WASHINGTON -- The following information was released by North Dakota Senator Kent Conrad:
Senator Kent Conrad joined the Senate Nursing Caucus today in an effort to strengthen the nursing profession and advance the goals of the nursing community in North Dakota and across the nation.
'Nurses play a vital role in ensuring patients in North Dakota and across the nation receive the quality care they need and deserve,' Senator Conrad said. 'The Caucus will allow me to explore new ways to enhance the role nurses play in delivering high-quality health care.'
The Senate Nursing Caucus was launched last year to provide Senators with a forum to discuss important issues affecting America's nurses. The Caucus has held numerous briefings on topics ranging from the nursing shortage to patient safety issues.
Native North Dakotan, and current administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administration, Dr. Mary Wakefield, recently addressed the Caucus and discussed the status of the U.S. nursing workforce.
There are more than 3 million registered nurses in the U.S., making up the largest health care workforce in the country. North Dakota has approximately 7,915 registered nurses, and 3,083 licensed practical nurses. In addition, there are a total of approximately 607 advanced practice nurses in North Dakota which includes nurse practitioners, certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists, certified nurse specialists, certified nurse midwives and nurse clinicians.
However, the supply of nurses is failing to meet the need of America's health care system. Senator Conrad hopes to work with the Caucus to address the growing shortage of nurses and ensure patients continue to receive quality care each and every day.
Senator Conrad is a senior member of the Senate Finance Committee, which has jurisdiction over health care legislation. He has long been a champion for rural health care and the important services provided by nurses. Last Congress, he authored legislation ensuring more equitable Medicare reimbursement for certified nurse-midwife services.
