN signed on to National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners letter urging “prompt, efficient and equitable administration of the COVID-19 vaccine for children as the most effective method to mitigate disease severity and transmission of the SARS CoV-2 virus.”

Federal Legislation

• •In February 2021, SPN signed on to a letter with 59 other nursing organizations to urge the Senate to add these critical requests to their COVID-19 priorities: Protection and support for the frontline workers; Support of the Nursing Education Infrastructure: Pass the Future Advancement of Academic Nursing Act (FAAN) (H.R. 851); Include nurses, APRNs, and nursing students in all national public health plans; Invest in Federal Program that support Nursing Workforce and Research; and Promote access to Telehealth (FAAN Act, 2021).
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  In March 2021, these requests were answered in the passing of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 that included:

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    Protect and Support those on the Frontlines:

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      $80 million for mental health and substance use disorder training for health professionals including nurses;
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      $20 million for efforts to encourage healthy work conditions and the use of mental health and substance use disorder services for health care professionals;
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      $40 million to promote mental health services among health professional workforce.
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    Include Nurses, APRNs, and Nursing Students in all National Public Health Plans:

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      $7.66 billion for the public health workforce, including public health nurses.
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    Invest in Federal Programs that support Current and Future Nursing Workforce:

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      $200 million for the Nurse Corps to support scholarships and loan repayment for students, nurses, and advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) who work in areas that need them the most (American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, 2021).

The Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act of 2021 (H.R. 851)

SPN joined several other organization in thanking Congresswoman Lauren Underwood (D-IL-14) and Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) for introducing the Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act of 2021. This act provides a multipronged approach to addressing maternal health in the United States. In 2018, the maternal mortality rate in the U.S. was reported as 17.4 deaths per 100,000 live births, a number more than double other developed countries. Sadly, our black mothers are disproportionately impacted as their maternal mortality rates are 2.5 to 3.1 times higher that of their white counterparts (Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act of 2021, 2021).

Build Back Better Act (H.R. 5376)

SPN applauded the House of Representatives for passing the Build Back Better Act with the below provisions. This Act is now with the Senate. SPN joined 56 other organizations in requesting the Senate include and pass the act with the same provisions.

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  Support for Nursing Education Pathways:

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    $500 million for nursing education enhancement and modernization grants to support the needs of nursing students, help retain and hire diverse faculty, modernize nursing education infrastructure, and create and expand clinical education.
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  Investments for Nurses and Advance Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) working in Underserved Areas:

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    $500 million for the Nurse Corps to support scholarships and loan repayment for nurses and APRNs who work in areas that need them the most.
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  Includes Major Provisions from the Momnibus Act, such as:

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    $170 million to grow and diversify the nursing workforce in maternal and perinatal health;
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    $100 million in Maternal Mental Health Equity grant programs;
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    $85 million in funding for education and training at health professions schools to identify and address health risks associated with climate changes, including for pregnant, lactating, postpartum or individuals who are looking to become pregnant;
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    $50 million in funding for antidiscrimination and bias training; and millions for other programs including promoting equity in maternal health outcomes through digital tools (Build Back Better Act, 2021).

Healthcare budget spending

SPN supported the request of $530 million for the Nursing Workforce Development Program (Title VIII of the Public Health Service Act) and $193 million for the National Institute of Nursing Research funding for Fiscal Year 2022.

This support included letters sent to the Senate, House of Representatives, and President. In addition, this year it was necessary to send in testimony to the House Appropriation subcommittee to ensure support of the large request.

SPN will continue to create awareness for the specialty of pediatric nursing and support the role of our members in both pediatrics and the nursing community. Whether it be in collaboration with the NCC or one of our many other partners, SPN will continue to be your champion and the voice of pediatric nursing.