Most Trusted, Least Supported: The Urgent Need for Investment in Nursing

By ANNETTE WYSOCKI and SARAH GOLDTHRITE

While nurses are often romanticized with stereotypical labels like “the heart of health care” or “angels in scrubs,” these sentimental monikers mask a harsh reality. The nation’s “Most Trusted Profession” receives an alarmingly small share of philanthropic funding.

A sobering report recently published by the American Nurses Foundation revealed that nursing – despite being indispensable to the functioning of health care systems, ensuring positive patient outcomes, reducing costs, and  improving the health and wellness of our communities – receives a mere 1% of donations made to the health care sector.

Here’s why investing in nursing and nursing education is essential for the future of health care.

Nurses aren’t just compassionate caregivers; they’re scientists, clinicians, leaders, researchers and advocates. Whether coordinating complex patient care, driving research breakthroughs or leading health initiatives, nurses fortify the health care system with critical expertise and innovation individually and collectively.

They stand on the front lines of public health crises, risking their own safety to safeguard ours – a reality the world witnessed firsthand during the COVID-19 pandemic. In rural and underserved communities, nurses are often the only accessible source of care.

By improving patient outcomes, reducing costs and strengthening public health, nurses remain essential pillars of modern medicine.

Despite their indispensable role, the U.S. faces a growing nursing shortage with serious implications for patients and communities. The Health Resources and Services Administration projects a shortage of more than 300,000 full-time RNs in 2027.

A shortage of registered nurses raises the risk of serious consequences for patients. Decades of research show that having too few nurses on a team increases preventable deaths and weakens patient outcomes. Baccalaureate nurses alone improve all-cause mortality by 25%, and studies compiled by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing consistently show that hospitals with higher proportions of bachelor’s-prepared nurses have lower patient mortality, fewer medical errors and improved overall patient outcomes.

Insufficient staffing means less time for each patient, more room for errors and delayed care — even in emergencies. It also fuels burnout, which magnifies these issues. Together, these conditions drive up patient mortality and erode overall health outcomes.

Qualified applicants being unable to enroll in nursing programs only compounds the challenges facing health care. Faculty shortages, budget constraints and limited clinical training opportunities force schools to turn away more than 65,000 qualified applicants per year, while rising living costs shut out students who can’t afford to pursue or complete their studies. Without a significant boost in external funding and resources for nursing students and nursing faculty, the looming threat of burnout grows, and our ability to fill these essential roles dwindles — ultimately undermining the stability of our entire health care system.

Nurses have earned more than just words. More than applause or hollow praise. More than wooden spoons drumming on metal pots. They deserve action, understanding and unwavering philanthropic support.

Philanthropy is one of the most effective ways to drive that change. Every contribution — no matter the size — can create measurable impact, from funding scholarships that ease financial barriers for nursing students to supporting faculty development and expanding access to clinical training opportunities. These investments don’t just change the lives of students — they improve care for every patient those nurses will go on to serve.

The urgency of this moment cannot be overstated. An aging population, persistent nurse shortages and the aftermath of recent global and national health crises have placed unprecedented strain on our health care system. The time to invest in schools of nursing is now.

Imagine a future where hospitals and clinics are fully staffed with highly educated nurses who are equipped to meet every challenge with scientific judgement, skill, compassion and leadership. This isn’t just a vision —it’s an achievable reality, and you can help make it happen.

Join us in building a stronger, healthier future. Investing in nursing students and faculty isn’t just an investment in health care — it’s an investment in your family, your community and a future where everyone has access to skilled, compassionate care.