If you’ve worked as a nurse for any length of time, you already know the emotional toll this profession takes. But what’s harder to talk about is the mental weight we carry as a result of nonstop administrative tasks, relentless stress, and the stigma associated with asking for help. That’s exactly why the Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Act is so crucial. Passed in 2022, it’s already put $100 million toward improving mental health resources for healthcare workers. Reauthorizing the Act, which is currently on the legislative docket, builds upon the 2022 bill and aims to continue the important work of improving work environments for all healthcare providers.
Here’s what makes this reauthorization different: It goes straight to the source of some of our biggest frustrations. Nurses spend countless hours dealing with documentation and other nonclinical tasks, which take away time from caring for patients. The reauthorization strives to tackle this head-on by funding programs that streamline workflows and reduce inefficiencies. These changes would make a huge difference, not just in our daily workflow but in how long many of our colleagues can stay in this profession.
According to the American Nurses Association, over half of nurses report experiencing burnout, and most don’t have access to mental health support. These aren’t just statistics—each number represents one of our coworkers or colleagues who feels too overwhelmed to keep going. This downstream effect impacts patients in all of our communities who don’t get the care they deserve because workers are stretched too thin. Reauthorizing this act is about turning the tide to create systems that actually support the care team and patients instead of adding to the weight we already carry.
This is your chance to let your voice be heard and have a say in what the future of the nursing profession will look like. Reach out to your lawmakers and share your story about what it’s like on your unit or in your clinic. You’re the expert of your work experience and our legislators rely on you to stay informed. The Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes Foundation has made the process very simple. To get involved, visit drlornabreen.org/reauthorizelba. Together, we can make this change happen.
Joseph R. Travis, MSN, CRNP, FNP-C is a Nursing Professional Development Specialist at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. He is the co-host of WellNURSE, a podcast dedicated to wellness in nursing, and serves as an Ambassador for the Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes Foundation. Joey has a background in medical-surgical nursing and is passionate about supporting the growth and well-being of nurses, emphasizing purposeful and impactful practice.
References
American Nurses Association. ANA underscores the urgency of the introduction of Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Reauthorization Act. February 1, 2024. nursingworld.org/news/news-releases/2024/ana-underscores-the-urgency-of-the-introduction-of-dr.-lorna-breen-health-care-provider-protection-reauthorization-act
Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes Foundation. About the Lorna Breen Act. drlornabreen.org/about-the-legislation
