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"The Hill" has published an editorial about the nursing crisis written by Patty Knecht, PhD, RN, ANEF, vice president and Chief Nursing Officer for Ascend Learning Healthcare.

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In an opinion column for "The Hill," Patty Knecht, PhD, RN, ANEF, warns legislators and policymakers that the perfect storm of the nursing crisis isn't brewing. Instead, she explains, the storm has already hit America's shores. And, without Congress's willingness to work with stakeholders and industry leaders to develop and pass bipartisan legislation and solutions to recruit and retain more nurses, the health of our nation is at significant risk. 

Dr. Knecht, vice president and Chief Nursing Officer for Ascend Learning Healthcare, described the startling statistics that have led to this crisis in her editorial for "The Hill," a top U.S. political website that is popular among lawmakers and the White House. Politicians consider the site's news and editorials as vital for policy, politics and election campaigns.

Dr. Knecht's piece highlights specific steps that can be taken to address this issue. She describes how a wide range of government and healthcare stakeholders are needed to invest nationwide efforts to promote nursing as a positive career choice. She encourages nurses to tell their own compelling stories to share the purpose and pride that a nursing career delivers.

Read the full editorial, "Now is the time for lawmakers to come together to solve the nurse shortage crisis."