On February 10, 2016, the Friends of the National Institute of Nursing Research (FNINR) held a reception for the inaugural Congressional Nursing Caucus that opened crucial dialogue as participants explored and discussed how American Nurses Heal the Nation through Science.
FNINR, the advocacy organization advancing the mission of the National Institute of Nursing Research, highlighted the work of nurse scientists — some in attendance — who investigate the health of individuals, families and communities aimed at disease prevention, lifestyle modification, and symptom management. High impact research exemplars were used to model the health and economic benefits informed through the science that nurses conduct.
Michael Bleich, President of CGFNS International, Inc. ,and FNINR thanked the Nursing Caucus Members and asked that Congress use the talents of nurse scientists for testimony on health-related issues, call out nursing when authorizing funds for health-related special initiatives (such as Alzheimers or cancer research), and to allocate additional funds to NINR. “Not only have we proven that the return-on-investment is strong for nurse-led studies, but NINR funding also links to the funding support needed to advance additional PhD students needed for team science and to advance the profession”. The handout provided to Congressional Nursing Caucus Members and their staff is attached.
Keynote speaker, Bill Novelli, Professor at Georgetown University and Co-chair for the Coalition to Transform Advanced Care, eloquently spoke about how the NINR research priorities have contributed to society, for example he cited nursing contributions to chronic disease management reducing health disparities. His comments are attached.
Lively discussions and new partnerships were forged, made possible by sponsors Colleen Conway-Welch and Louise Woerner, whose unwavering support was acknowledged.