[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 134 (Friday, October 11, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1853]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   NURSE LOAN FORGIVENESS ACT OF 2002

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. THOMAS G. TANCREDO

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 10, 2002

  Mr. TANCREDO. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the Nurse Loan 
Forgiveness Act of 2002.
  Across the United States, and specifically in my District in 
Colorado, health care facilities are experiencing a loss of full-time 
registered nurses. As aging nurses retire, there are not enough persons 
willing to enter the field to replace them. The American Association of 
Colleges of Nursing estimates that within the next 10 years, the 
average age of registered nurses is forecasted to be 45.4 years old, 
with more than 40 percent of the registered nurse work force expected 
to be older than 50. Currently, there are more than 126,000 hospital 
nursing positions that need to be filled. I am deeply concerned about 
this issue and the care of our elderly, especially in a time when the 
nation's baby boomers are aging and require increasing health care 
services.
  The Nurse Loan Forgiveness Act establishes a student loan program for 
nurses and in doing so, it encourages young people to enter and 
continue in the nursing profession. Since enrollment in entry-level 
nursing schools continues to decline, this legislation provides an 
incentive to study, work, and more importantly, stay in the nursing 
profession. Not only will this enhance patient care, but also it will 
create a new generation of nurses.
  For nurses that stay in a medical facility or approved health care 
setting for at least three years, their loans can be forgiven up to 
$5,000. Additionally, those that work as nurses for five years, are 
eligible for loan forgiveness up to S 12,000. This is a temporary, 
five-year program, established during this time of crisis a time when 
our aging family members, friends and loved ones may not have the care 
they deserve or require.
  I urge my colleagues to support the Nurse Loan Forgiveness Act and 
aid our nation's health care professionals.

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