In the past, nurses were not required to pay back government student loans WHEN WORKING FULL-TIME in the field. To attract and retain healthcare workers, a similar program needs to be in place for all licensed healthcare workers.
As college expenses rise and working in the healthcare workforce becomes more complicated and controlled, choosing a healthcare career becomes less desirable. Physicians are leaving practice because reimbursement is declining and other career areas are becoming more lucrative, not to mention liability. Mid-level providers (PA-C, CNP) are being utilized more and given larger responsibilities and also deal with decreasing reimbursement and liability. Nurses are also being relied on more and given larger patient loads.
Student loan forgiveness is the answer!!